Help for Pot Abuse

Pot, also commonly referred to as weed or marijuana, is derived from the leaves of cannabis sativa; the hemp plant. It is a brownish green and even sometimes gray mixture of the shredded and dried flowers or leaves of the plant. Its active ingredient, THC, is only one of almost 400 in hemp. Potency of the drug is depended on the amount of THC it contains. The average THC content is three percent. 

The most common way to ingest the drug is by rolling it into a cigarette or “joint.” It can also be smoke with a pipe one of which is the common water pipe known as a bong. Recently, users have invented another way to smoke it by replacing tobacco in cigars with marijuana by slicing it open. It is not uncommon to mix it into foods or use in tea. 

Hands down, pot is the most widely used drug in the US today. An average of 10 million Americans use it every month. It has even become common among many young people with 6-12 percent of its users are among 8th graders.

Marijuana has short and long term effects. Short term effects include dry mouth, loss of coordination and balance, slower reaction times, and dry mouth. If you look into the eyes of a person who is high you will notice increased expansion of the blood vessels. It can also increase blood pressure and heart rate in some people. Its effects are magnified if used with other drugs. Long term effects include brain and respiratory concerns. Many regular smokers of marijuana can have similar respiratory problems are habitual smokers of cigarettes. Symptoms include an ongoing cough and increase in phlegm, bronchitis, and frequent colds. Abnormal function of the lungs is a symptom from a continuing use of the drug.

There have also been signs of damaged or destroyed lung tissue. THC in marijuana suppresses neurons in the part of the brain that is essential for memory and learning. As a result, chronic abuse is often associated with memory and attention impairment. Prenatal exposure can cause problems with verbal reasoning for preschool children. 

The initial step to living a pot free life is to change the relationship with the drug. For those having difficulty remaining pot free, an initial goal is set to monitor measurable improvement. There are various approaches to the treatment of marijuana abuse. These can be without the use of detox medications. 

Until recent, treatments for the dependence of marijuana were very similar to treatments for other abuse problems. Regular attendance of narcotics abuse meetings and support groups as well as behavioral therapy has been common. Today there are programs designed particularly for marijuana users.

Presently there aren’t any medications for the treatment of marijuana dependence. More common today are interventions through the use of support and abstinence based groups. The treatment focuses primarily on support and counseling sessions. Those who are unable to stop use completely are not kicked out of the group but rather, encouraged to stay. This allows the user to slowly stop his/her use and can prove to be a very effective strategy in properly treating
the addiction.