Marijuana Addiction – What Every Parent Should Know

By Lauri Starr-Jones

Marijuana is highly addictive and it is often called pot, reefer, grass, herb, weed or even Mary Jane. It is a greenish mixture of dried and shredded leaves, seeds, flowers and stems. Most people smoke this mixture by using hand rolled cigarettes, called joints, and some even call it “bongs”. Another favorite method is to make “Blunts” which are prepared by slicing cigars and then replacing the tobacco with marijuana. It is often combined with other drugs such as cocaine. Some addicts also use it to brew tea or sometime consume it, mixed with food.

An individual gets highly addicted by Marijuana, and later this addiction, limits potential. It triggers numerous psychiatric disorders, and individuals suffer from the withdrawal syndrome associated with this drug on stopping consumption. This is a real threat to the younger generation who are in search of instant happiness. Generally, parents are unaware of many teenage habits and they underestimate the threat that marijuana poses to 21st century teens.

Potency has increased many-fold as compared to what it was some decades ago. The drug that is available in the market today is quite different from what was available in the past. Much of this drug is being grown with hydroponics and fertilizers. So it is not the same drug that your uncle Eddie grew in his backyard. It is 6 times stronger than the variety that was available during the 60’s and 70’s. This increased potency regrettably increases the social and health risk and later leads to addiction. Marijuana addiction is inevitable and only detox can save the addict.

Specialists have categorized Marijuana as an addictive drug and documented it as a drug causing withdrawal symptoms when addicts try to break free from this deadly habit. Withdrawal symptom intensity is not as high as that suffered by heroin addicts, but still it is dangerous and as intensified as alcohol detoxing. Parents should know that detox is unpleasant and it could really pose a threat during recovery stages.

Symptoms of Marijuana withdrawal

Considered highly addictive and characterized as compulsive, often uncontrollable.

Tolerance- This is generally marked by the increased intake of marijuana to achieve maximum intoxication, thus diminishing the effect due to over use of the same amount of marijuana.

Insomnia- Addicts lack sufficient sleep.

Irritability- Generally related well to mood swings.

Nausea.

Lack of appetite.

Strong craving that makes the addict uncomfortable, which many individuals cannot pass through during the initial days thus causing high withdrawal symptoms. This in turn forces the individuals to consume more marijuana to reduce the withdrawal symptoms.

Abuse is so strong, that many teens are addicted to it thus making them seek residential treatment. Heavy use increases present and future psychiatric problems leading to depression and anxiety and sometimes cancer.

How to overcome the addiction

Occasional joints don’t cause much damage, but many people get addicted to it. Recreational use generally leads to addiction, and this addiction disrupts daily life. Thousands of kids are undergoing treatment in various rehabilitation centers each year.

It is not unusual for someone to seek professional help, so go ahead and seek help for your child if you see any of the above mentioned symptoms; like it is said, “A stitch in time saves nine” because the sooner the problem is dealt with, the better the ultimate result.

Concerned about your child and don’t know where to turn?
We’re here to help. www.DrugScreenYourTeen.com

Article Source: EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lauri_Starr-Jones