What are the signs of marijuana use? How has Washington State been impacted by this drug’s legalization, and do people really need to go to rehab to recover? These are excellent questions, and some of their answers may be surprising.
It may seem as though almost everyone has formed an opinion about marijuana. It is a drug that has certainly gotten a lot of media attention because so many states – including Washington – are legalizing it. But that does not mean it is safe.
Marijuana use has been common for decades. Parents need to know the signs that their kids might be abusing it, and everyone needs to be aware of how Washington State has been affected, as well as where to find treatment.
Marijuana is a well-known cannabinoid drug.
Cannabinoids are drugs that bind to the cannabinoid receptors in the brain. They come from the cannabis plant. Of all of the different drugs in this classification, marijuana is the most popular. In fact, many of the above drugs are made from it.
Pot is a drug that has an immediate effect on those who use it. Afterwards, these individuals demonstrate certain signs of pot abuse that are hard to miss. They may feel:
These and other sensations can be felt every time a person uses pot. In and of themselves, they appear to be fairly harmless. However, with ongoing use, pot can be very dangerous.
In 2012, Washington State voted to pass Initiative 502, which meant legalizing marijuana for recreational use. Since that time, the drug has become much more accessible. But how has the state fared as a result?
The economy in Washington State is booming. Marijuana stores are opening everywhere, and it has grown to more than a $1.7 billion industry. In 2018, the state received almost $400 million in tax revenue.
As far as crime rates go, a study done by Washington State University has found that there has not been much of a change. Fewer people are getting arrested overall, which has benefited the state in many ways. But there has been an increase in the number of people who are driving under the influence. At the same time, the number of people who got arrested for drunk driving decreased.
There are more young people using marijuana, which can have a drastic negative impact on their developing brains. Young people who use this drug are much more likely to get addicted, and they may be prone to using harder drugs in the future.
It is possible to form an addiction to weed, although this belief isn't very popular. Most people think that it's impossible to have a weed addiction. However, drug rehabs all across America are filled with people who can't stop using it.
If you are addicted to weed, the drug is the most important part of your life. You use it every day, and every chance you get. You may feel strange without it, and you may even crave it.
Abusing marijuana long enough is what eventually leads to an addiction. There's no way to know how long it might take. Some can become addicted within a few weeks, while others may take years. Also, there are some individuals who can abuse marijuana their entire lives, but never form addictions.
People with weed addictions are often referred to as stoners or potheads. They are typically always high, or they're high most of the time. You can usually tell if someone is a stoner if they:
Most people lump potheads into one group. However, there are actually different types of stoners. Some of these include:
The pothead personality is truly unique. They tend to be very forgetful, which goes back to suffering from memory loss. They may even forget what a friend told them just a few minutes ago. They are usually quite laid back as well. People tend to think of them as individuals who are "go with the flow" type people.
Also, stoners are obsessed with pot. This is what makes what they do a problem. They think about it almost all the time. If they're using it, they're making sure they have enough, or they're working on getting more.
People who use weed are going to display certain symptoms, and many of these are physical. You may notice:
Many of these stoner symptoms seem harmless, and even fun when people use pot. However, they can become much worse as time goes on.
It's wrong to think that using Mary Jane will have no effect on you as a person. So many abusers are taught this, and it's simply not true. Mary Jane does have side effects, both in the short and in the long term.
In the short-term, getting high on grass can have a profound effect on you. You may notice changes in yourself, such as:
Once they begin using grass frequently, most people discover that it's not as fun as they thought it would be. Many of the short-term effects of smoking pot are troubling. Still, they're not as dangerous as the long-term effects.
If you smoke ganja for a period of time, you're likely to experience the long-term effects of this drug. Some of these include:
Yes, there is treatment available for anyone who has a pot addiction. For those who are abusing marijuana, and who want to stop, they can also get treatment.
Abusers most likely don't need to go to a drug rehab to get help. However, if they're going to stop abusing weed, they may need to consider counseling.
The draw to smoke pot is very strong for some people. They may not be addicted to it yet, but they may still have a strong desire to use it. There is usually some underlying reason why this is the case. Counseling can help you to understand what that reason is, so that you can heal properly. You may even be able to avoid an addiction.
For those who are addicted to weed, marijuana rehab is available to help. Proper treatment is so important, otherwise recovery is not likely.
If you're going to be treated for an addiction to marijuana, you want to get the best treatment you can find. The right kind of rehab will address your problem at its core. This allows you the best chance of recovering successfully.
At Northpoint the Evergreen, we understand the difficult situation you're in. You never thought that misusing marijuana was going to have such a negative impact on you. It may help to know that all pot abusers have felt the exact same way. There is so much misinformation out there about the safety of marijuana. You need to know that it's dangerous.
Our admissions coordinators are here to help you get started with treatment the right way. They'll verify your health insurance, help set up travel arrangements, and make sure your transition into treatment is smooth and hassle-free.
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