When people think of drug abuse, marijuana might not be the first thing that comes to mind. Rehabilitation centers across the country routinely treat heroin, alcohol, cocaine and methamphetamine addictions, but what most people don’t realize is that a rising number of people also check into drug rehab for pot.
In 2013 Margaret Haney, PhD from Columbia University, conducted a study on treatment for marijuana dependency. DrugFree.org reported on the study and noted that new developments have been made in treatment, but the problem is just getting started.
Ziva Cooper, who also worked on the study, said, “marijuana dependence is likely to become more common as marijuana becomes legal in more states.” With an increase of dependency, more people are likely to begin checking into drug rehab for help.
Cooper also stated that, although most people don’t see pot as a problem drug, abuse can lead to “significant impairment or distress.”
An example of this distress was found last week when a man in Ohio called police distressed, complaining that he was too high and couldn’t feel anything. When asked what he had taken, he responded, “weed.”
As reported on USA Today, the 22-year-old was found groaning amidst a pile of snacks including Doritos, Goldfish and Cookies. He told authorities he couldn’t feel his hands, but refused medical treatment.
This story, while it may appear comical to some, reflects a larger problem among young adults in the U.S. The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence reported that frequent marijuana use in teens can often lead to problems in adulthood. Too many teenagers view the drug as non-harmful and begin abusing it at a young age when their brains are still developing.
The NCADD stated that adolescents, “can lose an average of six IQ points by adulthood.” While substances like heroin more often lead to drug rehab, felony charges and startling death tolls, marijuana abuse leads to “funny” 911 calls and small misdemeanors. This perception of the drug creates a false impression in young minds that it isn’t harmful.
A study on teen perceptions of marijuana cited by the NCADD found that marijuana smoking increases in countries that legalize the drug. As one youth in the study stated, “If it was that bad a drug, they wouldn’t be trying to legalize it.”
As marijuana continues to be legalized in the United States, and the long-term health effects become clearer among researchers, more people could be expected to enter drug rehab for dependence.
Emily Culp is a health writer reporter for Fusion 360, an SEO and content marketing agency. Information provided by Odyssey House. Follow on Twitter
In 2013 Margaret Haney, PhD from Columbia University, conducted a study on treatment for marijuana dependency. DrugFree.org reported on the study and noted that new developments have been made in treatment, but the problem is just getting started.
Ziva Cooper, who also worked on the study, said, “marijuana dependence is likely to become more common as marijuana becomes legal in more states.” With an increase of dependency, more people are likely to begin checking into drug rehab for help.
Cooper also stated that, although most people don’t see pot as a problem drug, abuse can lead to “significant impairment or distress.”
An example of this distress was found last week when a man in Ohio called police distressed, complaining that he was too high and couldn’t feel anything. When asked what he had taken, he responded, “weed.”
As reported on USA Today, the 22-year-old was found groaning amidst a pile of snacks including Doritos, Goldfish and Cookies. He told authorities he couldn’t feel his hands, but refused medical treatment.
This story, while it may appear comical to some, reflects a larger problem among young adults in the U.S. The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence reported that frequent marijuana use in teens can often lead to problems in adulthood. Too many teenagers view the drug as non-harmful and begin abusing it at a young age when their brains are still developing.
The NCADD stated that adolescents, “can lose an average of six IQ points by adulthood.” While substances like heroin more often lead to drug rehab, felony charges and startling death tolls, marijuana abuse leads to “funny” 911 calls and small misdemeanors. This perception of the drug creates a false impression in young minds that it isn’t harmful.
A study on teen perceptions of marijuana cited by the NCADD found that marijuana smoking increases in countries that legalize the drug. As one youth in the study stated, “If it was that bad a drug, they wouldn’t be trying to legalize it.”
As marijuana continues to be legalized in the United States, and the long-term health effects become clearer among researchers, more people could be expected to enter drug rehab for dependence.
Emily Culp is a health writer reporter for Fusion 360, an SEO and content marketing agency. Information provided by Odyssey House. Follow on Twitter