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Treatment-Hotline2 :: Drug Addiction :: Drugs of Abuse
The Straight Facts on Marijuana
addiction and alcoholism are believed to be a learned behavior that is masking a person's emotional or physical pain. There are almost as many treatments as there are addicts and alcoholics.
Educate yourself before making any type of life-changing decison regarding alcoholism, addiction and substance abuse treatment.
The Straight Facts on marijuana
It's hard to imagine being fifteen years old and hooked on marijuana. Yet, statistics show that almost 8% of teens between the ages of 12 and 17 years are regular users of the substance. Of those, 18% are dependent on it. Nationwide, there are over 25 million users of marijuana, making up the largest population of addicted persons behind alcohol and tobacco.
Street Names for Marijuana
Acapulco gold
Dope
Hash/hashish
Ganja
Weed
Home-grown
Joint
Mary jane
Reefer
Known by many street names, marijuana contains THC (tetrahydrocannabanis), a chemical derived from the Cannabis sativa leaf, resin oil or leaf oil. Users smoke the leaves in the form of a joint, a bong or a pipe. It is sometimes eaten by being cooked into foods.
Great debate exists over whether or not marijuana should be legalized, in part because THC has known medical benefits. Cancer patients, especially those on chemotherapy, find relief from nausea by using THC. Glaucoma and seizures are partially improved by the drug. Those who suffer from spastic muscles feel better when they use THC.
The vast majority of users, however, have no such conditions and use marijuana in order to feel a sense of euphoria, relaxation or increased mental perception. Over time, regular marijuana users experience chronic bronchitis, lung disease and low motivation-a symptom with serious social implications.
Twenty percent of all users of illegal drugs combine marijuana with other, potentially more serious drugs. Marijuana is taken with PHP in a combination called "super grass" or "killer weed". Marijuana is smoked with opium in what is known as an "OJ". An "atom bomb" is a combination of marijuana and heroin, which carries a much higher rate of dependency.
No one knows for sure what will happen if marijuana becomes legalized for non-medical use. With a rate of dependency and addiction of almost 18%, however, expanding its use legally will likely lead to more users requesting help in battling an addiction to the substance.
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