About one in 10 cannabis users will develop an addiction. One of the biggest risks of marijuana abuse is its impact on mental health. When the disruption of cannabis abuse in your life gets to be too much, you may have developed a cannabis use disorder (CUD). Consider seeking help. Pennsylvania Adult & Teen Challenge offers marijuana addiction treatment in Rehrersburg.
Over the last 30 years, cannabis potency has gone up from 4% to 12% THC concentration. What people considered safe cannabis use in the 1980s and 90s may not be safe anymore. This is due to the increased strength of the marijuana being cultivated today. Don’t leave your mental health to chance. If you are abusing cannabis and are concerned about the effects of marijuana on your mental health, reach out to PAATC today. Our online form is quick and easy, or you can call 844.442.8673.
Marijuana and Mental Health
Marijuana is very different, for example, from a stimulant such as meth. Rather than creating a high that is energized and can lead to anger or irritability, a marijuana high is slow, with a sedative effect. Stereotypes of cannabis users include the notion that they are chill and unworried.
However, we know that the effects of marijuana abuse on mental health can be significant, more so if use began at a young age and is frequent.
Marijuana abuse is linked to:
- Social anxiety
- Depression
- Loss of empathy
- Suicidal thoughts
- Suicide
- Psychotic episodes
Temporary psychosis may include paranoia, delusions, and hallucinations. But more concerning is the link between marijuana and schizophrenia, a serious mental health disorder. Early, heavy cannabis abuse is linked to the risk of developing schizophrenia, particularly among those with a predisposition or genetic risk factor.
The Effects of Marijuana
In addition to mental health risks, marijuana use can have negative and lasting effects on:
- Cognition – with a possible loss of IQ points if marijuana use begins at a young age—prior to age 25 when the brain has finished developing.
- Physical coordination – including athletic performance, timing, slowed reactions, and eye-hand coordination
- Poor life outcomes – reports by users of marijuana show that relationships, educational outcomes, job performance, and financial expectations are affected
- Fetal development – cannabis use in pregnancy can result in premature birth, stillbirth, lower birth weight, and slowed growth and development.
There is no magic rule that will tell a cannabis user how much will be okay and how much will lead to psychological addiction, mental health consequences, or a decline in mental and physical abilities. Similar to alcohol, which has been legal for adult use for most of the history of the United States, marijuana is increasingly considered a drug that can be safe when used appropriately by mature individuals.
The legalization and easy accessibility of cannabis makes it confusing and, for many teens, more dangerous. The belief that marijuana is an organic plant and, therefore, safe leads to many young people making the unsafe choice to use cannabis while their brains are still developing. Unfortunately, that’s the most dangerous time to be using it.
Marijuana sold on the street often contains contaminants and substances added to increase its addictive qualities—things like fentanyl or meth. A young adolescent dosed with a powerful opioid or stimulant in their marijuana, thinking they are dabbling in something safe and easily tolerated, can be traumatized or worse.
Get Relief with Marijuana Addiction Treatment at PAATC
Navigating the confusing landscape of marijuana in the modern age is daunting. If you are concerned about your teenager or yourself and the use of marijuana, don’t wait. Get the answers you need.
Marijuana and mental health do not necessarily align. Serious cannabis abuse can affect your mental health, sometimes seriously. Reach out to PAATC to learn more and have your questions answered. Our caring and expert staff are ready to talk. Call 844.442.8673 or fill out this online form to connect.