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- What is Marijuana Addiction?
- Why is Marijuana Addictive?
- Effects on the Body
- Other Symptoms
- Schick Shadel Marijuana Treatment
- Schick Shadel Hospital
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What is Marijuana Addiction?
Marijuana is a common name for the hemp plant, cannabis sativa. Also known as pot, grass or weed, marijuana does not contain just one chemical. In fact, marijuana contains 61 known relatives of the primary active ingredient, Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and marijuana contains more than 400 known chemical toxins. When marijuana is burned, even more toxic compounds are produced.
Marijuana Potency Increases Addiction Potential
The marijuana sold today has much higher THC content than marijuana sold in the '60s and '70s through hybridization of marijuana plants. In fact, marijuana potency is at a 30-year high. Marijuana THC content increased from 1 percent in 1975 to 6 - 14 percent THC in 1985. In 2007, marijuana THC amounts averaged 9.6%. This 9.6% potency of marijuana tested in 2007 is more than double the potency of marijuana in 1983. Today's marijuana presents the potential for major psychological damage, marijuana addiction and serious health threats.
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Why is Marijuana Addictive?
Most addictive drugs are able to produce pleasurable effects; marijuana produces an artificial feeling of pleasant relaxation. These effects are created by chemically mimicking certain normal brain messenger chemicals that produce positive feelings. This is like having counterfeit money that fits in a slot machine. When the drug comes in, it stimulates the reward center, short-circuiting the survival mechanism. Your natural reward center can't tell the difference between the drug and the natural chemical messenger.
THC in marijuana is absorbed quickly into fatty tissue and remains there for a long time. Because of this, a single marijuana dose may take 3 to 4 weeks to clear the system completely. The higher potency of today's marijuana increases the percentage of people who will suffer from marijuana addiction and need treatment.
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Marijuana Effects on the Body
- Marijuana adversely affects normal cell formation.
- Marijuana produces feelings of isolation and depersonalization.
- Marijuana produces shakes, lack of coordination and headaches.
- Makes any mental or emotional problem worse.
- Increases the heart rate.
- Contains 50 percent more tar per ounce than tobacco.
- Decreases air flow and creates loss of lung capacity in little more than a month of regular smoking.
- Produces chronic irritation of nasal and lung passages.
- Creates pre cancerous changes in the lungs of smokers in their 20s.
- Suppresses sex drive and sexual performance with prolonged use.
- Can lead to impotence.
- Harms a developing fetus.
- Is associated with increased still births, neonatal deaths, decreased birth weight and abnormal reactions in children born to mothers on marijuana.
- Decreases brain response, affects thinking and brain function, creates confusion and problems with short and long term memory, and distorts perception of time.
- Causes blackouts.
- Impairs driving skills. Studies show taking driving risks and brake response time is increased, while concentration is decreased and risk taking is increased.
Distorts peripheral vision, especially in the first two hours after using.
- Distorts peripheral vision, especially in the first two hours after using.
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Other Symptoms
People who smoke marijuana generally have reduced energy, reduced motivation and decreased drive. Marijuana twists the mind with false moods, chemically induced distortions and unreal perceptions of people and life. Marijuana distorts what is stored in the memory, in effect lying to the user.
Smoking marijuana also decreases the chance for a naturally satisfying life. It is an especially harmful drug for young people. Just when teens and young adults are searching for the best way to achieve their dreams, marijuana robs them of motivation. Young people do less, learn less and become less capable when they smoke marijuana.
Smoking marijuana drains self-confidence and arrests the development of confidence in a person's own ability to get natural rewards out of life. Marijuana introduces people to altered perceptions and feelings, and an "I don't care" attitude. It encourages use of other drugs and sinks its users into an ever-deepening dependence on drug lifestyles. Users are also drawn into the illegal drug culture, then available to those who are pushing other drugs.
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Counter Conditioning Treatment for Marijuana Addiction
Our Marijuana treatment program is based on over 75 years of research from our successful alcohol treatment program. Schick Shadel research has shown that addiction is a neurological disease that requires medical treatment. Our marijuana treatment program addresses the medical causes of addiction, to remove cravings and preoccupation with the drug.
Schick Shadel Hospital is staffed 24 hours a day by experienced, professional physicians, nurses and counselors. Our marijuana treatment program provides medical treatment and addiction counseling simultaneously, to address all of the reasons for marijuana use. During treatment, our patients receive both individual and group counseling. The marijuana treatment program can be completed discreetly, with just a 10-day hospital stay and two, two-day booster visits.
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Schick Shadel Hospital
A safe facility and environment
Our caring, compassionate medical staff provides the treatment program in a kind, considerate and supportive atmosphere. Helping to rebuild self-esteem of the alcoholic or addict starts from the first day of admission. Positive feedback from staff and other patients helps build a positive attitude towards self and life.
Discretion and confidentiality of medical records
We respect your personal privacy and confidentiality, also following the standards established for the medical industry.
Insurance
Schick Shadel Hospital's treatment program is covered by most insurance. Our admission counselors will work with patients to verify their benefits prior to admission.
Dietary services
All meals and snacks are provided on a daily basis, served in the cafeteria. A registered dietitian is available for consultations and education.
Amenities
Semi-private room with telephone, television, internet connection; patient lounge with televisions; massage therapist is an option at an additional charge; daily newspapers – USA Today and Wall Street Journal free; ping- pong table; patient deck; coffee (regular and decaf), tea and soft drinks available at no charge; educational and entertaining videos and movies are available; housekeeping; comfortable hospital wear and robes are furnished.
We are available 24 hours, 7 days a week to answer your questions
1-800-500-6395 or Contact-Us@SchickShadel.com |
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