Attention, chocolate lovers: You may not be able to help yourselves. Swiss and British scientists have linked the widespread love of chocolate to a chemical "signature" that may be programmed into our metabolic systems.
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Cannabis Abuse - Marijuana Abuse
- Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
- Symptoms & Signs
- Diagnosis & Tests
- Prevention & Expectations
- Treatment & Monitoring
- Attribution
Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Marijuana is a gray or green mixture of dried flowers and leaves from the Cannabis sativa, or hemp plant. Cannabis is also known as pot, grass, bhang, charas, ganja, weed, and hashish. It contains a chemical known as THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol). When this chemical is smoked or eaten, it creates a high.
What is going on in the body?
THC binds to the protein receptors of certain nerve cells. It starts a set of cellular reactions that create the high feeling. It also acts as a sedative, which means it has a calming effect. The individual may have a sense of well-being or euphoria. Perceptions are altered. Marijuana can be a psychologically addictive drug.
What are the causes and risks of the condition?
Marijuana abuse is associated with several factors. These include:
Symptoms & Signs
What are the signs and symptoms of the condition?
Marijuana has both short- and long-term effects on the body. Short-term effects last 2 to 4 hours when the marijuana is smoked. They can last 5 to 12 hours when it's taken by mouth. Short-term effects include:
An individual abusing marijuana may have any of the following long-term symptoms:
Diagnosis & Tests
How is the condition diagnosed?
Urinalysis or blood tests can show if a person has used marijuana.
Prevention & Expectations
What can be done to prevent the condition?
Education on healthy attitudes and knowledge of the risks of drug abuse are the best preventive measures. Not tolerating drug use and teaching children early about the dangers of drug use are important strategies.
What are the long-term effects of the condition?
Long term use of marijuana increases a person's risk for the following diseases and conditions:
Marijuna use after age 45 causes significant stress on the heart. People in this age group have a five-fold increase in their risk for heart attack for about an hour after they smoke the marijuana.
What are the risks to others?
Marijuana abuse reduces judgment, impulse control, and motor control. An abuser puts others at risk for accidents and emotional injury.
Treatment & Monitoring
What are the treatments for the condition?
Treatment begins by helping the person admit there is a problem. Overcoming denial is the first step. Complete abstinence is needed. Recovery programs are helpful. They teach coping skills and life-management strategies. Self-help groups such as Narcotics Anonymous have helped thousands remain drug free.
What are the side effects of the treatments?
There are no significant side effects to recovery programs and self-help groups.
What happens after treatment for the condition?
Those who complete treatment often continue with counseling or self-help groups. They may voluntarily participate in self-help groups indefinitely.
How is the condition monitored?
The person and his significant others can monitor marijuana use. Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the healthcare provider.
Attribution
Author:Ann Reyes, Ph.D.
Date Written:
Editor:Crist, Gayle P., MS, BA
Edit Date:06/30/01
Reviewer:Adam Brochert, MD
Date Reviewed:06/01/01