Myths Circling Marijuana Addiction

Sept. 25, 2010 - PRLog -- The addiction to marijuana comes with severe behavioral and physical effects that may even bring harm onto others. Sluggishness and clouding of the brain are the common effects that marijuana addicts face making them a potential threat to the society.

Some other health ailments that come along with this form of addiction include COPD, bronchitis, infections, and emphysema. Marijuana addiction similar to the other forms of addiction is encircled with a number of myths and hypothetic theories. Let us understand the myths that need a better understanding in order to improve the chances of a recovery.

Myth 1: Permanent Brain Damage
Using marijuana on a constant basis brings about changes in the thought process of the addict. Marijuana is known to bring upon poor judgment because of the clouding, but there are no valid proof for marijuana to cause a permanent psychological damage. Other harms that may come along with high doses of marijuana are psychosis, paranoia, anxiety; however, these consequences are temporary and happen when there are large doses of marijuana involved. The chances are the addicts may become too erratic in their behavior and may show irrational judgments.

Myth 2: Marijuana and Reproductive System
Experiments have been conducted to test the validity of this myth on animals. Marijuana when administered into the body releases substances known as cannabinoids, which have long been targeted as the potential threat factor for the reproductive system. However, the test studies on animals administered with lethal amount of the cannabinoids, show that although, there is a disruption in the initial stages; however the animals recovered from the ill effects of the drug within a span of thirty days. Similar tests on humans for marijuana addiction, proved negative, thus negating the myth.

Myth 3: Marijuana and Lungs
It is considered that smoking marijuana causes a high risk to the lungs developing cancers even higher than that of tobacco smoking. However, the truth is that, smoking marijuana on a moderate level poses lesser threat to the lungs. Although, marijuana contains the same level of carcinogens and irritants, it should be understood that the marijuana smokers smoke less frequently than that of the tobacco smokers. However, this does not guarantee a severe marijuana addiction; increased dosage may be carcinogenic, even when there is no substantial proof to it.

Myth 4: Marijuana and Medicinal Value
Although, the substance has been widely acknowledged for its addiction properties, lot many do not know that marijuana also possesses medicinal properties. It is highly beneficial for curing nausea that accompanies chemotherapy and is an appetite stimulant for AIDS patients. It is also known to reduce the intraocular pressure in glaucoma cases while also acting in reducing the muscle spasticitiy in neurological ailments. However, these results are based on low and legal dosages of marijuana.

Myth 5: Marijuana and Pregnancy
Although, widely acclaimed that marijuana addiction can be detrimental to a growing fetus, there are no evidences, which support the cause. Infants do not show consistent developmental and cognitive changes. There is no sound proof for marijuana affecting the birth size, physical development, gestation period, and other abnormalities. The results vary among case studies, thus, keeping an unstable inclination on this substance of abuse.

Although, myths circle the addiction to marijuana, it should be understood that any form of addiction is harmful and can be potentially lethal in extreme conditions.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VyVMmOneCQk



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