If you ask around, you will undoubtedly find people on both side of the fence when it comes to the question of whether or not marijuana is chemically addictive. There are those who are convinced that marijuana does cause a chemical dependency. Others believe that users only become psychologically addicted to marijuana. Yet, current evidence supports the fact that marijuana is not chemically addictive. However, this doesn’t mean that users will not become addicted in other ways and need to seek treatment for their addiction.

The main active chemical in marijuana is THC, which causes cellular reactions in the body that cause the drug high users seek to experience. However, THC also causes negative side effects as well such as increased heart rate and anxiety, and difficulty thinking.

THC changes the way that the brain’s hippocampus can process information. The hippocampus is responsible for learning, memory and emotions. Unfortunately, long term marijuana use can cause damage to the brain. While THC has negative effects on the body, it has not been proven to be chemically addictive.

Further, when marijuana addicts are not able to get the drug, they will experience significant physiological withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms include headaches, depression and irritation. Therefore, in many cases marijuana rehab and treatment is a necessity.

Some people wonder why there are drug rehab centers at all if marijuana isn’t addictive. There are a variety of reasons for this fact. First of all, those who are addicted to marijuana often have a lifestyle that is tied in with the drug. Researchers have speculated that those with a marijuana addiction are actually addicted to the high that the drug produces in their brain.

Due, in part, to the fact that marijuana isn’t chemically addictive, historically, there have been fewer treatment centers. However, marijuana users do indeed need help getting off drugs, just as users of any other drug would. Many people who try to quit marijuana have such a hard time doing so that they do indeed feel as though it must be chemically addictive!

Although the evidence to date supports the idea that marijuana creates a psychological and social dependency rather than one that is chemically based, the court is still out. Researchers continue to conduct studies on the impact of marijuana on the brain and the body. Therefore, it is possible that in the future we will discover more evidence about the addictive nature of marijuana of which we are not currently aware.

Many parents of teenagers worry that their children might be using marijuana. After all, marijuana is by far the most commonly used illicit drug and is widely available. Unfortunately, marijuana addiction is an issue that impacts many teens. It is best to halt drug use at an early age before the habits are deeply ingrained and marijuana intervention and rehab is necessary. Let’s take a quick look at the truth surrounding teen marijuana use.

How Many Teens Use Marijuana?

According to The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, almost 20% of individuals between the ages of 12 and 17 claim they have used marijuana at some point in their lives. While this number may seem high, it is actually about a percent lower than it was in 2002. It is estimated that 4,830 teens start using marijuana each day and that 7.2% of teens have used marijuana in the last month. When it comes to older teens between the ages of 16 and 17, this percentage more than doubles. It has been said that 15.6% of 16 and 17 year olds have used marijuana in the last month. Marijuana use among teens is rampant, although indicators show that teen use is decreasing.

When Does Marijuana Use Begin?

Many teens start using marijuana very young. A recent study reports that nearly 10% of the students studied started using marijuana before they turned 13. This means that marijuana prevention and education efforts need to start before the teenage years. Male students typically start using marijuana at a younger age than female students. Be aware that recent studies also indicate that younger students (9^th and 10^th grade) were more likely to use marijuana before 13 than those in higher grades (11^th and 12^th).

Where Does Marijuana Use Occur?

One fact that surprises many is that marijuana is actually being used in our public schools. While most students use marijuana off school property, a recent study shows that 5.8% of students have used the drug while at school. This means that students are getting high between classes and during lunch. The use of marijuana in school is increasing and is up from 3% in 2001.

Often teens don’t realize just how harmful this drug can be and don’t understand that they are at risk for marijuana addiction. Many incorrectly believe that this drug does not carry any risk. If we want to slow teen marijuana use, education is key. Since many teens start using this drug at a young age, it is important for parents to talk to their children about the dangers of using marijuana.

When one is facing the problem of alcohol or drug use, abuse, dependency, or addiction, it is important to gather as much information as possible about the substance being used or abused. Not knowing about the substance or about the signs, side effects, and other problems associated with its use or abuse can greatly increase worry and stress. That is why it is vital for those touched by substance use, abuse, dependency, or addiction to gather as much knowledge as possible about the substance. For example, knowing as many marijuana facts as possible can go a long way towards helping an individual decide how to react to its use or abuse. Marijuana facts are readily available from many different sources. Perhaps the most reliable source is a professional trained in the various expressions of substance use, abuse, dependency, or addiction. These kinds of people can often be found at dedicated substance abuse treatment centers, or may be available through emergency help lines. If you cannot find a specialist in your area, your own doctor or physician may be able to provide you with basic information, or may be able to refer you to better sources. Another place to gather marijuana facts is through books, journals, magazines, or the Internet. All of these materials can be found at libraries. If the amount of material is daunting, consider asking a librarian for help narrowing your search. It will be helpful if you yourself have some ideas about what areas you want to focus on. It is important to note the sources of this information; good materials will contain footnotes and a list of references, which is important because there is considerable debate on the topic of this particular drug. Marijuana facts can go a long way towards alleviating the stress and concern relating to the use or abuse of this drug. While having this information cannot solve a problem of drug abuse, it can at least arm you with concrete information, which in turn can help you decide what the best way forward is. Marijuana facts should be sought as soon as possible after you determine that you or someone you love has a problem relating to this drug.

Understanding marijuana facts can make all the difference in trying to stop using this dangerous drug. For many people it can be a difficult and long process and the steps that need to be taken involve going to a treatment center. If you don’t go to a rehab treatment center then you can make it very difficult for yourself trying to get sober and staying sober. Getting off of drugs is never easy and getting off of this drug in particular can be very difficult. Take the time and learn what you can about pot and what type of treatments can work best for you. When you are educated and understand what you will be going through you can make a very informed decision and be aware of the steps that are necessary in helping yourself get drug free and staying drug free. Facing substance abuse is never easy. It can be very difficult and as you go through the process you’ll be able to focus on your life and how using drugs has affected it. Getting marijuana facts will also help you in understanding how pot can affect a person both physically and mentally. This will be an important part of your recovery process. When a person comes to the understanding that they have substance abuse problems it can be very hard for them to get the help that they need. They may feel that they’ve let their friends or family down and that the drugs have taken over. Understanding marijuana facts and how this drug can seriously disrupt your life can remove some of the feelings of embarrassment and insecurity. Staying positive is very important at this time and you don’t want to let negativity get in the way of your recovery. Going to a substance abuse treatment center will give you many marijuana facts. They will talk with you about the damages that you have been doing to your mind and body and give you the resources to stop using. Some people think that they can stop using on their own but, one important fact is this is almost always impossible. The mental and physically addiction that is created is so great that a person can have a very difficult time trying to create a sense that they can stay sober on their own. The need for the drug will overpower any will. Getting marijuana facts is the first step you’ll take in the journey and long road to recovery.