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Is Marijuana Addictive?

 

 


 

Nicotine and caffeine are well known addictions as are hard drugs like heroin and cocaine. Generally lying somewhere in the middle is marijuana. Many have argued that marijuana is not addictive as it does not have chemicals specifically geared toward addiction. There are a few reasons why the argument can be made that marijuana is addictive as it has the following qualities which are undeniable signs of other addictive drugs.

First, when a habitual marijuana smoker, or someone who smokes several times a day, runs out of marijuana, they can become irritable and angry. Much like a coffee drinker who hasn’t had that first cup of coffee or a cigarette smoker who hasn’t cracked the new pack open, marijuana smokers are often agitated and annoyed if they aren’t able to smoke when they feel they need it.

Second, the mental dependency on the drug is similar to what is experienced by users of more hard core drugs. Habitual marijuana smokers simply will not perform whatever tasks they have set out for the day before they smoke some pot. Those who are addicted to marijuana often say that it enhances everything from movies, to food, even working and driving can be enhanced by marijuana they will tell you.

Last, there are treatment centers across the United States who treat marijuana addictions everyday. Whether or not these patients are physically addicted to the drug, they are no doubt mentally addicted. Most people will stop smoking pot after a brief period of experimentation but for others who are addicted it is not quit the easy to stop.

 

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How to spot signs of drug use

 

 

Various prescription and street drugs may caus... 

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It is one of a parent’s worst nightmares to discover their child has started down the path of drug abuse. With growing incidents of teenagers taking illegal drugs, parents are always on the lookout for signs that their child has fallen into this terrible addition. Being alert to signals of an apparent addiction is vital in stopping  it from becoming a habit.

 

Teenagers can be very crafty when it comes to hiding secrets and this includes possible drug abuse. However, there are certain signs that parents can look out for that will reveal if their child is taking illegal drugs. Here are a few of such signs:

 

  1. Notice if your teen has suddenly started wearing full sleeved clothes. Try to check their forearms for needle marks left behind by injecting a drug.
  2. Your teen will display erratic eating habit. There will either be a loss of appetite or it could be over eating too. The teen may also start craving certain foods like sweets.
  3. The teen gets highly annoyed if he or she finds out that you have been in their room. They also tend to hide the bag that they carry when they go out and become secretive.
  4. They tend to have major mood swings. They can suddenly become very aggressive or even violent and then suddenly go into a depression.
  5. Their grades tend to go down and you may receive complains from the school administration about poor behavior.
  6. Keep an eye for cash or jewelry that has gone missing from your home. Teens may resort to stealing money from their parents wallets in order to buy drugs.

 

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Tips to Dealing with Insomnia

When you can’t sleep it can feel like the world is falling apart. You know that in the morning you are going to be exhausted but you just can’t seem to relax enough to close your eyes and drift away. You may want to try to make a few adjustments on your own before trying prescription or over the counter sleep aids.

Turn everything off at least a half an hour before you want to go to sleep. When the television is on or you can’t seem to break away from your email, it can cause you to be unsettled and prevent you from easily falling asleep. It can be temping, especially if you begin to feel the anxiety of not being able to sleep, to just turn on the television and “veg out.” Instead, try things like reading a book or listening to some soothing music.

Are you worrying about all the things you have to do? If this is what keeps you up at night. Start a “to do” list about a half and hour before you go to bed. This can get everything out of your head and onto paper. With it written down you don’t have to worry about forgetting in the morning and it will give you some peace of mind. If there are things that need to get done and you can see them when you are laying in your bed, remove them from the room. Even if you have to put them on a dining room table or in the kitchen, just get them out of site.

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Understanding Different Types of Addictions

When people hear the word addiction, they may automatically think drugs. But, this is not the case. Addictions aren’t just limited to drugs. They can be certain activities, or pleasures. Or, they can be things like the internet, video games or even work. Additions don’t happen to druggies, they can happen to everyday people like you.

People that become obsessed with exercise often have a condition. It can sometimes be attributed to an eating disorder such as anorexia or bulimia. They’re often obsessed with how they look, or perform, and they feel that extensive exercise will help this. Some may not have an eating disorder at all and simply have a fear of becoming out of shape and immobile.

Video game addictions are probably most commonly heard from frustrated parents. But, it can also become an addiction of some adults. Video games have a tendency to draw the player into the imaginary world. It makes it easier to shut out reality, especially if the player’s life isn’t exactly what they hope. But, when playing video games becomes excessive, such as 8 – 16 hours a day, it’s time to look at alternatives for help.

The internet is a great information highway. We are able to stay informed and up-to-date with it. But, it can become a great addiction if misused. The need to be on the internet all the time can become destructive. Not only do you lose much time browsing for things that may not be entirely important, you may be risking your health. Symptoms of addictions must be watched carefully and stopped before they become worse.

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Addictions to Methadone: Caution for the Cure

So many people are unfortunate enough to get addicted to painkillers.  This is such a sad situation.  Once a person is addicted to a painkiller it is nearly impossible to get them to stop taking them without professional help.  In some cases in extreme cases, like those addicted to Methadone, death can occur if they try to quit cold turkey.  The body is so accustomed to receiving these chemicals that it will require these chemicals in order to function.  Now this is not always the case, but in severe Methadone addictions, you have to proceed with care.

In the state for Florida, those addicted to Methadone can join a program sponsored by the state.  This program gives monitored doses everyday to those who are addicted to methadone.  You might think that is a bad way to get someone to quit, but the bottom line is this: You cannot go “cold turkey” off of Methadone.  You have to weaned off.  For those addicted to Methadone, if they do not have acces to it, they will break the law in order to get methadone.  The state is offering help because they know the severity of this issue.  This program not only safely takes a person off of methadone, but decreases crime at the same time.

Es it is the person alone who is responsible for getting addicted, but what would you have them do?  They cannot go cold turkey, they could die.  This is the case with other medications as well.  A lot of the times it is because of pain that starts the domino effect into this addiction.  A car accident or a work related injury.  When the pain is unbearable, the people taking these meds can become quite dependant on them.  Caution must be taken in order to keep the addicted person alive in this case.

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A Fresh Start from an Addictive Lifestyle

Source: The National Institute on Drug Abuse, ...

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An occasional glass of beer or wine is not at all harmful. It’s even encouraged by some doctors as a glass of red wine contains many healthful antioxidants that can benefit the body. Other habits like an occasional cigarette or cigar is not likely to do any long-term damage, but knowing when to stop the behavior is where many people often go wrong. Therefore, while consuming these things in moderation is not damaging, going beyond moderation is when people start to find themselves spiraling toward a pathway of major addictive tendencies that negatively affect their lives.

As surprising as it may be, drug and alcohol addictions are very real and can happen to people unexpectedly, and sometimes a problem arises before the user is fully aware that their use is excessive. However, there are specific facilities that are designed to bring a person back from their addictions and equip them with the motivation they need to live a drug-free life. A drug abuse rehab facility deals with a person’s total makeup, both physical and emotional, and sometimes even spiritual. They work with patients at getting to the underlying cause of what may have sparked the drug addiction and help them in effectively weaning away from these crippling and damaging vices.

Drug rehab facilities want patients to feel relaxed and comfortable. They want them to feel completely safe and secure at an especially vulnerable time in their lives. Contrary to stereotypes, there are no warden-like administrators, inferior food to eat, or beds with chains to imprison the person. Instead, the environment is warm and welcoming, but firm. When the patient emerges, they are healthier, cleansed, and more educated on dealing with the causes of addictions and how to keep temptations out of their lives. In the end, they benefit greatly from a comprehensive rehab program that speaks directly to their needs and produce great results.

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Smoking: How to Help Loved a Loved One Quit

Nicotine is a highly addictive substance and many people all over the world find themselves slaves to the cigarette.   It is extremely hard to quit smoking.  Many non smokers do not understand why you cannot just put the cigarette down and walk away.  Well the fact of the matter is that if a smoker quits “cold turkey” it is really going to hurt, both physically and mentally.

For those who smoke, smoking is just as important as breathing in some cases.  A cigarette can help them get through a stressful situation or just relax them when they are having a hard day.  It is not just the nicotine that allows for this relief, it is the habit.  The simple action of lighting a cigarette and puffing for a smoker can be relaxing.  It is because our minds are trained to accept this action as a relaxing and therapeutic action.

Convincing a smoker to quit is hard.  They have to convince themselves to quit, as attempts from other people to get them to quit smoking will only drive them to smoke more.  So if you love someone who is a smoker. Rather than say to them “You have to quit”, you might say things like, “I really love you and I hope you will be with me for a long time”.  It is sentences like that, that will get a smoker thinking.

If they decide to quit, they will need lots of support.  You will have to help them with nearly everything to get them over the first week.  Everything will irritate them and you will have to understanding of this.  If they chose to use some form of tobacco cessation such as the patch or lozenges, they might be less irritable, but the bottom line is that you are going to have to understand that they are miserable and until the cravings for a cigarette are nearly gone, they are not going to be themselves.  Be patient.  The hard work will pay off.

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Bulimia: How to Spot a Bulimic Family Member

Bulimia nervosa is more prevalent than we would like to think and many people who have this condition will go years without ever getting help.  Sometimes this condition will come and go, or is can be a constant battle.  We love our family ad pray that they will never have to deal with an illness such as this, but it is very likely that at least one of your family members have this condition.  This condition is more prevalent in women than men but this condition can affect both sexes.

 

There are several things that can confirm your suspicions that your loved has bulimia nervosa.  The most common tell tale sign is many bathroom visits.  These bathroom visits usually happen right after eating a large meal or binging.  Bulimia is characterized as binging and purging.  The effected person will eat beyond his or her capacity and will then purge or throw up the contents of their stomach.

 

If you notice the trip to the bathroom and you wan to confirm your suspicions without letting them know that you are worried, take a trip to the bathroom directly after them.  Check under the seat of the toilet.  This is where some bulimics forget to clean after purging.  If the toilet is cleaner than you remember it being, this is another sign.

 

Without taking the trip to the bathroom there are other signs you can look for.  The teeth are another tell for this illness.  If their teeth start to become translucent, it is because the stomach acid has started to eat away the enamel on their teeth.  The eating of mass quantities of food in one sitting and then not eating for days is a big sign that something is wrong.

 

If you notice any of these symptoms, you should seek help or them immediately.  Your loved one could actually die from this disease and it is a disease that they could have hidden from you for years, so they may be in worse shape than even you can tell.

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