Tag Archives: marijuana addiction

The Dangers of Synthetic Marijuana

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Synthetic marijuana is a dangerous substance that can be addictive and toxic to the brain. John W. Huffman, Ph.D., is the chemist who created the most recent component of synthetic cannabis. He had this to say about people who use synthetic marijuana in an interview with ABC News:

“They’re playing Russian roulette. I mean, it’s just like taking a pistol with one bullet in it and spinning the chamber and holding it to your head and pulling the trigger.”

Synthetic marijuana is incredibly toxic to the brain. Despite its illegal status in the U.S., variations of the drug continue to be sold over-the-counter. When a given formula of the drug becomes illegal, chemists alter the recipe and continue distributing it.

Here’s what you need to know about the dangers of synthetic marijuana.

What Is Synthetic Marijuana?

Synthetic marijuana has been sold under various names, including “K2,” “Scooby Snax,” “Black Mamba,” and “Spice.” Each brand contains a unique combination of compounds. Since users never know exactly what they’re going to get, the effects can be unpredictable.

Synthetic marijuana activates the same receptors in the brain as regular marijuana. The difference is that synthetic marijuana overloads the brain. Not only is synthetic marijuana stronger, but it’s also a full opioid agonist instead of a partial opioid agonist like cannabis. In other words, the dose is too high and too intense for the brain to handle.

Jeff Lapoint, MD, an emergency room doctor and medical toxicologist, says that “synthetic cannabinoids are tailor-made to hit cannabinoid receptors – and hit it hard. This is NOT marijuana. Its action in the brain may be similar, but the physical effect is so different.”

A Brief History of Synthetic Marijuana

The various chemicals used in synthetic marijuana have been developed over the course of decades by a collection of companies and chemist.

The chemical CP 47,497 was developed by Pfizer Pharmaceuticals in the 1980s. HU-210 was first developed in 1988 at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem. HU-210 is 100 to 800 times more potent than the THC in regular marijuana. JWH-018 was created in 1995 at Clemson University in South Carolina.

Products containing these chemicals started showing up on shelves in Europe in 2004 under the brand name “Spice.” They started being sold in the U.S. in 2008. The U.S. Drug Administration took emergency actions to restrict the distribution of synthetic marijuana in 2010 due to a spike in emergency room cases. In 2012, a law was passed banning all known formulations of synthetic marijuana.

Synthetic marijuana products continue to be the cause of ER visits. Chemists simply change the formula to avoid legal repercussions. The government continues to ban new substances as they continue to be found, but it’s difficult to keep up with all the new products as they come out.

Side Effects of Synthetic Marijuana

Synthetic marijuana can produce a wide range of adverse side effects. Mild side effects include relaxation, elevated mood, and an altered the perception of sounds and objects. Moderate to severe side effects include confusion, rapid heart rate, extreme anxiety, vomiting, paranoia, hallucinations, psychosis, suicidal thoughts, and violent behavior.

Several case reports have documented gastrointestinal problems, hyperthermia, acute cerebral ischemia, heart attack, rhabdomyolysis, and respiratory depression.

How Synthetic Marijuana Behaves in the Brain

Synthetic marijuana binds to CB-1 (cannabis-1) receptors in the brain. This is the same receptor than regular marijuana binds to. Synthetic marijuana, however, does so in a way that overwhelms the brain.

A chemical’s toxicity is always dependent on dose. A little water keeps you hydrated and healthy while drinking too much water can cause seizures. The same goes for activating the CB-1 receptor. According to Paul Prather, Ph.D., professor of pharmacology and toxicology at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, “[synthetic marijuana’s] potency can be up to one hundred or more times greater than THC.”

The brain is packed with CB-1 receptors, so if a drug like synthetic marijuana is present, there’s a lot of places for it to latch on to. To top it all off, the body doesn’t know how to deactivate synthetic marijuana. Once the potent drug binds to CB-1 receptors, the brain struggles to neutralize the drug’s effects.

Synthetic Marijuana Withdrawals

Abruptly stopping regular synthetic marijuana use is known to produce withdrawal symptoms. Severe withdrawals from synthetic marijuana may include recurring seizures, chest pain, heart palpitations, rapid heart rate, and shortness of breath. More common withdrawal symptoms include drug cravings, anxiety, nausea, vomiting, insomnia, excessive sweating, and loss of appetite.

In severe cases of long-term use, withdrawals can occur shortly after smoking the product. One case has been reported where the patient would wake up every 45 minutes throughout the night to smoke in response to intense withdrawals.

In general, the more synthetic marijuana you use daily, the worse the withdrawal symptoms will be. There’s a growing body of reports where patients site severe withdrawals as the main reason why they continue using.

Treating Synthetic Marijuana Withdrawals

There’s still a lot of work to be done when it comes to effectively treating synthetic marijuana withdrawals. Patients are usually given IV fluids to address electrolyte and mineral imbalances. Some doctors have found that treatment with benzodiazepines and the atypical psychotic quetiapine helps reduce withdrawals. Most patients can manage withdrawal symptoms with an intensive outpatient program (IOP) care. Severe cases require inpatient care and constant monitoring.

Recovering From Synthetic Marijuana Use

The more you use synthetic marijuana, the more likely you are to need extensive drug treatment. In a recent New Zealand study, patients who needed outpatient care reported having smoked an average of 4.6 grams of synthetic marijuana a day. Patients who required medically supervised detox reported having smoked an average of 5.3 grams per day. 53% of the 47 patients in the study were recommended for inpatient care, while the remaining 47% received outpatient care.

Final Thoughts on Synthetic Marijuana

Using synthetic marijuana is like playing Russian roulette with your brain. Even the chemist that created one of the chemicals used in synthetic marijuana thinks that you’d have to be crazy to smoke it. Synthetic marijuana is incredibly toxic and has severe side effects including psychosis, seizures, and heart attack.

If you or someone you know is struggling with synthetic marijuana use, Stonewall Institute Treatment Center is available to answer any questions you may have. Call us today at 602-535 6468 or email us at info@stonewallinstitute.com.

7 Myths About Marijuana Use

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Marijuana use and addiction has been on the rise in the U.S. Several states have legalized marijuana for both medical and recreational use.  Marijuana use is also glorified in pop culture, such as musicians talking highly of the substance in their lyrics.  There is also a deeply ingrained myth within cannabis culture that claims marijuana isn’t ‘physically’ addictive, but rather is only ‘mentally’ addictive or habit forming.  The truth is that marijuana addiction is prevalent among users and can be addictive just like any other drug.

As a parent, the challenge lies in presenting kids with an accurate picture of the risks involved with marijuana addiction.  While talking to your children is important, it’s also very important to seek professional assistance if you or your child are dependent on marijuana.  In our 10-week Intensive Outpatient Program, we not only address and recover from the addiction itself, but we also provide necessary tools to address commonly reported co-occuring disorders, such as anxiety and insomnia.

 

In this article, we will address common myths regarding marijuana use that many young adults use to support their pro-cannabis stances.

Myth #1:  That Marijuana Isn’t Physically Addictive

The reason why so many adults end up seeking treatment for habitual marijuana use is that it has the same propensity for addiction as any other substance. The average adult seeking treatment for marijuana addiction is a near-daily user for an average of 10 years Adults make an average of six serious attempts at quitting before finally trying drug counseling. Individuals addicted to marijuana continue to smoke despite admitting that it causes relationship and family problems, financial stress, dissatisfaction with productivity levels, low life satisfaction, and sleep and memory problems.

 

Myth #2:  Many People Who Smoke Aren’t Addicted

A person’s tendency for addiction is largely determined by genetic factors that are then amplified by environmental factors such as common life stresses and nutrition. People with a predisposition for addiction share certain characteristics regarding brain chemistry. With marijuana, addicted individuals tend to have issues regulating the production of the neurotransmitter dopamine. Dopamine influences focus, drive, and determination. It also induces feelings of well-being when introduced to the brain in high doses as it is with marijuana use.

Explain to your kids that some people can smoke nearly every day without getting addicted because their brain chemistry doesn’t become altered by the drug long term. You never know that you’re addicted until your brain fails to produce enough dopamine on its own. The brain thinks, “Hey, I’m getting plenty of dopamine from an outside source now, so I don’t need to produce it on my own.” When the addicted individual tries to stop, their dopamine-starved brain craves more of the drug.  However, many users still do not realize that they have a problem with drugs.

 

Myth #3:  Marijuana Has Been Legalized In Several States, So It Can’t Be That Bad

The decision to legalize marijuana on the state level is influenced by many factors. One thing is for sure: marijuana doesn’t become legalized because it’s determined to be safer than previously thought. Marijuana still has the same potential for addiction and is carcinogenic when smoked.

For anyone under the age of 21, marijuana is still illegal in all states. It can be helpful to remind your kids that ‘minor in possession’ charges still apply, as they do with alcohol.

If your child is of driving age, remind them that they can absolutely receive a drug DUI for marijuana, just as they could receive a DUI for alcohol consumption. Marijuana lingers in the system of certain individuals longer than it does others. Compared to alcohol, it’s hard to know exactly how long testable levels will remain in your system. Because marijuana is fat-soluble, it takes longer for blood levels to sink below the drivable limit if you have a higher body fat percentage.

 

Myth #4:  Addressing The Prevalence of Marijuana Use In Music and Counterculture Scenes

Musicians and performers often heavily promote drug use in their music. While many artists do live the lives they portray, for most, the glorification of illicit activities is used as propaganda. Many admit in interviews that they over-exaggerate their drug use because they know it will result in better sales. It can be helpful to remind your children about the reality of drug glorification as a marketing strategy.

 

Myth #5:   “I’ve Smoked Plenty of Times and I Don’t Have Cravings or Withdrawals”

Drug dependence can develop gradually, and this is certainly true for marijuana. Early withdrawal symptoms and cravings are less noticeable because the effects of the drug are milder compared to other recreational substances. Users experience very little ‘comedown’ as the marijuana high wears off, and it may be a week or longer before your brain starts to itch for more of the drug.

 

Myth #6:  Marijuana Isn’t Expensive

Marijuana is one of the most affordable drugs to purchase, both legally and illegally.  When marijuana was first legalized in Washington State, there was concern that the high taxes would make marijuana too expensive, but the opposite effect has happened. Marijuana is now significantly more affordable than it used to be. Over time, however, the frequent marijuana consumption adds up and becomes expensive as it’s accessibility increases.  Just as it’s true for legal substances such as alcohol, marijuana can be considered a financial stressor in certain circumstances.

 

Myth #7:   Marijuana Isn’t as Bad For The Lungs as Cigarettes

While several studies have been done to compare the carcinogenic effects of marijuana to those of tobacco, no conclusive evidence exists to say that one is worse than the other. The truth is, the cancer-causing effects depend on the frequency of use. If you frequently smoke large amounts of marijuana, it’s undoubtedly a risk to your lung health. Although the scientific evidence of the carcinogenic effects of cigarettes vs. marijuana is inconclusive, it still should not be used as an argument supporting the use of marijuana.  Rather, it should be argued that ingesting any foreign substance into your body should be considered hazardous to your health.

 

 

Marijuana use is often thought of being significantly less dangerous to experiment with than alcohol or other drugs, however, this is not the case.  Although marijuana is generally thought to be the “basic” type of drug, the possibility for dependence is just the same as it is for other substances. However, the conversation should not be based solely on marijuana use, but based on alcohol and drug use in general.  By explaining to young adults that all illicit drugs, including marijuana, have a great propensity for dependence and addiction, it allows them to understand the extreme risks of alcohol and/or drug use in general.

If you have any further questions regarding drug or alcohol addiction, Stonewall Institute Treatment Center is more than happy to answer any questions you may have. Call us today at 602-535-6468 or email us at info@stonewallinstitute.com.

Marijuana Addiction

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With a cultural movement happening across America where the legalization of marijuana is taking its effect, many are ignoring the notion that THC is addictive. This is partly due to its medical benefits and partly due to the idea that marijuana is harmless. Yet, recent studies have concluded otherwise.

For one, the THC levels have risen dramatically. About ten years ago, a marijuana plant contained 10% THC. Nowadays, that number has risen to around 30%. With such higher THC levels, we are finding that there are many incidents of excessive doses, toxic reactions, and medical emergency events spawned by consumption of marijuana.

Symptoms for Marijuana Dependence

It should be noted that many signs of addiction are similar to that of other substances. For example, if you’re finding yourself building a strong tolerance to the weed, there’s a potential for addiction. Often, people smoke more and more in order to feel the effects of THC.

A question that is important to consider; is marijuana conflicting with your interpersonal relationships, your job, and/or your education? Studies have shown that chronic smokers are often unmotivated and lack productivity in their daily lives which results in the intake of more marijuana.

Have you ever attempted to quit marijuana, but found it rather difficult? Being that marijuana is perceived as nonaddictive, many users try to quit on their own terms. Though there are those who come out successful, there’s also the flip side of the coin. Continued unsuccessful attempts at quitting marijuana is a sign of dependence.

Maybe you’ve attempted to quit, but found yourself feeling strange. Marijuana comes with its own set of withdrawal symptoms.

● Lack of sleep

● Loss of appetite

● Anxiety and/or depression

● Irritability (usually caused by a lack of sleep)

● Loss of focus/constant fatigue

● Gastrointestinal distress

● Strong cravings (which gives the chance of relapse)

The reason your body withdrawals in this regard is because THC stays in the system for months after quitting. Being that the chemical is still floating around, your body often expects for you to get high again.

 

Solution

Since marijuana withdrawals are not as powerful or dangerous as that of other drugs, medical supervision isn’t quite necessary. However, there are instances where individuals seek out some medical assistance. Usually because of their lack of sleep. Due to the fact that anxiety and depression are also factors of withdrawal, it’s important to keep a positive mindset when quitting any substance. Therefore, if you find yourself with either or, therapeutic help is recommended.

The most important element to remember when quitting marijuana (or any substance, for the matter) is that you must stay motivated to do so. Many people don’t quit simply because they aren’t motivated enough to face the unpleasant withdrawals. Keeping a positive mindset while taking this journey is the key to successful sobriety.

 

 

Stonewall Institute Treatment Center offers an Intensive Outpatient Program for addiction to any substance, including marijuana. If you’d like more information about this and/or questions about marijuana addiction, please call us at 602-535-6468 or email us at info@stonewallinstitute.com.

 

Stonewall Institute-Yelp

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Stonewall Institute in Phoenix can treat all addiction issues.  We are listed on Yelp.  Whether it’s heroin addiction, cocaine addiction, meth addiction, pill addiction, “designer” drug addiction, marijuana addiction or any other substance abuse problem, Stonewall Institute in Phoenix can treat it through the best alcohol and drug recovery program of its kind in the area.  Our drug counselors are highly trained and motivated to help you kick your habit and start a new life in sobriety.  Try our Intensive Outpatient Program for 8 weeks.  You don’t have to give up your job and other life commitments to get the best drug and alcohol treatment available.  Check out Stonewall Institute on Yelp and read what our clients are saying about our rehab program.  Then go to our website for information at www.stonewallinstitute.com and call us at 602-535-6468.