Addiction Treatment Rehab Centres And The Dangers Of Cannabis
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Addiction Treatment Rehab Centres And The Dangers Of Cannabis
Christopher Knight
Help for Addiction Treatment and where to find Rehab Centres
The smoking of cannabis as a legal drug seems to be at the centre of many explosive social debates. There is a strong feeling from supporters that it is a harmless drug that when used recreationally and responsibly is no harm to anyone – that it is a natural herb which should be available to anyone both for pain relief and relaxation. But the other side of the coin shows there is quite a great deal of evidence that presents Cannabis as a destructive drug not only mentally emotionally and spiritually but physically as well.
Those dissenters who are actively against the use of Cannabis tend to quote the over used reason that “smoking cannabis leads individuals to taking harder drugs and a need addiction treatment. The fact is the dangers of Cannabis are much more far reaching than simply being a gateway to ‘A’ class drugs.
Step into any addiction treatment centre or Rehab and you will hear many a story from addicts who started taking drugs when they were in their teenage years. Many did begin their drug exploration with a mild drug such as Cannabis. The fact is it is the most widely used drug in the UK today and it has its own dependency issues, it can affect mental health and damage the body physically.
Mental health Issues
Just like any drug there can be good trips and bad trips. With cannabis, feelings of anxiety and panic are well known. These negative feelings may also be accompanied by suspicious and paranoid thinking that leads to uncharacteristic and unpredictable behaviour. If you have a history of mental health issues or if there is mental health problems in the family Cannabis could cause many problems. Mental health practitioners working in addiction treatment and rehab centres see it as a trigger rather than a cause of mental illness. In other words because of family genetics you are likely to be susceptible to such illnesses as paranoia or schizophrenia. When some users take Cannabis they react badly, the illness is triggered and it is more than just a short term problem while the drug is in their bodies. For those individuals who are already suffering form a mental health issue and have it under control, taking a drug such as Cannabis could cause a relapse.
Different Strengths of Cannabis
There are different types of Cannabis available on the streets. There is stronger herbal Cannabis often referred to as “Skunk”. The unpleasant reactions are more likely from this. Also it is with this stronger type of cannabis that regular and frequent use can lead to dependence just as with any drug. Regular, heavy use of cannabis makes it difficult to learn and concentrate. Some people begin to feel tired all the time and can’t seem to get motivated. Worst of all, the effects are very surreptitious so the link between the two is not often made. With all types of cannabis users also suffer from poor co-ordination. This is one of the reasons why drug driving, just like drink driving has been made illegal. Individuals should also be very cautious about using any form of machinery while on this drug.
Physical Problems
The issues that tend to get lost or hidden under the carpet with Cannabis is its physical effects. Chemicals that are found within this drug can have detrimental effects similar to tobacco. The fact is long term use can cause cancer. The risk is made even greater with how it is used in some cultures. Rather than using it in its purest form it is often mixed with tobacco itself and smoked without a filter. It is also notorious for inflaming other bronchial and lung issues. It can make asthma worse, and even cause wheezing and shortness of breath in people without asthma.
As well as affecting the lungs and airways, Cannabis can also affect the heart – increasing heart rate and blood pressure. It can also affect the human reproductive system. In a man it can reduce overall sperm count and sperm mobility and in a woman it can suppress ovulation and ultimately may affect fertility. If you smoke Cannabis while you are pregnant there is an increased chance that the new born baby will be born smaller than expected.
In summary, it is time to stop thinking of Cannabis simply as a gateway drug leading to A class drugs and the need for addiction treatment. Cannabis itselfhas its own spiritual, physical and mental health dangers that are very prevalent that go beyond addiction and receiving help at one of the many rehab centres would be the only way forward.
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