Long Term Side Effects of Marijuana

While many recreational users claim there are no long term side effects of marijuana, and the drug does not possess addictive qualities, the reality is that every drug holds the potential for addiction. Any substance that acts on your brain to increase or decrease neurotransmitter secretion can be addictive. The active compound in marijuana, THC, stimulates the release of dopamine, which sends reward signals to the brain. This reward signaling stimulates a psychological dependence on the drug for many recreational users. If you suffer from marijuana dependence and hope to avoid developing lasting marijuana long term side effects, consider attending an inpatient drug rehab in Jacksonville, FL.

The rising popularity of marijuana has birthed an increasing number of individuals who run the risk of suffering marijuana long term side effects. While the drug may deliver temporary, beneficial effects for certain bodily systems and medical conditions, long-term, heavy use carries a substantial risk of serious future health concerns.

Long-Term Marijuana Use Causes Impaired Thinking

The chemical structure of the psychoactive compound, THC, is remarkably similar to your endogenous brain chemical, anandamide. Because it is so similar in structure to anandamide, THC binds to receptors located on your neurons. When THC binds to these receptors, it influences various areas of the brain that control memory, thinking, concentration, and perception. Because these neurons play a central role in your nervous system’s normal functioning, overstimulating them with THC can have profound and lasting effects. Your ability to think clearly and process information efficiently may decrease, leading to:

• Impaired ability to retain new information
• Slowed decision-making capability
• Reduced ability to pay attention to multiple stimuli
• Decreased verbal fluency

Long Term Side Effects of Marijuana on Memory

Using marijuana promotes short-term memory loss and the inability to form new memories while under the influence of the drug. THC has a profound short-term effect on the region of the brain known as the hippocampus, which is responsible for memory formation and recall. While you may think memory issues only surface while under the influence of THC, that’s simply not the case. Long term side effects of marijuana on the hippocampus include:

• Altered hippocampal development leading to abnormal shape
• Impaired long-term memory
• Slowed information processing ability
• Decreased verbal recall ability
• Poor performance on cognitive ability tests

Those at the highest risk for the development of both short- and long-term memory issues are daily marijuana users who have relied on the drug for years. In fact, studies have demonstrated that daily users perform up to 18 percent worse than non-users on tests measuring long-term recall abilities.

Smoking Marijuana Causes Lung Damage

The long term side effects of marijuana aren’t just limited to your brain; the drug affects the rest of your body, too. Smoking any substance over a sustained period has profound effects on your respiratory system. When you inhale marijuana smoke, tar and chemicals from the burnt plant enter your lungs. Researchers have found that the lungs of marijuana users retain up to five times more tar and carbon than the lungs of tobacco users. The accumulation of these substances may lead to respiratory infections, reduced lung capacity, chronic airway inflammation, and even emphysema.

You Can Overcome Marijuana Dependence

If you or a loved one struggle with marijuana dependence, it’s time to take back your life. The temporary reward simply cannot justify the risk of seriously damaging future health consequences. At Beaches Recovery, our inpatient and outpatient drug rehab programs are designed to offer you the support, guidance, and tools you need to finally overcome your addiction. If you’re ready to take the first step toward taking back your life, feel free to contact our team at [direct] to learn more about your treatment options.