Marijuana Overdose
Marijuana is one of the most used drugs in the world and especially in the U.S. The drug, which is derived from a plant, is a favorite for many individuals and it’s usually consumed by smoking it. It is legal in some states – therefore, it is easier to gain access to it if you live in one of these areas.
Contrary to popular belief, marijuana overdoses can happen, and it is very important to prevent them or treat them in case they occur. While they are not as severe compared to other drug overdoses, it is still something that should be avoided
Marijuana Explained
Marijuana has several effects on one’s brain and body. Usually, people consume the drug because it provides pleasure and euphoria, as well as relaxation. Users keep consuming the drug in order to achieve these feelings, and over time, they build resistance to its effects. In return, this causes them to consume more marijuana.
Marijuana is a drug that can be found in gray, green, or brown mixtures of dried and crumbled parts. It is also called weed, pot, dope, or grass, and it contains a substance – THC – that can alter someone’s mind. People consume it in various ways: they either smoke it, which is the most commonly used method, or they vape it, add it to edibles or brew it into a drink.
Smoking is preferred as it can help achieve the desired effects much quicker. THC, the substance responsible for making someone “high”, will enter the bloodstream and reach one’s brain and other organs, and between 30 and 60 minutes since the consumption, the effects will show up.
Even though the drug is legal in many states and is sometimes even praised for its medicinal benefits, many end up abusing it. This can quickly develop into a marijuana addiction, which may lead to some unpleasant effects in the long term.
Addiction To Marijuana
Marijuana addiction is a real thing and can affect many people. If someone starts smoking weed during their teenage years, they are more likely to develop an addiction and keep consuming the drug as an adult. Some marijuana users will try to convince others that it is not an addictive drug, although this is not true.
Using marijuana for a long time will make someone build a tolerance to it, which will only make them start consuming higher amounts. This is how addiction will slowly build up. Not to mention that present-day marijuana has a very high THC concentration, the amount being three times higher than 25 years ago.
So, this means that the brain will be hit by the effects of marijuana in a more intense way. Between 9% and 30% of individuals who start consuming weed will become addicted to it, according to research.
Health Risks Related to Marijuana Use
Marijuana can cause both short-term and long-term symptoms in those who use it. Someone who started using it may deal with mood swings, altered senses, impaired body movement, impaired memory, and a difficult time thinking and solving problems.
The effects that appear after long-term use are worse, though. Weed will slowly affect the brain and its development. As a result, it will cause an impaired learning function, thinking, and memory.
Also, users risk experiencing breathing issues after a long time of smoking marijuana, and they may even start coughing. If the person using the drug is pregnant, the development of the child can also be affected.
Marijuana can also cause other effects. One may lose IQ points, and they may also start dealing with mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, psychotic episodes, and suicidal tendencies.
Can You Overdose on Marijuana?
A lot of marijuana users will tell others that there is no possibility of overdosing on this drug. But just like with any other substance, very high amounts are always dangerous. So, marijuana can cause an overdose if the person using it goes overboard. When one overdoses on weed, their symptoms will be very unpleasant and quite scary.
It is important to mention that it is hardly unlikely to overdose just on marijuana, and when it happens, it will usually not be deadly. So far, there has been no death related to an overdose.
Still, this does not mean that an overdose is harmless, and that people should carelessly consume high amounts of marijuana. It is important to prevent reaching this point if possible, or at least learn how to treat an overdose so you know what to do in case a loved one is going through it.
Prevention
It is possible to prevent a weed overdose. Here are some things that can be done to make sure you do not overdose:
- Do not combine marijuana with alcohol or other drugs
- Stay hydrated
- Stop using marijuana altogether
- Lower the amount of marijuana you use
- Realize when your tolerance decreased after an abstinence period
- Understand how badly using marijuana can affect you
- Contact professionals if you developed a weed addiction
Signs Someone Overdosed
There are usually some telltale signs that someone overdosed on marijuana, such as:
- Difficulty conversing
- Poor coordination
- Rapid heartbeat
- Panic attack
- Nausea and vomiting
- Anxiety
- High or low blood pressure
- Memory issues and confusion
- Paranoia
- Hallucination
The Right Treatment Methods
Marijuana overdoses may require hospitalization, especially if they are accompanied by paranoia and hallucinations. The user will receive treatment for the symptoms experienced and will be helped to relax.
Rehab may be required if there is an addiction, but the patient may also need cognitive-behavioral therapy alongside it. This may help build healthier coping mechanisms.
Choosing Real Deal
Real Deal Therapy & Wellness not only helps you treat your addiction, but it also helps you focus on your mental health and potential issues that may have led to your problem.
If you became addicted to marijuana and overdosed, you may have done it for a reason related to your mental health. In order to prevent these things from happening in the future, we will take care of your issues together and build a better life for you.
It is of utmost importance to reach out to professionals if you or someone else overdosed on marijuana. Doing so will help you get proper treatment.