HIPUSA.COM - Mental Health


	My Health Integrative Wellness Pharmacy Services Behavioral Health Dental
Search HIPusa.com Powered by Behavioral Health Options HIP Behavioral Health Services Mental Health Center Closings Mental Health Network Providers Common Psychiatric Disorders Information for members regarding Timothy's Law	Substance-Related Disorders Marijuana Important Facts Symptoms of Intoxication Treatment Prenatal Effects Negative Consequences Warning Signs That Marijuana is a Problem For Parents: What to Look for For Parents: what to Listen for Important Facts Marijuana is usually smoked, but it may be taken orally or mixed with food. Marijuana is the most widely used psychoactive substance in the United States. Approximately one-third of the population has tried marijuana. Marijuana is often used with other substances such as nicotine, alcohol, opioids, hallucinogens, PCPs or cocaine. Marijuana is most frequently used by people aged 18 to 30. Marijuana is often the first drug of experimentation and as a result is labeled a "gateway" drug. [ back to top ] Symptoms of Intoxication Anxiety Difficulty thinking Distorted sensory perceptions Dry mouth Euphoria (temporary feelings of elation, energy and limitless power) Feeling sluggish Grandiosity (acting in a pompous or boastful manner) Impaired judgement Impaired short-term memory Inappropriate laughter Increased heart rate Increased appetite, craving sweets Reduced coordination Temporary feelings of reduced anxiety or stress Sadness/depressed mood Sensation that time is passing slowly Social withdrawal and isolation [ back to top ] Treatment Treatment may involve a variety of therapies including: Narcotics Anonymous or other program Individual therapy Family therapy Group therapy Vocational counseling [ back to top ] Prenatal Effects If marijuana is used during pregnancy: The mother may have irregular blood flow to the placenta as well as premature labor and delivery. The baby may have low birth weight, birth defects, a small head, genital and urinary tract deformities, heart defects, brain seizures and abnormal motor development. The baby may be irritable, difficult to soothe and overly reactive to environmental stimuli. School-aged children who were exposed to marijuana before birth tend to have learning disabilities and concentration, memory and social problems. [ back to top ] Negative Consequences Anemia Anxiety Bronchial problems Emphysema(1 marijuana joint = 1 pack of cigarettes) Heart irregularities Impairments in short-term memory Increased risk of malignant disease Increased risk for traffic accidents Irrationally suspicious thoughts Perceptual disturbances, hallucinations Persistent cough Sinus problems Sleep irregularities Suppressed secretion of testosterone and lutenizing hormone (LH) Temporary suppression of immune system Weight gain [ back to top ] Warning Signs That Marijuana is a Problem Altered perception of reality(e.g., hallucinations, delusions and suspicious thoughts). Continued marijuana use despite significant problems related to use (e.g., financial/legal problems or neglecting responsibilities). Craving marijuana. Finding it increasingly difficult to resist using marijuana when it is available. Spending a great deal of time in activities necessary to obtain marijuana. Cutting back or stopping important social, occupational or recreational activities because of marijuana use. Minimizing marijuana consumption including frequency and intensity. Unsuccessful attempts to control or cut down use. [ back to top ] For Parents: What to Look for Cigarette paper Craving for sweets Discolored fingers Enlarged eye pupils Impaired short term memory Increased appetite Red, puffiness under the eyes Sleepiness Small seeds in the lining of pockets Strong odor of burnt leaves Use of incense [ back to top ] For Parents: What to Listen for Ace A-bomb, Atom bomb (marijuana and heroin) Blunt, Phillies blunt (Cigar hollowed out and filled with marijuana) Bone Boo, Boom Buddha (marijuana spiked with opium) Cannabis Dope Fatty Funny stuff Ganja (Jamaican and Indian terminology for marijuana) Grass Hemp Herb J, Jane, Mary Jane, M, M.J., M.O., M.U. L, L.L. Loco Pot Puff the dragon (smoke marijuana) Reefer Roach, Spliff (marijuana cigarette) Sess Toke (inhale marijuana) Wacky terbacky, wacky weed Weed Wet, wet-wet, willy, wack (marijuana cigarette dipped in embalming fluid and laced with PCP) [ back to top ]