Title : Marijuana Addiction in Youth and Recovery
Abstract:
The use of marijuana and other substances has been on the rise among young people across the world. The situation is considered near normal with the popularization of marijuana on social media and showbiz. However, there are grave dangers on marijuana abuse especially among young people. Use of addictive substances during adolescence interferes with brain development, reduces academic performance and increases the risk of accidents, homicides, suicides and serious health conditions, including addiction. Teens and young adults are more inclined than adults to take risks, including smoking, drinking or using other drugs. Research indicates that people who begin using addictive substances before age 15 are nearly 7 times likelier to develop a substance problem than those who delay first use until after age 21 or older. Use of any addictive substance while the brain is still developing increases the chances of future use of that and other addictive substances. Marijuana basically eliminates willpower, focus and ambition. It kills the creativity in people. It kills the kindness, the connection to other people, the awareness of others. The ability to tell right from wrong. I can tell because I’ve been there before as a former marijuana addict. By the grace of God, I took the bold step to quit the hideous habit in 2018. I was obsessed with smoking, and thought it brought me so much happiness. Gratefully, it’s a different story now. Smoking marijuana isn’t really good for our wellbeing. Recovery from marijuana addiction may seem impossible, but I wish to help people understand they can do it and still remain happy. It starts with the realization of your addiction and the decision to act on it. You don’t get over an addiction by simply stopping usage. You recover by creating a new life where it is easier not to use. If you don’t create a new life, then all factors that brought you to your addiction will catch up with you again.
