Marijuana Abuse
Alternate Names : Cannabis Abuse
What can be done to prevent the condition?
Education on healthy attitudes and knowledge of the risks of drug abuse are the best preventive measures. Not tolerating drug use and teaching children early about the dangers of drug use are important strategies.
What are the long-term effects of the condition?
Long term use of marijuana increases a person's risk for the following diseases and conditions:
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, including emphysema and chronic bronchitis
heart disease
increased risk for heart attack
increased risk for lung cancer
loss of ambition or inability to carry out long-term plans or function effectively
psychological addiction
reduced breathing capacity
Marijuna use after age 45 causes significant stress on the heart. People in this age group have a five-fold increase in their risk for heart attack for about an hour after they smoke the marijuana.
What are the risks to others?
Marijuana abuse reduces judgment, impulse control, and motor control. An abuser puts others at risk for accidents and emotional injury.
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