Rehab Programs in Mesa, Arizona

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Mesa is the third largest city in the state of Arizona with a total population of 439,041 according to the 2010 United States Census. The city is also the 38-th largest city and the largest suburb in Arizona. Mesa is home to the Polytechnic campus of Arizona State University, as well as Mesa Community College.

Marijuana Abuse in the suburs

Marijuana is the most word wide abused drug in America, the majority of its abusers are young adults and teenagers. According to the ACJC 2002 State of Arizona Youth Survey, 38.8 percent of junior and senior high school students surveyed reported that they had used marijuana at least once in their lifetime. This has parents on high alert watching and waiting for signs of drug abuse, putting their children into treatment programs to stop their drug abuse before it gets any worse. According to TEDS, there were 1,003 treatment admissions for marijuana abuse in 2001.

What is Marijuana?

Marijuana is a gray or green mixture of dried flowers and leaves from the Cannabis sativa, or hemp plant. Marijuana is also known as pot, grass,trees, ganja, weed, Maryjane and hash. It contains a chemical known as THC that when smoked or eaten, it creates a high. Marijuana acts as a sedative, which means it has a calming effect, giving a sense of well-being or euphoria, even at time altering the individuals perceptions. Marijuana is a highly psychologically addictive drug.

What are signs of Marijuana abuse?

It can be difficult to detect if someone you know is abusing Marijuana unless you catch them immediately after smoking it. When they are high on marijuana their eyes will appear puffy and red, they may exhibit inappropriate emotions (such as laughter at inappropriate moments), they may seem uncoordinated, forget full and lazy. Most who hide their drug abuse will not get caught in the act or be seen directly after, there are other signs you can look for; Dilated (large) pupils, Cigarette rolling papers, Seeds that have been cleaned from marijuana, Smell on clothing – room – or car, Bloodshot eyes, Sleepy appearance,Reduced motivation as well as Pipes, bongs, homemade smoking devices that may have a sticky residue on them called resin.

There are health risks involved with this “safe drug” as many believe it is

Marijuana has both short- and long-term effects on the body. Short-term effects last 2 to 4 hours when the marijuana is smoked and 5 to 12 hours when it’s taken by mouth. The most common short term effects are accelerated heart rate, anxiety, delirium, delusions, disordered thinking, hallucinations, impaired concentration thinking ability and judgment, impaired perceptual and motor functions, inappropriate emotions, increased appetite, increased blood pressure and short-term memory loss.

Long term use of marijuana increases a person’s risk for many diseases and conditions. Smoking marijuana can cause chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, including emphysema and chronic bronchitis, reduced breathing capacity and increased risk for lung cancer.