In case you were unaware, addictions can be even more dangerous for those with developing brains. Teenagers, for example, can put themselves at great risk for brain damage if they heavily indulge in drugs and alcohol at an early age. One recent research report made a point to lump cannabis into that equation, calling out the severe issues marijuana can cause for high schoolers and college students.
The Philadephia Inquirer shared the news, which highlighted a few key warnings when it comes to young cannabis users. Key points included the real danger of addiction, as well as psychosis problems related to the drug.
Researchers and doctors from The Caron Foundation released some of the latest details. Their chief medical officer, Dr. Joseph Garbely, spoke to The Inquirer about the findings.
“A few years ago, it was rare to see a young person enter our facility with marijuana-induced psychosis,” Dr. Garbely explained. “Now we see it on a regular basis. Older teens and young adults — approximately ages 18 to 26 — are the most impacted. We see a significant misperception about the safety and efficacy of marijuana among our teen and young-adult patient population.”
Dr. Garbely added that the increase of patients with cannabis use disorder shot up by more than 22 percent over the past five years. He also pointed out the realities of marijuana addiction.
The researchers made to point to gather findings from local high schools as well. Throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania, a program called Rehab After School has been enacted which works as a resource for students battling dependency issues. Surprisingly, reps from that org called out marijuana addiction as the most common issue they come across.
Reps from The Children’s Hospital of Pennsylvania were also utilized in the research. Doctors from that facility pointed out a sharp increase in marijuana-related emergency room visits over the past several years. Their medical director, Dr. Kevin Osterhoudt, called out severe anxiety and psychoses as key symptoms from those admitted.
“We’re certainly seeing a lot more emergency department visits due to marijuana,” Dr. Osterhoudt told The Inquirer. ”We’re seeing more people with paranoid delusions. We’re seeing a lot more people with signs of acute psychosis.”
The final part of the study called out the risks increased cannabis use can have on developing brains. Their evidence shows that people who start using as teens risk suffering from impaired memory and delayed cognitive functions.
If you know a young person struggling with a cannabis addiction, please do not hesitate to reach out to us as a recovery resource.
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