Drug addiction is compulsive use of a substance despite negative consequences which can be severe; drug abuse is simply excessive use of a drug or use of a drug for purposes for which it was not medically intended. Dependence on a substance is not necessary or sufficient to define addiction, there are some substances that don’t cause addiction but do cause dependence (for example, some blood pressure medications) and substances that cause addiction but not dependence (they are mainly characterized by depression).

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Drug abuse can lead to drug dependence or addiction. Drug addiction may also follow the use of drugs for physical pain relief, though this is rare in people without a previous history of addiction. The exact reason of drug abuse and dependence is not yet known. The genetic make-up of the individuals, peer pressure, emotional distress, anxiety, depression, and environmental stress are all factors which seem to be involved. Children who grow up in an environment of illicit drug use may first see their elders using drugs. This may put them at a higher risk for developing an addiction later in life for both environmental and genetic reasons.

Commonly abused substances include:

· Opiates and narcotics are powerful painkillers with sedative and euphoric qualities. These include heroin, opium, codeine, Oxycontin and others.

· Central nervous system stimulants have a stimulating effect and can produce tolerance. These include amphetamines, cocaine, commonly used stimulants are caffeine and nicotine.

· Central nervous system depressants produce a soothing sedative and anxiety-reducing effect and which leads to dependence. These include barbiturates (amobarbital, pentobarbital, secobarbital). Commonly used depressants, by far, is alcohol.

· Hallucinogens produce psychological dependence. These include LSD, mescaline, psilocybin (”mushrooms”).

· Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the active ingredient found in cannabis, marijuana, and hashish. Although used for their relaxing properties, THC-derived drugs can also lead to paranoia and anxiety.

Drug intoxication and drug overdose may be accidental or intentional. Drug withdrawal symptoms can occur when use of a substance is stopped. Withdrawal symptoms vary, depending on the particular substance. The withdrawal symptom depends on the length of time the drug was being used. Drug intoxication, overdose, and withdrawal can be life-threatening in some situations.

Treatment for the person with drug addiction begins with the recognition of the problem. Though earlier “denial” was considered as a symptom of addiction, recent studies has shown that this symptom can be dramatically controlled if addicts are treated with love and care, rather than being told what to do or “confronted.” Treatment of drug addiction involves detoxification, support and abstinence. Emergency treatment may be indicated for acute cases. Often, there may be a loss of consciousness and the person may need special medical attention temporarily. The specific treatment depends on the drug. Detoxification is the gradual withdrawal of an abused substance in a controlled way. Sometimes a drug with a similar action is substituted during the withdrawal process to reduce the unpleasant symptoms and risks associated with withdrawal. If depression or other mood disorder exists, it should be treated appropriately. The need for treatment is underscored by the severity of illness of those who undergo detoxification and the societal costs of untreated substance use disorders.

Myths and Facts
Marijuana is popular drug among teens, and has adverse effects on health. The widespread perception about marijuana is a benign natural herb used in treatments, distracts the serious message that marijuana abuse is not good for everyone, especially for young teens. Therefore, it is good to know the myths and facts about the marijuana abuse.

Myth: Marijuana is harmless
Fact: Marijuana abuse is harmful in many ways. Memory loss, distorted perception, trouble in problem solving, and many more short-term effects of drug abuse. Potential ability of a student is disturbed with marijuana abuse. Poor academic performance, and cognitive deficits are few long-term effects of this abuse.

Myth: Marijuana is not addictive
Fact: Many people believe that marijuana is not addictive, but recent studies revealed that students are depending more on this drug. If the abuser of marijuana is not used the drug for a period then he can develop withdrawal symptoms like irritability, anxiety, difficulty in sleeping etc., and these makes it difficult to stop the abuse. Marijuana addiction is three times more serious than any other illicit drug addiction.

Myth: Marijuana offense is not severely
Fact: Many people considered police arrest the marijuana law violator but they did not give any imprisonment. In 2007, more than 2 million people were arrested for marijuana offense, and about more than 10,000 members are in prison. Despite of many criminal, and civil sanctions, marijuana is easily available.

Myth: Marijuana is not harmful than tobacco
Fact: The abuser assumes that abusing marijuana is not harmful than tobacco. Smoking marijuana is five times more harmful than tobacco. With both tobacco, and marijuana abuse, abuser observes the similar effects, but the affects of Marijuana drug abuse on body are more dangerous than effects of tobacco.

Myth: Marijuana is not popular as MDMA
Fact: According to National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 2.1 million Americans, age 12 and older had abused MDMA at least once in a year. The same report reveals, 25 million Americans age 12 or older abused marijuana once in their lifetime. These figures convey a clear message that marijuana abuse is more than MDMA abuse.

The above information helps you in knowing seriousness of Marijuana drug abuse. By discussing these facts, you can discuss and prevent kids from the drug abuse.

Marijuana or cannabis is a very common addictive substance. Because of it, many people have lots of problems especially on how to overcome it. Overcoming cannabis addiction can require intensive rehabilitation programs and other methods. Before discussing these though, here is the reason why addiction to cannabis or marijuana needs to be treated.

Ill effects of long term cannabis addiction:

- Complications of the respiratory system
- Cancer
- Immune system damages
- Disability to focus and concentrate
- Incapacity
- Paranoia
- Troubles with the law

Known withdrawal symptoms

- Insatiable craving for cannabis
- Insomnia
- Aggressiveness
- Agitation
- Mood swings

Aside from those mentioned above, there are still a lot of other things that could get you in trouble if you have cannabis addiction. Treating it is a must. However, you must find a program that would really work on you. If not, then everything would be in vain.

Know that you just cannot take another drug to counter the addiction. As mentioned, some times long term and intensive treatment programs are required. The following are some examples that may better suite your needs.

Hypnosis

Cannabis addiction has been shown to be quiet effectively treated with hypnosis. It seems that hypnosis is effective in stopping smoking problems and other bad habits as well. The therapy that utilizes hypnosis to cure addiction to marijuana is also known as Hypnotherapy. With this method, a person will be guided to face all the reasons – emotional and psychological, that may have caused the cannabis addiction.

Through hypnosis, a person can be integrated with positive habits along with positive goals in life. There are many hypnotherapy options available to cannabis dependents. Finding the right one is the first step. Showing commitment to the therapy is the second step for the final result of overcoming addiction to marijuana.

It is good to know that with Hypnosis, in some cases, the goal can be achieved in less then a week.

Rehabilitation and Other Treatment Programs

These programs will vary on how they will proceed. Every treatment program institution has their way of treating cannabis addiction. If you did not overcome your addiction treatment in one program, do not give up. The key here is your will to get cleaned. Getting clean might entail painful steps with this treatment, but these are nothing compared to how painful your life might become when you do not overcome the addiction.

Outpatient Programs

These programs are for those who have already undergone a treatment. An outpatient program will make sure that the patient stays clean. If the patient continues with his cannabis addiction, he or she must go back to the inpatient addiction programs.