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Marijuana - Cannabis Sativa Marijuana is a common name for the green herbaceous hemp plant Cannabis Sativa. Its other names include pot, weed, dope, hash and hooch. Marijuana is a drug from the depressant family, typically causing an initial 'high' which can be replaced by depression and paranoia in some people. Marijuana and Adolescents In the later part of 2005, the Department of Education prepared and distributed a report ‘Mental Health and Adolescent Cannabis Use’. The report and summary were forwarded to all NSW State Schools. The report presents cannabis use in students as an issue that all schools must address. The report acknowledges that cannabis is the most widely used illicit drug amongst young Australians. In a recent paper, the UN also confirms that cannabis has become the most widely used, illicit drug and potentially the most dangerous. The Department of Education Report acknowledges that 40% of 17 year olds have used cannabis at some stage in their lives and that the prevalence of cannabis use has been increasing over the recent decades, just as the suicide rate for young Australian males has been increasing. The report also looks at the connection between cannabis use and mental health problems, such as depression, suicide, psychosis and schizophrenia. What is not well known by educators is that there is a strong link between untreated ADHD and cannabis uptake. Studies in neurophysiology over the last decade make this link clear. Students who are cannabis users, but who also suffer from ADHD may be using cannabis as their drug of choice, because they may unknowingly be self-medicating. People with ADHD have lower levels of Dopamine in their brain. Cannabis or its active ingredient (THC) elevates Dopamine levels. Hence individuals with ADHD do feel and function better while using Cannabis. However, this can lead to overuse of cannabis which then becomes problematic as they become drug dependant. Use of cannabis in this way has the potential to lead to psychosis, schizophrenia and other mental health issues. Treatment of Marijuana Addiction If ADHD was better diagnosed and treated this would reduce the number of students who become habitual users of cannabis. Research has acknowledged that early treatment for ADHD in adolescents and young adults reduces the risk of subsequent substance abuse (Willens et al 2002. Paediatrics). The BrainWave Centre offers the Marijuana Quit Program to help individuals break the negative cycle of drug dependence by allowing them to discuss their marijuana use and to identify their personal views, thoughts, behaviours and triggers, which perpetuate this lifestyle. |
