Pubdate: Wed, 27 Apr 2005
Source: Crimson White, The (Edu, Univ of Alabama)
Copyright: 2005 The Crimson White.
Contact:  http://www.cw.ua.edu/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2451
Authors: Lee Keyes, Dr. Pat Hubbs, Delynne Wilcox

MARIJUANA ABUSE HURTS COMMUNITY

"Everybody is doing this."

"How is this hurting society?"

These quotes from an April 20 celebrant of marijuana use are illustrative 
of naivete, ignorance or both. The more pertinent question is, "How is 
marijuana use positively improving society?"

As health professionals who help students overcome substance abuse or 
addictions, we would like to offer more thorough information concerning 
marijuana use's potentially harmful effects.

Frequent marijuana use can contribute to problems with memory, problem 
solving and learning. This sometimes directly lead to difficulties in an 
academic environment. It can damage the lungs and result in respiratory 
distress or other conditions. Marijuana might contain carcinogenic chemicals.

Like other mood-altering substances, marijuana use can result in impaired 
mood or judgment, which can lead to other self-defeating behaviors and life 
problems. These include impaired relationships, academic or career 
stagnation, motivation problems, chronic health problems, family turmoil, 
academic suspension or expulsion and incarceration.

We rarely see a student who uses only marijuana. Its use is often 
associated with other substance abuse, which speaks to its addictive nature.

We have known otherwise bright, energetic students whose lives were 
permanently altered because they were caught in the web of marijuana use. 
Though there remains active debate about the addictive properties of 
marijuana, we assure readers students can and do exhibit addictive 
characteristics when abusing marijuana. The most fundamental addictive 
process is continued use despite indications of negative, harmful and even 
life-threatening consequences.

When a student continues to abuse marijuana while lying to family and 
friends, while grades are plummeting, while they cannot function without it 
because of depressive or anxious symptoms, then what are they if not addicted?

It affects our entire UA community when we lose a student because of 
marijuana use. Our local community is directly impacted by any loss of 
talent and promise. That is why we are working to help students develop 
more positive methods, and there are many, of managing stress and "taking 
the edge off."

Contrary to the statement above, most people, including students, do not 
use marijuana. We are thankful for this reality.

Lee Keyes, director, UA Counseling Center; Dr. Pat Hubbs, Russell Student 
Health Center; and Delynne Wilcox, MPH health educator at RSHC.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom