Weed – A Gateway Drug

Marijuana/weed is often considered the catalyst to an addiction. Research shows increased risk of addiction and substance abuse in people that use marijuana than people that do not. It is said to alter the brain’s hormonal functions such that the brain creates a more welcoming array for other drugs and addictive substances. This might result in a speedy addiction to nicotine, alcohol and other drugs in people who use marijuana early on. But does every person who smokes weed eventually become an addict?

But, the phenomenon of cross sensitisation also occurs due alcohol and nicotine. Meaning alcohol and nicotine create as much as an opportunity for addiction as marijuana. It has also been shown that the majority of marijuana users seldom go for the use of drugs that are considered to have a larger impact on the brain as compared to marijuana because of the compelling desire to see new ‘highs’.

Use of weed has become prevalent during the last three decades. Though there is a lot of research yet to be done on the effects of marijuana on a person’s neurological function, it is an established fact that it can damage the cells in the bronchial passages. It has been suggested that marijuana is the root cause of a variety of mental disorders, including acute toxic psychosis, panic attacks, delusions, depersonalisation, hallucinations, paranoia, depression, and uncontrollable aggressiveness.

The theory supporting the idea that a ‘using weed could be the gateway to addiction’ comes from the fact that the users, once they are acquainted to a certain level of dopamine release may want to go for the next level to attain the same high. The desire to upgrade to a much more potent drug usually causes addiction. There may be a variety of factors further affecting his/her decision to upgrade. The factors include the environment in which the person puts himself/herself up, peer pressure, the nature of the person, financial capabilities and many more.

Use of marijuana is more of an availability factor rather than anything else and is easily available as compared to other potent drugs. This is the main reason that people start off with marijuana in the first place. We cannot say that a weed user is sure to become an addict but based on several other factors and consequences – weed can definitely be considered a gateway drug.

At Phoenix, we have the best medical facilities with a world class team to cater to Addiction to Weed. Please reach us for more information or to schedule an appointment.