The Silent Enemy of Young People: Marijuana Addiction

Üsküdar Üniversitesi NPİSTANBUL Hastanesi Psychiatry Specialist Dr. Bahruz Shukurov, within the scope of 26 June International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, discussed the addictive properties and treatment periods of cannabis, a substance believed to be harmless especially among young people, along with its physical, psychological and social effects.

Experts noting that cannabis is particularly considered harmless among young people state that this substance can lead to serious physical, mental and social consequences.

Psychiatry Specialist Dr. Bahruz Shukurov, pointing out that cannabis increases the risk of addiction even on second use, said: "In people who use it several times a week, addiction develops at a rate of 60 percent or even 90 percent." Emphasizing that it increases the risk of psychosis and schizophrenia sevenfold especially in adolescents, Shukurov stressed that cannabis, which weakens memory and makes learning difficult, also threatens heart, lung and reproductive health.

Cannabis is an addictive substance!
Dr. Bahruz Shukurov, noting that the belief that cannabis is not addictive is a widespread conviction especially among young people, said: "Yet even on second use, cannabis can create a tendency towards more frequent and intense use in a person. In people who use it several times a week, addiction develops at a rate of 60 percent or even 90 percent."

Referring to the changes that occur in the body when cannabis is consumed, Shukurov said: "Increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, talkativeness, pathological euphoria, relaxation, excessive laughing fits, impaired coordination, concentration disturbances, changes in time and space perception can occur. These changes can progress to hallucinations. Mystical thoughts may emerge. At more advanced levels, this can even turn into paranoia. The acute euphoria, talkativeness, relaxation and relief that initially occur are soon replaced by emotional depression."

Increases the risk of psychosis and schizophrenia sevenfold in adolescents and young adults
Dr. Bahruz Shukurov, drawing attention to the fact that acute psychosis can also occur when cannabis enters the body, warned: "This condition, which manifests itself in the form of delusions of seeing evil and jealousy delusions, is also called cannabis psychosis. Generally lasting a short period such as one day, this condition can sometimes turn into permanent psychosis. Cannabis use, especially in adolescents and young adults, increases the risk of psychosis and schizophrenia sevenfold."

Cannabis negatively affects sexual function!
Dr. Bahruz Shukurov, conveying that the belief that cannabis improves sexual performance because it relaxes the person is widespread, said: "Cannabis doubles erectile dysfunction in men. Besides causing erectile dysfunction, it also reduces the release of testosterone hormone."
Shukurov, noting that the reduction in testosterone release leads to gynecomastia, or breast enlargement in men, explained: "Along with reducing sperm count, it reduces sperm vitality and motility. It also reduces fertility in women. When cannabis is used during pregnancy, it can cause various developmental delays in babies."

Lung cancer incidence is five times higher than in tobacco smokers!
Psychiatry Specialist Dr. Bahruz Shukurov, drawing attention to cannabis disrupting the learning process and particularly affecting memory, said: "It impairs short-term memory, which negatively affects the person's ability to concentrate, focus and maintain listening. Its disruptive effect on learning is so prominent that when used in early adolescence, it can cause subsequent IQ declines."
Shukurov, noting that heart rate can rise above 140 when cannabis is consumed, and that this can lead to elevated blood pressure and various heart problems, continued as follows:

"Particularly within the first hour of cannabis consumption, the risk of heart attack has been found to be four times higher than in those who do not use cannabis. Cannabis generally reduces immunity. The risk of lung infections and lung cancer is high. The lung cancer incidence rate in cannabis users is five times higher than in tobacco smokers. Cannabis users generally inhale cannabis more deeply into their lungs and hold their breath for longer periods. Cannabis's negative effect on the lungs is therefore greater than that of tobacco. The redness in the eyes during cannabis use is caused by cannabis causing the blood vessels in the eyes to dilate."

Family behaviour can affect the addiction process!
Dr. Bahruz Shukurov, noting that cannabis addiction, like other addictions, is a family disease, said: "The behaviour of the addicted individual can affect other family members and cause family members to become ill."

Adding to his remarks that the behaviour and attitudes of the family can also affect the addiction process of the cannabis-dependent individual, Shukurov emphasized the importance of including the individual's family in the treatment process and said that family and friends who want to help the addicted person should direct them to a psychiatrist or addiction specialist for counselling.

Treatment begins with a personalized plan!
Dr. Bahruz Shukurov, stating that the first step in cannabis addiction treatment is confirming the diagnosis through detailed analysis, said: "A chart is prepared by looking at the level at which the person consumes cannabis, the level of misuse, the level of addiction and how the person's cannabis use affects other areas of their life."

Shukurov, emphasizing that quitting cannabis can lead to various mental and physical withdrawal symptoms, said: "These include restlessness, irritability, decreased appetite, insomnia, fever, nausea, sweating, trembling and inability to relax. It can be very difficult to get through the withdrawal period without medical intervention."

Cannabis addiction is difficult to overcome because it represents a way of life!
Dr. Bahruz Shukurov, noting that the withdrawal period can last from four to six weeks, said: "Detoxification, or cleansing, is the beginning of treatment. After withdrawal symptoms pass, some difficulties may persist in dependent patients."

Shukurov, noting that the urge to use cannabis is foremost among these difficulties, concluded his remarks as follows:
"Cannabis addiction is not only about consuming cannabis. The patient's thoughts, management of emotions, lifestyle, interests and entertainment revolve around cannabis. Therefore, cannabis leaving the person's life almost transforms the person into a fish out of water. Particularly after getting through the withdrawal period, creating a lifestyle that no longer revolves around cannabis, making new friends, acquiring hobbies, regulating social lifestyle and diversifying the entertainment world aids treatment progress. It is important that doctor and psychologist support continues even after the withdrawal period is overcome."