New Hampshire House Rejects Marijuana Legalization: What You May Not Know About the Dangers of Marijuana

 New Hampshire House Rejects Marijuana Legalization: What You May Not Know About the Dangers of Marijuana

Marijuana is not the equivalent of Heroin. Nor Cocaine. Nor Methamphetamine. Marijuana is not known for physical dependence, nor will an unlaced joint cause death to a person of average health. However, it cannot be argued that Marijuana use is not healthy in a number of ways; and many feel that legalization of Cannabis may not be good for our society either.

On March 26, 2014, New Hampshire’s House killed a bill which would have legalized up to one ounce of Marijuana with the intention of recreational use for those 21 years of age and over. Having gained preliminary approval in the House with a 170-140 vote with a request for committee review, it was determined that legalized commercial sales of this drug could be a large cause for concern. The end result was a 192-140 House vote against the proposed bill.

There are Good Arguments Behind Legalization

Self-empowerment NH, LLC in no way endorses drug use. That is a fact. However, we do agree that there are solid arguments behind the legalization of Marijuana. One reason is that such a bill would provide certain protections in regards to the contents of the drug. “Lacing”, (including additional chemicals or drugs with or without the consumer’s knowledge) would be less prevalent, an issue which causes serious health issues and may even cause death. There is also the argument that other dangerous drugs like alcohol and tobacco are legal, thus making it difficult to rationalize the individuals behind bars as a result of Cannabis sales or use.

But Here’s What People Don’t Think About…

Marijuana is not harmless. Regardless of the results of future legalization efforts and the decisions based on de-criminalization of this substance, there are factors that all individuals should keep in mind.

1.)    According to Dr. Drew Pinsky, an individual whom has been working with addicts for decades, there are populations of people with genetic potential for addiction. Despite arguments that Marijuana is not addictive, Dr. Pinsky argues that categorizing Marijuana as a non-addictive substance could be considered malpractice, and that many people who smoke Marijuana regularly have a difficult time quitting this habit.

2.)    Studies show that regular Marijuana users experience impairment in memory, learning and attention, even when use has been discontinued for twenty-four hours. Impaired motor coordination was also noted.

3.)    Marijuana significantly effects brain development. Translation: youth exposure to Cannabis could cause the brain to not develop to its full potential and could put a serious kink in the success of the next generation, (our planet’s future).

4.)    According to Dr. Dan Brookoff of the New England Journal of Medicine, 45% of reckless drivers not impaired by Alcohol tested positive for Marijuana. This brings up the frightening reality that a rise in Marijuana use could lead to an increase in injuries and deaths associated with motor vehicle accidents.

5.)    It has been argued that Marijuana may be a closer relative of such drugs as Heroin, Cocaine and Alcohol than many may think, as Marijuana activates the same pleasure centers in the brain as such drugs.

6.)    There are a number of physiological effects associated with Cannabis, to include Anxiety, panic attacks and/or paranoia.

7.)    Benzopyrene is the chemical in Tobacco that causes Lung Cancer and an average Marijuana cigarette contains nearly 50% more Benzopyrene than a Tobacco cigarette.

8.)    Heavy Marijuana use can affect hormone levels in both females and males.

9.)    Marijuana can affect the immune system and its ability to fight disease/illness.

Are You or Someone You Know Addicted to Drugs and/or Alcohol and Need Somewhere to Turn?

Self-Empowerment NH, LLC specializes in working with families suffering from substance abuse issues and has supported a number of individuals whom suffer from even the most severe of addictions. Through both individual counseling and family counseling; Selfempnh is here to serve as an empathetic, confidential and non-judgmental support system.

For more information about counseling and group services and/or presentations, please contact Lori Magoon, MLADC, LCMHC at (603)470-6937 or selfempowermentnh@gmail.com.

You are not alone. Open the door to self-empowerment. Open the door to a better tomorrow.

How the Rise of Amphetamine Abuse in Australia Affects Us Here in New Hampshire and What You Need to Know About Amphetamine and Methamphetamine

How the Rise of Amphetamine Abuse in Australia Affects Us Here in New Hampshire and What You Need to Know About Amphetamine and Methamphetamine

According to Australia’s largest rehabilitation service, Sydney’s Odyssey House, for the first time in history Amphetamine abuse is the number one problem for people seeking treatment for drug addiction. Drugs like Heroin and Cocaine remain prevalent, but Amphetamine abuse cases are now larger in number.

Ten years ago, Heroin was the most prevalent drug of choice rehabilitation facilities in Australia encountered. However, the last ten years brought a decrease in Heroin supply and abuse, as well as a frightening rise in popularity of Amphetamine abuse. Other drugs that Sydney’s Odyssey House notes a rise in use include; “speed”, “ice” and “ecstasy”.

Select Odyssey House employees have associated the rise in Amphetamine abuse with a decrease in Heroin availability. According to the organization’s chief executive, James Pitt, in reference to the decrease in Heroin abuse and increase in Amphetamine abuse, “That has a lot to do with some of the interventions by The United States over in Afghanistan, who produces almost 90% of the Opium which produces Heroin,” he said, “It is because of the reduction in Heroin availability that Amphetamines have replaced that.”

How does Amphetamine Abuse Affect Us in New Hampshire?

The Odyssey House may be all the way in Australia, but Sydney is not the only place affected by a rise in Amphetamine abuse, Amphetamine being a close relative to “Meth” or Methamphetamine. According to Methpedia.org, a site dedicated to “Meth” or Methamphetamine prevention, tools and resources; there has been a rise in the availability in Methamphetamine within the state of New Hampshire. This substance is often produced in Mexico and transported into the state via express mail packages and private vehicles.

It is important to note that contrary to popular belief, Amphetamine and Methamphetamine are not the same. Methamphetamine and Amphetamine are both psycho-stimulants which increase the ability for one to remain awake. However, one large difference between the two drugs is that when used properly, Amphetamine can be quite useful and is often utilized to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). When abused, Amphetamine can cause serious health problems, some of which include; speeding up the metabolism to a level that can harm the human heart, dry mouth, shallow and rapid breathing, constipation, arrhythmia, dizziness, shaking and insomnia. Other side effects include the dissipation of such essential components of one’s life as; relationships, careers, prized possessions, pride, self-esteem and one’s sense of self, identity and sanity.

In comparing Amphetamine and Methamphetamine, (“Amph” and “Meth”), it may be noted that “Meth” actually breaks down into Amphetamine inside the human body. The main difference between the two substances is that the drugs are processed differently, and the way in which the two interact within the body differ. Another name for Amphetamine is Methylated Phenylethylamine.

When abused, Amphetamine is an addictive substance and Methamphetamine is known to be highly addictive. Those whom suffer from addiction of either of these substances are highly encouraged to seek professional support. Addiction counseling has been highly effective for many individuals seeking addiction recovery from Amphetamine, Methamphetamine and many other addictive drugs.

What Should You Do if You are Struggling from Addiction to Amphetamine, Methamphetamine or Both?

Self-Empowerment NH, LLC specializes in working with families suffering from substance abuse issues and has supported a number of individuals whom suffer from addiction to both Amphetamines and Methamphetamines. Through both individual counseling and family counseling; Selfempnh is here to serve as an empathetic, confidential and non-judgmental support system. 

For more information about counseling and group services and/or presentations regarding Substance Abuse in Youth and in the Workplace, please contact Lori Magoon, MLADC, LCMHC at (603)470-6937 or selfempowermentnh@gmail.com.

You are not alone. Open the door to self empowerment. Open the door to a better tomorrow.

Sources:

·         Methpedia.org/new-hampshire

·         ABC News- http://abc.net.au/news/2013-12-23/more-people-seeking-help-for-amphetamine-addiction/S171926