Marijuana is a drug made from the dried plant material of the cannabis plant that elicits psychoactive effects when ingested. There are several methods for ingesting marijuana, which include eating (baked into food), drinking (steeped into tea), and/ or smoked (out of a hand rolled cigarette, pipe, water pipe, or vaporizer). Although marijuana is becoming decriminalized and even legal in certain states across America, the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has classified marijuana as a Schedule I Substance. Meaning it is defined as a drug “with no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse.” The psychoactive chemical that is present in marijuana is known as delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Mixing any substance with another substance can yield a variety of results, which will be dependent upon the person as well as the drugs and/ or alcohol that are simultaneously present in his or her system.
While it is highly common for people to mix alcohol and marijuana, many people do not fully understand the associated risks. Alcohol can lead to enhanced effects of THC, which results in the drug staying in one’s system for a longer period than normal. Combining any kind of substance with alcohol, including marijuana can increase one’s risk for overdose and/ or developing alcohol poisoning. Mixing alcohol and marijuana can also lead to increased dehydration, decreased judgment, and the potential development several long-term effects such as liver disease, cardiovascular issues, gastrointestinal issues, kidney disease, decreased functioning of the immune system, cancer, and more.
Antidepressant medications are used to treat psychiatric conditions, such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental disorders. Mixing marijuana with antidepressants can prevent the prescribed medication from working properly. Furthermore, marijuana could completely counteract the medication in one’s system, which could enhance the severity of adverse symptoms (i.e. depression) the antidepressant medication is used for in the first place.
Cocaine is a stimulant drug that is derived from the coca plant. When taken alone, cocaine elevates one’s blood pressure and heart rate. It can also produce anxiety. Combining marijuana with cocaine can cause cardiovascular complications, including but not limited to blood clots, heart attack, and stroke. Using cocaine and marijuana simultaneously can exponentially increase one’s symptoms of paranoia and/ or anxiety. This combination can also increase a young person’s risk for overdose.
There is an abundance of different kinds of prescribed benzodiazepines (i.e. Valium, Xanax, Klonopin…etc.) used to treat anxiety, insomnia and other health conditions. A common side effect of benzodiazepines is short-term memory loss, and when paired with the effects of marijuana, a teen could easily and unknowingly wind up in a precarious situation. Mixing marijuana and prescription medications can be incredibly dangerous. Taking both simultaneously can significantly reduce a person’s heart rate and blood pressure, which could lead to coma and/ or death.
Seeking help is never easy, but you are not alone! If you or someone you know is in need of mental health treatment, we strongly encourage you to reach out for help as quickly as possible. It is not uncommon for many mental health difficulties to impact a person for the long term. The earlier you seek support, the sooner you and your loved ones can return to happy, healthy and fulfilling lives.
Our admissions team is available to answer any general questions regarding mental health issues, treatment, and/or specific questions about the program at Pacific Teen Treatment and how we might be able to help your family. We can be reached by phone 24/7 at 800-531-5769. You can also contact us via email at info@pacifictrtc.com or through our contact form.
PTT provides treatment for the contemporary issues facing teenagers in today’s world utilizing a family focused and collaborative approach providing individualized care for teens and their families. Licensed by the State of California, Community Care Licensing Division #198209636
At a time when most residential programs are affiliated with large healthcare corporations or backed by private equity, Pacific Teen Treatment is proudly a private, family-owned operation.
