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Expert Answers to Common Questions
At American Addiction Centers, we strive to provide clear, expert answers to the questions that matter most to you. Here are some previously asked questions our doctors have addressed.
Why Does Smoking Weed Make Me Anxious?
Occasional use of cannabis products like weed will cause a lot of people to be calm and relaxed.
Chronic use, however, can have the opposite effect. Over time, frequent and prolonged use can lead to the regulation of the cannabinoid receptors in your brain.
Of course, this depends on your own personal genetics, the type of cannabis being used, and how much and how often you use it. —Dr. Mark Calarco
Chronic use, however, can have the opposite effect. Over time, frequent and prolonged use can lead to the regulation of the cannabinoid receptors in your brain.
Of course, this depends on your own personal genetics, the type of cannabis being used, and how much and how often you use it. —Dr. Mark Calarco
How Hard Is it to Quit Weed?
This depends on the person.
If you want to quit weed or stop using THC, there are a couple of things to consider:
If you want to quit weed or stop using THC, there are a couple of things to consider:
- 1. While quitting weed will not cause the physical and potentially dangerous withdrawal symptoms that benzodiazepines, opioids, or alcohol can, marijuana can cause psychological dependence that can be hard to quit.
- 2. If you were using THC for chronic pain or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), those things could re-emerge if you stop using cannabis.
These are the things that can make weed difficult to stop. —Dr. Lucas Trautman, MD, MPH, ABPN, ABPM
Can Your Liver Be Healed After Years of Heavy Alcohol Use?
If the liver were a superhero, it would be Wolverine. Its ability to regenerate is incredible. Here's an example:
People can donate half their liver, and their liver will regenerate to normal in 1-2 months. It's that rapid when it's healthy. The liver is an amazing organ. In fact, you basically have a new liver every 3-4 months.
That being said, as remarkable as the liver is and as strong as its regenerative capacity is, chronic, repeated assaults on the liver, including heavy drinking or drug use, hepatitis C, or fatty liver disease can cause stress on the liver and can eventually lead to cirrhosis and liver failure.
However, there is hope! Because the liver really is exceptional at healing itself—even if you had previous drug or alcohol use that may have stressed it—the chances are really good that it will recover if you take good care of it. —Dr. Mark Calarco
People can donate half their liver, and their liver will regenerate to normal in 1-2 months. It's that rapid when it's healthy. The liver is an amazing organ. In fact, you basically have a new liver every 3-4 months.
That being said, as remarkable as the liver is and as strong as its regenerative capacity is, chronic, repeated assaults on the liver, including heavy drinking or drug use, hepatitis C, or fatty liver disease can cause stress on the liver and can eventually lead to cirrhosis and liver failure.
However, there is hope! Because the liver really is exceptional at healing itself—even if you had previous drug or alcohol use that may have stressed it—the chances are really good that it will recover if you take good care of it. —Dr. Mark Calarco
What Are Signs That Someone Is Using Cocaine?
Look for alterations in someone's normal behavior, including the classic, expansive, confident, loud happiness with big pupils followed by the crash. The withdrawal side of cocaine use may involve signs of irritability and sleepiness. The individual may have a tough time getting out of bed in the morning. Both of these ends of the spectrum occur in cocaine addiction.
The more advanced signs of cocaine addiction may include signs such as bloody nose, runny nose, or a hole in the septum.
Additionally, someone who is using cocaine may have work or school performance problems or may start to experience financial issues. —Dr. Lucas Trautman, MD, MPH, ABPN, ABPM
The more advanced signs of cocaine addiction may include signs such as bloody nose, runny nose, or a hole in the septum.
Additionally, someone who is using cocaine may have work or school performance problems or may start to experience financial issues. —Dr. Lucas Trautman, MD, MPH, ABPN, ABPM
Is Drinking Beer or Wine Safer Than Hard Liquor?
No, not really.
The first thing you need to remember is that alcohol in all its forms—beer, wine, or hard liquor—is a toxin to the body, and if you use it every day and in excess, it will be detrimental.
Additionally, one beer is equal to one shot when you look at ABV or alcohol by volume. —Dr. Mark Calarco
The first thing you need to remember is that alcohol in all its forms—beer, wine, or hard liquor—is a toxin to the body, and if you use it every day and in excess, it will be detrimental.
Additionally, one beer is equal to one shot when you look at ABV or alcohol by volume. —Dr. Mark Calarco
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