Decreased use of prescription drugs while increasing marijuana use

 

Marijuana is the most widely used illicit drug and has been for several years. While many use it for personal pleasure, there are also many who use it for medical purposes. Interestingly, although the rate of marijuana use has steadily increased, a national survey also shows a reduced rate of prescription drug use among young adults. According to a new report from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the rate of non-medical use of prescription drugs last month among young adults (18-25 years) in 2012 was stated to be 5, 3%. This is much lower than the 2009 rate, which was 6.4%. Is there a connection between these two statistics? If so, what could it be?

Health benefits of marijuana

First of all, what are the "promoted" health benefits of marijuana? Ancient Indian writings confirm that marijuana has been used for medicinal purposes for approximately 4000 years. While there has been no proof that marijuana can actually cure anything, some say that marijuana can treat symptoms of pain or nausea caused by multiple illnesses.

Marijuana is known to provide people with relief from muscle spasms or chronic pain, increase and restore metabolism, and suppress nausea. Marijuana can help AIDS patients with nausea, loss of appetite, vomiting from the disease itself, and medications. Marijuana relieves the internal eye pressure of glaucoma and thus relieves pain and slows or even stops the condition. Many of the side effects of cancer-stop medications can be alleviated with marijuana. Some studies even suggest that marijuana tends to slow the progress of some types of cancer. In some patients, epileptic seizures can be prevented with marijuana use. Disabled-World.com says that marijuana helps relieve pain caused by many types of injuries and disorders.

Marijuana vs. Prescription Drugs

Now, what is the connection between marijuana and prescription drugs? While there have been no studies that have concrete evidence for a theory, there are a few possible reasons. First, the legalization of marijuana took a big step forward last year when both Colorado and Washington voted to legalize the social use of marijuana by adults. Prior to this, eighteen states allowed marijuana for medical purposes only. For obvious reasons, legalizing marijuana for social use is sure to increase the rate.

Second, most, if not all, prescription drugs have harmful or painful side effects. Many people use marijuana to cope with these side effects. Some of the most common include headaches, stomachaches, joint and muscle pain, and decreased control over bodily functions, as well as psychological side effects such as depression or suicidal thoughts. Additionally, Quest Diagnostics says that the majority of patients around 60% of patients did not use their prescription drugs as directed by their ordering physician in 2012. Prescription drug misuse continues to be a health concern for a significant percentage of patients. This misuse of prescription drugs only intensifies harmful side effects and can create a serious prop 207.

Much remains to be learned

For now, the statistics show how usage levels change between different types of drugs. However, the medical field is one in which life-changing discoveries are being made at an exponential rate. New and improved prescription drugs are constantly being made. Perhaps soon there will be some that do not have any side effects. Maybe doctors will find a way to use marijuana in ways we haven't even dreamed of. Only time and our scientists will tell.