-- Since Colorado legalized the use of recreational marijuana in 2014, the state has seen an increased number of babies testing positive for THC at birth. Hospitals only test babies born to mothers who have admitted to or are suspected of drug use. Therefore, the exact number of babies affected is unknown.
However, considering the ramifications to both mother and child which include possible complications during pregnancy, the potential for developmental problems in the child, and notification to Child Protective Services (CPS), marijuana use during pregnancy and while breastfeeding is not recommended by the vast majority of health care providers. Because marijuana use can become addictive, finding an effective drug rehabilitation program can be an important step to reduce the number of babies testing positive for THC in the future.
Medical studies on the effects of marijuana use during pregnancy and while breastfeeding has been virtually nonexistent, in part because researchers do not want to encourage mothers-to-be to use marijuana. What is known with certainty is that THC, the active ingredient in marijuana, does cross the placenta and enters the baby's blood stream; it is also present in breast milk. Dosage is a factor; the more a mother uses marijuana, the higher the concentration of THC in both her own and her baby's blood.
Some data points to the possibility that THC restricts fetal growth and increases the chances of prematurity and stillbirth; neurological problems may also develop in THC positive babies, but these effects may not appear until the child reaches adolescence. Due to these concerns, health care providers strongly warn against marijuana use in any form and at any dosage during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Hospitals are also required to report positive THC results in babies to CPS, putting the mother and child at risk of possible legal separation.
It can be difficult to determine whether or not someone you love is using marijuana, particularly if they have been using the drug for an extended period. If, however, you begin paying closer attention to their behavior and notice any of the following, you may be observing someone with a marijuana addiction: moodiness; sleepiness; increased appetite; stumbling, clumsiness, and other balance problems.
Acute marijuana intoxication can occur when a person ingests a large dose of THC and most often happens after consuming edible marijuana. Hospitalization may be required with acute marijuana intoxication, especially in small children who may have inadvertently consumed THC containing food products. Like any medication or drug, any product containing marijuana should be kept safely out of the reach of children at all times.
Contrary to popular belief, marijuana can be extremely habit forming and even addictive. More people enter drug rehabilitation programs to deal with a marijuana addiction than those entering due to heroin or crack cocaine abuse. Cutting out your marijuana habit can be very challenging due to withdrawal symptoms that can include nausea, loss of appetite, sleeping problems, irritability, and more. If you have recently learned that you are pregnant, this can serve as the ideal motivator to kick the marijuana habit and turn over a new leaf in life, both for yourself and your unborn child.
Drug rehabilitation programs can be extremely helpful and range from multi-month inpatient programs to outpatient groups that meet a few times a week. The support provided through these programs, and the life skills you'll learn can make all the difference when making a lifestyle change like breaking an addiction to marijuana.
Thousands of drug rehab centers are currently available in the United States, but finding the program that is perfect for you may seem like looking for a needle in a haystack. At Solution to Addiction, we help connect you with a program that meets your needs by asking you a series of questions regarding your personal situation.
We are committed to helping you recover from an addiction to marijuana or any other substance and will not abandon you just because we have given you a referral. Our services are free and are offered with the intention of helping our world become a better place, one person at a time.
About Solution to Addiction
Solution to Addiction provides a variety of programs that work towards providing lasting recovery over short-term results. What sets them apart from other addiction clinics is the belief that relapse is not a part of the recovery process from addiction. Solution to Addiction is committed to healing families through long-term care and personalized attention and care to each client. Find out more about Solution to Addiction at www.solutiontoaddiction.com
Contact Info:
Name: Mary Chris
Email: Send Email
Organization: Solution to Addiction
Phone: 1-800-343-0892
Website: http://solutiontoaddiction.com/
Release ID: 127603
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