Substance Abuse

  • Man holding his throat after its sore from smoking weed

Sore Throat After Smoking Weed: Understanding the Causes and Remedies 

July 17, 2024|Substance Abuse|

Smoking marijuana comes with some side effects. One common issue many users experience is a sore throat after smoking weed. Understand the reasons behind this discomfort and learn ways to help soothe a sore throat on the way to your recovery from using and/or abusing marijuana. Side Effects of Smoking Marijuana: Why Does It Cause a Sore Throat?  The side effects of smoking marijuana are well-documented and can range from dry mouth and red eyes to more severe issues like respiratory problems. A sore throat is a prevalent complaint among smokers, and several factors contribute to this discomfort.  1. Heat [...]

  • Women with bloodshot eyes after smoking marijuana

Why Does Marijuana Make Your Eyes Red?

July 10, 2024|Substance Abuse|

Marijuana consumption has a range of effects on the body, one of the most noticeable being red eyes. If you’ve ever wondered why marijuana makes your eyes red, you’re not alone. Many people experience this common side effect, and understanding the mechanisms behind it can shed light on how marijuana interacts with our bodies.  What Does Marijuana Do to Your Eyes?  To understand what does marijuana do to your eyes, we need to delve into the active compounds in cannabis, primarily THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). THC is the psychoactive component that produces the high associated with marijuana use. When THC enters the [...]

  • Male lips blowing smoke close-up, cigarette smoke and lips on black background, male unshaven and short beard.

Do I Need to Worry About Laced Marijuana?

April 15, 2024|Substance Abuse|

Marijuana is not a drug that most people would assume could be laced – we more often hear of substances like cocaine or heroin adulterated with dangerous additives, but not often marijuana. The truth, however, is that no substance is immune, and it is possible to obtain marijuana, which has been laced. In order to prevent severe illness or even possible overdose from occurring as a result of unknowingly consuming highly potent drugs, it is important to not only understand what a laced substance is, but how to properly identify and avoid them. What is a laced substance?  Laced substances [...]

  • Psychotherapy session, woman talking to his psychologist in the studio

Long-Term Impacts of Marijuana Use

March 26, 2024|Substance Abuse|

Often celebrated for its recreational and medicinal benefits, marijuana use also comes with long-term effects that you should know about. From its impact on the developing teenage brain to the complications of quitting, learn more about the long-term consequences of marijuana use in order to make informed decisions for overall well-being. Long-Term Effects of Marijuana Use While the immediate effects of marijuana intoxication are well-documented, its long-term impact on physical and mental health is still a topic of ongoing research. Prolonged marijuana use has been associated with various adverse outcomes, including: 1. Cognitive Impairment: Chronic marijuana use, particularly during adolescence, [...]

  • Prescription for Medical Marijuana on a desktop.

Evaluating the Benefits and Risks of Medical Marijuana in Pennsylvania 

March 11, 2024|Substance Abuse|

In recent years, the discourse surrounding medical marijuana has undergone a significant shift, especially in states like Pennsylvania. With the legalization of medical cannabis, there has been a surge of interest and debate regarding its use, efficacy and potential risks. One of the most prevalent concerns is whether medical marijuana is addictive. In this blog, we explore the landscape of medical marijuana in Pennsylvania.  Medical Marijuana in PA: A Brief Overview  In 2016, Pennsylvania joined a growing number of U.S. states that have voted to legalize medical marijuana, recognizing its therapeutic potential. The Medical Marijuana Program in PA allows patients [...]

  • 2 children making a drug exchange.  Please view all these along with all student  images in my portfolio.

Teen Marijuana Use Statistics in Pennsylvania 

March 5, 2024|Substance Abuse, Teen|

Teen marijuana use has been a topic of nationwide concern. The first step of effective prevention and intervention involves understanding the statistics and trends around marijuana use in teenagers. In this blog, we zoom in on the state of Pennsylvania to take a closer look at the local data on teen marijuana use.  Marijuana Use in Teens: A Growing Concern  Easily influenced by social factors and peer pressure, teenagers are particularly vulnerable to the allure of marijuana. They may also harbor misconceptions about its safety. The growing accessibility of cannabis, coupled with changing societal attitudes and legalization efforts, has contributed [...]

  • First aid paramedic in training, treating necrosis from krokodil

Understanding the Effects of Krokodil

February 20, 2024|Substance Abuse|

Krokodil is a highly addictive and dangerous substance has garnered attention due to its severe effects on users. High Focus Centers in Pennsylvania recognizes the urgency in addressing such addictions and offers comprehensive support for individuals seeking recovery from Krokodil use. This blog aims to shed light on what Krokodil is, the effects it has on individuals who use it and how High Focus Centers can provide essential assistance in overcoming addiction.  What is Krokodil?  Krokodil, chemically known as desomorphine, is a synthetic opioid that is considered significantly more potent and hazardous than heroin. Originating from Russia, its name [...]

  • Electronic cigarette with re-fill liquid bottles on gray background close up

The Hidden Dangers of Dab Pens

February 10, 2024|Substance Abuse|

At High Focus Centers in Pennsylvania, we are committed to the health and well-being of our community. This blog was written to shed light on the less-discussed aspects of dab pens. Dab pens have gained popularity for their convenience and the intensity of their effects, but these devices present significant, notable risks. Our goal is to provide you with the information necessary to make informed decisions about your health and safety.  Understanding the Risks  Designed for vaporizing highly concentrated cannabis, dab pens carry several health risks that may be unknown or overlooked by their users.  Elevated THC Levels: The [...]