Marijuana is an illicit drug that is widely used for recreational purposes. Because marijuana has been legalized in the majority of states in recent years, many mistakenly believe that it is completely non-harmful and that recreational use cannot result in physical and psychological dependence. The truth is that marijuana can be habit-forming and that even recreational use can result in a wide range of serious consequences. There is also a myth and circulation that suggests driving under the influence of marijuana is not a problem – that marijuana does not impair your driving abilities, and that it is much safer to smoke marijuana and drive than it is to drink and drive. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, marijuana significantly impairs reaction time, motor coordination, and judgment in general.
More About Marijuana Impairment and Driving
Numerous scientific studies have drawn a direct correlation between THC present in the blood and impaired driving ability. Marijuana is the chemical substance that is most frequently found in the blood of drivers who have gotten into serious motor vehicle accidents (outside of alcohol, that is). if you or someone you love has been smoking marijuana and getting behind the wheel of a car, it is important to know that this chemical substance can impair driving ability just as much – if not more – than any other chemical substance. if you or someone you love has been struggling with marijuana dependence, Evoke Wellness at Miramar is available to help. For more information on our program of marijuana addiction recovery, reach out to us today.
How Does Marijuana Affect How You Drive?
Marijuana impairs coordination and reaction time, and as a result, getting behind the wheel of a car while high on marijuana is never a good idea. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it is estimated that roughly 13 percent of all weekend and nighttime drivers have marijuana in their systems. It is also estimated that the number of marijuana users in the United States is on the steady rise – in 2014, there were roughly 7,000 new users daily. because marijuana use is so prevalent, many believe that driving while intoxicated is not a big deal.
Does Marijuana Make You a Worse Driver?
The truth is, however, that after alcohol marijuana is the chemical substance that is most often found in the systems of those who are involved in drugged driving accidents. Because there is not currently an accurate roadside test that gauges the amount of marijuana present in the system, many people believe that smoking marijuana is not detectable and that they can’t get in trouble for doing so. However, driving under the influence of any chemical substances is not a good idea for a variety of reasons. When it comes to marijuana, driving is affected in the following ways:
- Coordination is impaired significantly, and those who smoke marijuana have a difficult time with problem-solving skills
- Many individuals who use marijuana also use other chemical substances like alcohol or opioids
- Marijuana severely compromises the ability to make rational decisions
- Reaction time is also compromised
Evoke Wellness at Miramar and Marijuana Addiction Recovery
At Evoke Wellness at Miramar we have extensive experience treating men and women of all ages and walks of life who have been suffering at the hands of marijuana dependence. Because this particular chemical substance is so frequently used for recreational purposes, many mistakenly believe that persistent use has no serious consequences. This could not be further from the truth. Marijuana, like all other illicit drugs, can result in a wide range of serious personal consequences that can greatly impact the overall quality of life. If you have been struggling with a marijuana abuse disorder, we are available to help. The moment you give us a call we will develop a plan of action, ensuring that you receive the professional treatment that you need and deserve as efficiently as possible. to learn more about our recovery program, or to begin your journey of lifelong healing, simply pick up the phone and give us a call. Our treatment advisors are standing by to help in any way possible.