Smoking is one of the common causes of cancer in the world today, and it is estimated that 3 out of every five people have a habit (Cataldo et al. 2010). The fact that it involves burning a substance such as tobacco and inhaling the smoke emitted establishes the importance and urgency of analyzing its impact on the health of individuals. It also needs to be highlighted that the habit of smoking is not only associated with the consumption of tobacco, but it is also associated with narcotic substances such as cannabis (Kirk, 1989). It creates an often irreversible impact on the physical and mental state of individuals and in this presentation light has been shed on the effect of smoking on 29-year-old Shannon Erna.
Shannon has been addicted to smoking since his high-school days and has been consuming 2 packets of cigarettes a day since he was 16 on an average. On top of that, it has been revealed by him that he has been addicted to Cannabis for the last 5 years on an active basis. Shannon is engaged for the last 4-5 months and plans to be married in another year and has been brought for evaluation by his fiancée Elsa, who stated that both of them plan to be married within a year. By profession, Shannon is employed with a stockbroking firm in Newbury MA since he was 22 and he highlights that the habit of smoking was initiated by excessive mental pressure due to his high paying job.
Antecedents of Smoking – factors identified
Shannon had been evaluated with the help of CUDIT (Cannabis Use Disorder Identification Test) as soon as he disclosed that he had taken cannabis 4 days prior to his visit at the facility. The responses that had been obtained from him highlight various factors that are considered to be antecedents to smoking and cannabis consumption. These are situational factors, behavioural factors, cognitive factors and affective factors.
Situational Factors
Shannon was asked in which circumstances he was more likely to consume cannabis. To this question he responded by stating that his professional life and personal life have a great impact on smoking and intake of cannabis. Shannon says more often than not, the pressure of professional work is too high to be able to sleep. Tensions and insecurities of performance of the financial market lead to urges for taking cannabis when smoking does not help alone. Another fact that he has presented is that he has been living by himself since he was 22 and did not have too many friends or visitors in his apartment due to his work and lifestyle. He feels that absence of a prominent social life has paved the way for consumption of cannabis and smoking. Shannon has also stated that the ability to earn and not find ways to spend money socially has helped him support his habit financially.
Behavioural Factors
Shannon was asked about his addictive behaviour, and the questions were specifically aimed at finding out his use of dosage of cannabis when he consumes them. The responses revealed that it was normally 1-2 hours on the day of cannabis use when he is under effect or ‘stoned’. However, he also stated that in many occasions, though very rare, he had been stoned for six hours or more due to excessive use of cannabis. Shannon also stated that such bouts have led to embarrassment when once, while away on an official tour with a colleague from his organisation to Iowa, he was stoned for more than six hours. Even though, it did not result in a legal situation, the embarrassment was more profound in his professional circle as it resulted in a loss of reputation and dignity. Here it needs to be highlighted that Shannon felt once his colleagues have become aware of his addiction, it has been easier to get closure in the social circle. However, he has stated that the incident did not result in any significant reduction in taking cannabis. Rather, he states, it has made him bolder to admit, use and sometimes even advocate the use of cannabis to his very few close friends.
Cognitive Factors
When he was asked about his perceptions of the impact of use of cannabis on his normal life, Shannon stated that many a times it has resulted in the inability to perform a task or more significantly, remember. Being associated with the financial market, Shannon establishes that it is highly important to be abreast of clients’ investments and needs to provide advice. However, he recalls a few instances when after a night of heavy use of Cannabis, he had difficulty in remembering clients’ details and requirements which he blames on use to cannabis the morning after to ‘get over with’.
Here there is an important factor that needs to be highlighted. It can be seen that use of cannabis affected Shannon’s judgmental cognisance more than once. Even if Shannon can understand that use of cannabis is having an effect on his mental and physical health, he is finding it difficult to ensure abstinence from the use of cannabis all by him. This is associated with addiction as in many cases it has been seen that patients become aware of the impact of narcotic substances but find it difficult to restrain themselves from consumption (Lucas and Orozco, 2001).
Behaviours and beliefs regarding Smoking Cannabis
An important and often overlooked factor in smoking and taking cannabis is the behaviours and beliefs of the affected person as well as society about the addicted. It has been found that in many cases, people and individuals look down on users of Cannabis and other forms of narcotic substances as social outcasts (Pope et al. 2001). Consumption of narcotics is, usually, associated by withdrawal from other members of the society due to the many perceptions and beliefs they have. This is another important reason to highlight the case of Shannon as it will help in defeating a traditional notion – which state addicts are from poor and underdeveloped societies (Lucas and Orozco, 2001). Shannon’s achievements in a short span and problem of cannabis consumption bear testimony to the fact that such issues are well prevalent among the well-to-do social classes as well.
On the other hand, the beliefs and perceptions of Shannon also need to be highlighted that will help in understanding cannabis users better. When asked about the same, Shannon replied that he believes addiction to cannabis is to be considered okay, when it does not lead to an injury or harm to another person. Shannon states that if an individual’s normal lifestyle and ability to earn is not affected by taking cannabis, others should ideally not have a problem. Users need to be aware of the affect of cannabis use on others and society and it is important to lead a balanced life. Shannon was also asked whether he holds cannabis responsible for his underlying withdrawal from society. He stated that it was the other way round, whereby poor communication and interaction with others and pressure of work had been the main reasons why he had resorted to taking cannabis in the first place. When asked about his awareness on the harmful impacts of the substance on the health and well-being, Shannon stated that he believed it is alright to use a little sometimes. However, he also stated that people should ideally refrain from use it in the first place and even if they start using cannabis, it should be in small doses. This was a reason enough to ask Shannon what was his idea about small doze of cannabis and the subsequent ill effect on health and well-being. Surprisingly, Shannon did not have answers and said that he had come across to ‘get well’.
Consequences of Smoking Cannabis
Given the instances of many users of cannabis such as Shannon, it is important to highlight the ill effects of cannabis use and the threats to physical and mental well-being. An important aspect that needs to be highlighted is that cannabis smoke contains 50% to 70% carcinogenic substances than normal cigarette smoke (Lucas and Orozco, 2001). It has also been stated that one single joint of cannabis can cause more damage to the lungs than five normal cigarettes smoked one after the other (Doll et al. 2004). Along with affecting the lung’s oxygen absorbing capacity, long-term consumption can also lead to the development of bronchitis. The heart, like the lungs, is also affected by consumption of cannabis. Absorption of THC into the blood-stream leads to increased heart rate and dilation of the blood vessels (Cataldo et al. 2010). It has been suggested by many medical practitioners that intake of cannabis is likely to have a more profound effect on the elderly. Prolonged use of cannabis on a regular basis will interfere in normal oxygen carrying to the brain. The brain has cannabinoid receptors that are affected by THC molecules. The immediate effects of the same include limited response in hands and limbs, distorted vision, poor co-ordination of limb movements and as has been highlighted in the responses of Shannon, and it affects memory to a great extent.
This impact on normal brain functioning is associated with limited or abnormal motor reflexes and thus it makes it particularly dangerous to consume cannabis and perform movement functions such as driving, walking, crossing the road and many others (Lucas and Orozco, 2001).
Summary
The aim of this presentation was to shed more light on the perspectives and mental condition of users of cannabis. It has been presented that the responses of Shannon revealed addiction and consumption of narcotics creates an impact on everyone’s life irrespective of the social status. The ill effects of consumption of cannabis have been highlighted as well, which make it important for everyone to go through this document to gain a concise yet contemporary insight into consumption and effects of cannabis on the behaviour of people.
References
Cataldo, J.K., Prochaska, J.J. and Glantz, S.A. (2010). "Cigarette Smoking is a Risk Factor for Alzheimer's Disease: an Analysis Controlling for Tobacco Industry Affiliation". Journal of Alzheimer's disease : JAD 19 (2): 465–480
Doll, R., Peto, R., Boreham, J. and Sutherland, I. (2004). "Mortality in relation to smoking: 50 years' observations on male British doctors". BMJ 328 (7455): 1519.
Kirk, J. (1989). Cognitive-behavioural assessment. In K. Hawton, P.M. Salkovskis, J. Kirk, & D. M. Clark (Eds.), Cognitive-behaviour therapy for psychiatric problems: A practical guide (Chapter 2: pp 13-51). Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Lukas, S. E. and Orozco, S. (2001). "Ethanol increases plasma Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) levels and subjective effects after marihuana smoking in human volunteers". Drug and Alcohol Dependence 64 (2): 143–9
Pope Jr., H. G., Gruber, A. J., Hudson, J., Huestis, M. A. and Yurgelun-Todd, D (2001). "Neuropsychological performance in long-term cannabis users". Archives of General Psychiatry 58 (10): 909–15
