State of Illinois
Department of Human Services
We Ask Everyone About Marijuana
The Illinois SBIRT Initiative Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment
Did You Know?
Marijuana can impair your ability to drive. Driving while under the influence of marijuana is just as dangerous as driving under the influence of alcohol.
What to expect when cutting back or quitting using marijuana:
- Change takes time.
- You may have some withdrawal symptoms.
- You will need support.
You don't have to do this alone:
- Contact your doctor if you are thinking about making a change.
- Together you will set up a plan for a safe way to make a change.
How can I learn more?
Visit this helpful website: www.drugabuse.gov
Marijuana
The active ingredient in marijuana is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, also known as "THC." THC changes the way your brain works. You may not notice the changes, but marijuana may be affecting everyday things.
Marijuana Can:
- Change how we experience events
- Slow reactions or diminish coordination
- Make problem solving and concentration difficult
- Cause problems with learning and memory
Questions to Consider
Does my marijuana use lead to:
- Missing work or being to late to work?
- Problems at work (accidents or fights)?
- Fights or arguments with family and/or friends?
- Money issues and/or financial concerns?
- Arrests and/or legal problems?
- An inability to handle important events without using?
Effects of Marijuana
BRAIN (during use)
- Short term memory problems
- Lowered judgment and processing skills
- Learning skills impaired
LUNGS (heavy smoking)
* Increased risk for several breathing problems
FEELINGS
- Heightened anxiety/panic
- Worsened depression
- Diminished pleasure
IMMUNE?SYSTEM (smoking)
* Worsened allergy symptoms/breathing related
ALERTNESS
- Excessive drowsiness
- Less coordination
- Slower reaction time
HEART (during use)
* Elevated heart rate
STOMACH
* Possible weight gain due to increased appetite (commonly known as munchies")
DIABETIC?CONCERN
(if binge eating after use)
* Blood sugar can be adversely affected
Symptoms of smoking marijuana:
- Coughing
- Extra phlegm production
- Getting colds or bronchitis
- Trouble with blood sugar levels (after the binge eating that typically follows marijuana use)
Something to try:
Community Resources:
Behavioral Specialist:
Name ________________________________
Contact ______________________________
Name ________________________________Contact ______________________________
Useful Websites/Literature:
Thanks to the Indiana Prevention Resource Center for sharing their original brochure with us. This publication was made possible by Grant Number TI23455 from the United States Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Center for Substance Abuse Treatment to the Illinois Department of Human Services, Division of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse.
Programs, activities and employment opportunities in the Illinois Department of Human Services are open and accessible to any individual or group without regard to age, sex, race, sexual orientation, disability, ethnic origin or religion. The department is an equal opportunity employer and practices affirmative action and reasonable accommodation programs.
DHS 4553 (N-08-15) SBIRT Marijuana Printed by the Authority of the State of Illinois. PO #15-2105 1000 copies
