One of the most common questions that people ask is: what harms more, alcohol or marijuana? Which of these products adversely affects the functioning of the brain and the general condition of the body, let's figure it out right now.
Scientific evidence supports the fact that none of the foods are good for the body. Alcohol is not a healthy food, and marijuana is not a safe substance.
At first glance, it may seem that alcohol does more harm to brain function and overall well-being. In Ukraine, according to a survey conducted by the Sociological Group.
Rating:
- 66% of Ukrainians surveyed drink alcoholic beverages (of which 33% drink it less than once a month, 26% - several times a month, 7% - several times a week, 1% - every day.
- 32% of Ukrainians surveyed do not drink alcoholic beverages at all.
The consequences of alcohol or cannabis addiction can be fatal. But how is alcohol different from marijuana? – Consider statistics.
Consequences of alcohol
1. Death
Over the past year, more than 9,715 people were recorded who died from alcohol. The record year for deaths from alcohol was 2008, when 27,008 people were recorded.
People who cannot cope with addiction on their own do not want to take action and continue to poison themselves, as a result, internal organs fail, the liver swells and the body stops functioning.
2. chronic diseases
From the excessive use of alcohol, the body cannot cope with a heavy load and fails. The most common diseases in people suffering from alcoholism: cirrhosis of the liver, hepatitis, cardiovascular insufficiency, early heart attacks and strokes, cancer.
3. Fatal crash
People often neglect the rules of the road. Drunk driving is fatal in 30% of all crashes. During the year, 86 thousand deaths were counted. Despite these horrific statistics, people still get behind the wheel under the influence of alcohol.
4. Alcohol use disorder
Alcohol destroys life and leads to addiction. Alcoholics typically do not see the problem, and in the meantime, their mental health is gradually collapsing.5. Decrease in brain volume
According to a study by JAMA Neurology, drinking alcohol, even just 1–7 drinks a week, is associated with a decrease in brain size. Another study at BMJ shows that as little as 1–2 glasses of wine a day is associated with atrophy of the hippocampus, the area of the brain responsible for mood, memory and learning.6. Risk of dementia
Drinking alcohol in moderate or large amounts provokes the appearance of dementia in 56%. Brain scans in drinkers showed poor blood flow. This can lead to the development of Alzheimer's disease.7. Depression
Most alcohol addicts treat themselves and drown their feelings in alcohol, but it gives a temporary effect, and in the end, depression, apathy and anxiety only get worse.Consequences of marijuana
1. Fatal accident 6% of all accidents per year with fatal consequences were the cause of drug intoxication with marijuana;
2. Increased risk of depression and suicidal tendencies For most, marijuana is associated with fun and high. But studies have shown that cannabis use during adolescence develops depression and suicidal tendencies.
3. Anxiety rises Neuropsychologists have conducted research and found that people who regularly use marijuana with high levels of THC develop anxiety.
In conclusion - alcohol versus marijuana
Cannabis contains CBD, which is often used in medicine to create medicines, as well as to prevent certain diseases. At the same time, cannabidiols are able to reduce the effects of neurodegeneration, which is caused by the use of large doses of alcohol, which at least already makes it clear that alcohol is more harmful than marijuana.
