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While marijuana remains a debated topic among many within the United States, many people who are chronically ill swear by the natural substance that helps them experience relief from pain associated by their illness. While studies typically focused on chronically ill patients, there have now been many studies conducted on those who experience autoimmune diseases. This article will explore some surprising effects that marijuana can have on ill patients.

1. It is common to hear about cancer patients utilizing marijuana in pill form during the final stages of life to help manage pain. It is less common however to hear about patients who are diagnosed with other common ailments such as but not limited to asthma and Crohn’s disease. In fact, in a small study conducted in 2015, researches found that over a three month period, Crohn’s patients experienced less pain and diarrhea when inhaling cannabis on a regular basis than before. In some instances, patients even gained weight and made them happier.
2. Other studies have found that there are even more surprising facts about cannabis use among those who suffer from Alzheimer’s, epilepsy, tourette’s, and glaucoma. In fact, cannabis has been found to slow the spreading of HIV/Aids and halts the long-term affects of Alzheimer’s. While patients who are typically given access to this product are in the late stages of life, there is no doubt that cannabis helps them cope, feel less pain, and experience a more relaxed state of being.
3. While some say that using medical marijuana is inconsistent in its results, those that use it report feeling less anxious, more relaxed, and all around happier than before they started using the drug. Some physicians also claim that while many prescribed drugs can cause adverse side effects, medical marijuana provides less and often times many will not notice anything at all.

When the mainstream population thinks of consuming marijuana for medicinal purposes, they often think of smoking the plant. While this is certainly a way to access its’ benefits, the better way to receive positive results is by eating it. Some are crushing the plant into small sugar-like granules to bake with. Others are mixing the plant in with their other produce to make a healthy smoothy. Some are even getting creative and making cannabis cheese fries. There are a variety of ways to utilize the plant to reap its’ benefits. All you have to do is have an open mind and get creative in the kitchen.
The research is fascinating and as the topic remains one of great interest among legislators in many states, it is quite possible that society will be accessing cannabis products for home medicinal use in the near future. If you live in a state in which you can legally purchase the product along with supplies for it, check out Medpot.net for the latest and greatest in home care products. While the product remains one of great controversy, research continues to be conducted and it is likely that more patients will be accessing the plant for medicinal purposes and for quality of life reasons.

There are several things to consider when deciding to seek assistance for addiction or any issue that you need help overcoming. Often times people are afraid to discuss the topic of recovery or treatment because there is a stigma attached to the notion of having an addiction. What many do not realize is that having an addiction is not something that can be handled over night and it should be treated with the same care and concern as someone who needs help because they have a disease. Addiction can be considered a silent disease as it is not always easily detectable nor is it popular to discuss. If you or someone you know are interested in learning more about finding the right treatment center, here are 4 things to think about before making a final selection.

• Type of therapy. This is very important to think about as the type of treatment you commit to can vary greatly. You should take into consideration that there are some treatment centers that offer inpatient and outpatient options. Other centers offer individual or group therapy. For instance, it is best to check their locations as you may not be able to participate in outpatient treatment if you live several hours away. If you know that your likelihood to be successful is increased if you stay at the facility and complete a longer term program, choosing an inpatient program may be the better option.

• Insurance coverage and costs. Before making a commitment to attend a treatment center, it is best to contact your insurance company and check to see if you will receive any type of coverage. If your plan does not offer monetary assistance, you will need to take a look at your finances and analyze your budget. If you are unable to afford the treatment center, there may be staff at the center that can help you come up with payment options.

• Program type. The program type can be a very important factor as it will determine if you will be involved in a program that is religious based or not. Some programs use a 12 step system, others use different methods.

• Resources and Support. Perhaps this is the most crucial aspect of choosing a treatment center. The resources and support offered to you while in the program and afterwards is critical in your long-term success. Look for a center that will provide support in the form of friendships, lifestyle coaching, and even family support. Not only will it be important for you to make a lifestyle change after completing a treatment program, but your family will also need to participate in changing their lifestyle as well. Many family members may be shocked that they are being asked to learn about addiction and how to be supportive as well as learn what habits, themselves, need to change for the better. Family members often have a hard time taking responsibility in changing their behavior as they do not believe that they have a “problem.” What family members do not understand, sometimes, is that their actions can trigger or cause a relapse. For example, if your brother decides to have a drink in front of you right after you got out of rehab, it is likely you may want to have a drink. Now this is not to say that you are not responsible for your actions, you certainly are. However there are some things that you will need your family to change such as offering you a drink when you have been sober and are trying to remain clean.

Attending a treatment center takes time, consideration, and a great deal of research to find a place that will meet your needs, be within your budget, offer the program type of interest, as well as provide support and resources for you after the program.