Anti Drug Misuse And Abuse Program ABSU

1. The Cost to Cognitive Function and Education
​The most critical hidden cost, especially for young people, is the impact on the developing brain (which continues to mature until age 25).
​Impaired Potential: Regular use, particularly when started in adolescence, is strongly associated with a decline in IQ (in some studies, up to 8 points permanently) and a reduction in critical brain functions.
​The Motivation Drain (Amotivational Syndrome): Cannabis affects the brain's dopamine system, leading to feelings of fatigue, low mood, and an overall lack of motivation. This manifests as:
​Reduced academic achievement: Lower grades, difficulty concentrating, memory problems, and a higher risk of school absenteeism and dropout.
​Lower Life Satisfaction: Users often have lower career achievement and reduced overall life satisfaction compared to non-users.
​Memory and Attention: Chronic use impairs working memory and the ability to process information and maintain attention—skills vital for learning, professional success, and daily life.
​2. The Cost to Mental Health
​Cannabis is often used to cope with anxiety or depression, but the long-term cost can be a worsening of these conditions and the emergence of severe mental disorders.
​Anxiety and Depression: Daily or near-daily use can actually increase the risk of developing anxiety and depressive disorders over time.
​Psychosis Risk: Regular cannabis use, particularly with high-potency products (high THC), significantly increases the risk of developing temporary psychosis (hallucinations, paranoia) and long-lasting disorders like schizophrenia, especially in individuals with a family history or who begin use at a younger age.
​3. The Cost to Safety and Daily Life
​This cost affects not just the user, but the community around them.
​Impaired Driving: Cannabis negatively impacts reaction time, coordination, and concentration, making impaired driving a significant public safety threat.