When it comes to substance use, many people view alcohol and cannabis as being on the same level. However, this is far from the truth. While both substances can have negative effects on the body and mind, alcohol is much more dangerous and destructive than cannabis. In this blog post, we will explore why alcohol is so much worse than cannabis and why they are not on the same level.
Alcohol is a Toxic Substance
One of the biggest reasons why alcohol is so much worse than cannabis is that it is a toxic substance. When you drink alcohol, it goes into your bloodstream and can cause serious damage to your liver, brain, and other vital organs. Over time, excessive drinking can lead to cirrhosis of the liver, brain damage, and even death.
On the other hand, cannabis is not toxic. While it can have some negative effects, such as impaired judgment and memory, it does not cause serious damage to the body over time. In fact, some studies have even suggested that cannabis can have therapeutic benefits for certain medical conditions, such as chronic pain, anxiety, and depression.
Alcohol is More Addictive
Another reason why alcohol is so much worse than cannabis is that it is more addictive. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), approximately 14 million people in the United States have alcohol use disorder. This is compared to just 4 million people who have a cannabis use disorder.
This is because alcohol is a highly addictive substance, and it is easy to become dependent on it. Once someone starts drinking, it can be difficult to stop, and they may experience withdrawal symptoms such as tremors, anxiety, and even seizures if they try to quit.
Cannabis, on the other hand, is not as addictive. While some people can develop a dependency on it, it is generally not as difficult to quit as alcohol. In addition, cannabis withdrawal symptoms are milder and less dangerous than alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
Alcohol Causes More Violence and Accidents
Finally, alcohol is so much worse than cannabis because it causes more violence and accidents. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), alcohol is a factor in approximately 88,000 deaths in the United States each year. This is compared to zero deaths from cannabis.
In addition, alcohol is often associated with violent behavior, such as domestic abuse, sexual assault, and even murder. On the other hand, cannabis use is not typically linked to violent behavior.
In conclusion, while both cannabis and alcohol can have negative effects on the body and mind, alcohol is much more dangerous and destructive. If you are struggling with substance use, it is important to seek help and support and to choose a substance that is less dangerous and destructive for your health and well-being.