Which is worse for you, alcohol or marijuana?

THE Some may believe widespread drug use is non-existent and alcoholism affects very few people in the United States. Unfortunately, this is not the case and many are affected by the use of these addictive substances. In this infographic, you'll learn who is using these drugs and how common it is in America. BATTLE ALCOHOL BET WE EN AND MaRjuana AREAS OF THE BRAIN VULNERABLE TO ALCOHOL I ALCOHOL USE ABOUT CEREBRAL CORTEX > Thought Processing and Consciousness AREAS OF THE BRAIN RECEPTIVE MARIJUANA USE D 15 TO MARIJUANA of pure alcohol are consumed yearly per 1,000 LITERS AMERICANS, In 2010, CEREBELLUM >Coordinating Movement THC, the main chemical compound found in marijuana, affects these three cannabinoid receptor sites in the brain when the drug is consumed. 174 FRONTAL LOBEI people were using marijuana >Learning and Memory MILLION every month. HIPPOCAMPUS BASAL GANGLIA Unconscious Muscle Only 17.7% of people >Recollection of Recent Events in the U.S. will not drink alcohol in their lifetime. HYPOTHALAMUS AND PITUITARY > Monitors Automatic Brain Function > and Hormone Release In 2007, the number of marijuana Movement CEREBELLUM > Coordination MILLION users was Percent of male population dying from alcohol-related disease annually: Percent of female population dying from alcohol-related disease annually: MILLION 4.5 PEOPLE 61.8% MOST COMMON CAUSES OF DEATH ATTRIBUTED TO ALCOHOL IN THE WORLD, BY DISEASE: SOME EFFECTS OF MARIJUANAD were reported as abusing or having dependency issues with marijuana. of illicit drug users, in 2010 said their first drug was marijuana. Causes short-term memory loss. Cirrhosis of the Liver Sleep issues. Cerebrovascular Disease Episodes of psychosis. 5.48% Epilepsy Faster heart rate. MARIJUANA USE IN 2010 24 Liver Cancer Impairment of cognitive functions. MOST CONSUMED ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES IN THE U.S." 1 in 6 kids Detrimental effects to balance and coordination. 1 in 25 adults. will abuse or become addicted to marijuana compared to Mouth and Oropharynx Cancers Beer· Breast Cancer ------- Results in problems with memory and learning. 53% .spirits- Wine Colon and Rectum Cancers ---- Can cause addiction. 16% 31% Oesophagus Cancer Increased risk for chronic lung issues. Ischaemic Heart Disease Possible increase in the risk for anxiety and depression. --- .. Average age > 18.4 YEARS OLD. of first use: ----------------------------------------------- Used marijuana 20 or more days a month: Used marijuana 300 days in a row: WHILE ALCOHOL MAY CAUSE A GOOD NUMBER OF DISEASES WITH ITS EXTENDED CONSUMPTION, MARIJUANA HAS ITS OWN NUMBER OF DETRIMENTAL EFFECTS. NOT EVERYTHING IS KNOWN ABOUT THE LONG-TERM EFFECTS OF CONSISTENT SUBSTANCE ABUSE, THOUGH RESEARCH IS CONSTANTLY ARISING TO PRESENT NEW INSIGHT. 15.7% 39.9% (6 www. .n stance abureeubucations/global alcohol report/msbgsruprofiles.p .. .. ..... . 1] http://science.howstuffworks.com/marijuana3.htm 2] http://www.oas.samhsa.gov/NSDUH/2K10NSDUH/2k10Results.pdf 8 (3] http://www.drugabuse gov/publications/research-reports/marijuana-abuse/how-does-marijuana-use-affect-your-brain-body (4] http://www.ednewscolorado.org/2012/02/22/33516-research-shows-adverse-effects-of-marijuana-on-teens-as-drug-use-among-students-appears-to-be-rising [5] (7] http://www.who.int/substance abuse/publications/global alcoholreport/msbgsramro.pdf (8] http://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/life/human-biology/alcoholism4.htm Itotal dui