In a recently released study of more than 1,000 New Zealanders, researchers proved that teenagers who regularly smoke marijuana often experience a long-term decline in mental function that can last into adulthood. The study found that adolescents that used cannabis more than four days per week lost an average of eight IQ points between the ages of 13 and 38, a pattern not seen in people who started smoking marijuana heavily in adulthood.
Lighthouse Network a national leader in providing Christian addiction programs and services, strongly urges addicts, family members and others who love them to learn the warning signs and take preventive action early. September, National Recovery Month, is a time where additional focus is placed on those who are struggling with addictions to get the help they need and deserve. National Recovery Month is a national observance that educates Americans about addiction and treatment, which can help addicts recover and live a sober, healthy, and rewarding life.
Through their free, 24-hour Lighthouse Network Addiction and Counseling Helpline at (844) 543-3242, Lighthouse Network Care Guides talk with callers and can help determine the next best course of action for the caller’s needs. Curriculum and other programs that Lighthouse has developed help the addicted and their caregivers and Lighthouse Network provides these resources to many facilities throughout the United States.
Comments From Lighthouse Network Founder and Executive Director, Dr. Karl Benzio
“During adolescence, our brain is going through critical changes and toxins like marijuana, other illegal substances, or improperly used prescription medications cause significant, lasting damage, interfering with the user developing the mind of Christ and attaining their God-given potential,” said Karl Benzio, M.D., who is the Founder and Executive Director of Lighthouse Network, the country’s premier Christian addiction and mental health referral service. “Make no mistake, we are in a spiritual war and the battlefield is our mind, especially impressionable and developing minds of our youth. Our brain is one of the greatest gifts God has given us and the organ that all our decisions are mediated through. So guarding it with all vigilance, as Proverbs 4:23 advises, is our number one calling, allowing us to be Godly decision-makers.
“Lighthouse Network works hard to develop unique treatment curricula and options that will address spiritual, psychological, and biochemical aspects to address core issues that lead to addictions and mental health struggles,” said Benzio.” Because many people have a hard time understanding mental health issues and accessing appropriate treatment options, we guide people through the complicated system to turn their life around and live the life God calls them to live. We want to make anyone who struggles with this problem feel safe and empowered to get the help they need to transform their minds, before lasting damage occurs.”