Behavior Health and Wellness Blog

Addiction

Effect of cannabis smoking on lung function and respiratory symptoms

As cannabis use becomes increasingly common around the world, understanding its impact on lung health has become an urgent priority for both physicians and the public. While tobacco smoking has been extensively studied and linked to serious respiratory conditions such as chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the long-term effects of cannabis smoking remain far less clear. This is due to several factors, including the legal status

Read More »

Calls to Reassess Cannabis Risks: New Research Reported

Many people still believe marijuana is “safe” or that it’s impossible to get addicted, but research increasingly proves the opposite. Cannabis use disorder (CUD) is emerging as a serious public health issue in the United States and beyond. Unlike casual perceptions that downplay its risks, science shows cannabis can have long-lasting effects on the brain, behavior, and overall health—especially for teens and young adults whose brains are still developing. The

Read More »

Respiratory Care Settings and Smoking Cessation

Smoking is one of the leading causes of respiratory disease, impacting lung health at every stage of life. It is responsible for about 8 in 10 COPD-related deaths in the United States, worsens asthma in both adults and adolescents, and increases the risk for tuberculosis, pneumonia, and chronic bronchitis. Additional consequences include reduced lung function, impaired lung growth in youth, and heightened risk of respiratory cancers. Secondhand smoke is equally

Read More »

How Tobacco Use Affects Oral Health

Cigarettes, cigars, hookah, e-cigarettes, and smokeless tobacco all negatively impact oral health, often in ways that are both painful and dangerous. Tobacco use is strongly linked to oral cancers, including those of the mouth, throat, lips, and gums. Cigarettes can cause gum disease, stained teeth, and even tooth loss. Cigars, even without inhaling, can cause mouth and throat cancers, while hookah (waterpipe tobacco) use is associated with lip and oral

Read More »