Does Marijuana Lead to a More Stimulating Sex Life?

By Antonio XYZ

The views expressed by the individual does not represent Fountain House, its Board of Directors, and the Fountain House community at large.

Cannabis has long been used in traditional medicine as a sexual stimulant. The National Commission on Marijuana and Drugs found that 44% of marijuana users felt marijuana significantly increased their sexual drive. More than two-thirds of the marijuana users, men and women, said it increased sexual desire. Many of them smoked only about one joint per week.

Many people have recently begun to wonder whether marijuana “genuinely” causes heightened passion and sexual arousal. On the surface, it appears that cannabis provides a remarkable ability to help individuals appreciate pleasure and engage in physical intimacy.

Many seem to enjoy increased frequency and interest in sex. However, many users report that cannabis causes them sexual dysfunction. As with any substance, there is the possibility of developing marijuana dependency, drug addiction or substance use disorder (SUD).

Sexual Side Effects of Marijuana Use

Some people are drawn to the idea of having an "intense" sexual experience. Before, during, and after sex, THC, the active ingredient in marijuana, can help you relax, reduce stress and calm your nerves. However, cannabis can make a person sleepy, dulls the senses and makes one feel disconnected.

People high on marijuana feel "blunted" in their best moments. However, a person under the influence may lose opportunities at intimacy if they cannot focus during sex. Jumbled thoughts while engaging in sexual activity with another person can decrease enhanced arousal quickly.

Men and Marijuana

Marijuana can impair one's ability to function and maintain desire in the bedroom. Some of these concerns are specific to men. According to a La Trobe University study, marijuana abuse can cause or worsen sexual dysfunction.

Men who use marijuana may experience low testosterone, low libido, sperm count, inhibited orgasm, erectile dysfunction (ED) and premature ejaculation (PE). Although cannabis use may increase a man's sexual desire, this arousal is not always sustained.

Many factors can contribute to PE, but regular marijuana users may be more vulnerable. Marijuana use has been linked to ED, in some studies, because of the way THC inhibits bodily functions, including penile muscles. Chronic marijuana use increases the risk of a person having this condition.

According to recent research, daily marijuana users have a more challenging time getting an orgasm than non-users. The majority of scientists believe that regular marijuana use reduces the intensity of a sexual high.

Women and Weed

Women who use marijuana regularly report improved touch and a more vigorous physical bond with their partners. It has been demonstrated that it improves smell, sight, taste and hearing.

According to self-reports from women, smoking marijuana before intercourse improved overall sexual satisfaction, desire orgasm and vaginal pain relief.

Research shows that women who regularly use cannabis have better organisms than those who have never or rarely used it. They are twice as likely to use marijuana before a sexual encounter.

The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology recommends avoiding using marijuana while pregnant. More research is being conducted to determine how cannabis affects mothers and babies.

Marijuana use during pregnancy has been linked to congenital disabilities, low birth weight and abnormal brain development. It may also result in children born with attention, memory, problem-solving, and behavioral issues. Even if a mother stops using marijuana, her child may be exposed to THC stored in the mother’s body fat.

What is Cannabis Use Disorder?

Receiving a diagnosis of cannabis use disorder (CUD) or marijuana use disorder means you continue to use marijuana despite adverse effects. Many people believe marijuana addiction is impossible. But it is a real possibility, which is why it is classified as a Schedule I drug.

When a person stops smoking marijuana, withdrawal symptoms occur, indicating the severity of their drug abuse. One-third of frequent marijuana users reported withdrawal symptoms, and 50% to 95% of heavy users did as well. Irritation, restlessness, insomnia, and hot flashes are all withdrawal symptoms.

Within a month, approximately 10% of first-time marijuana users become addicted. Among current users, 30% meet the criteria for marijuana addiction.

CUD Treatment

Even though cannabis use disorder is more common and severe than many realize, most individuals do not seek addiction treatment. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), motivation enhancement therapy (MET), and contingency management (CM) are common treatments.

Cannabis use and CUD are hampered by substance abuse and mental illness issues and need dual diagnosis treatment in many cases. Legalizing cannabis for nonmedical purposes may increase the prevalence of cannabis use disorder in high-income countries.

Talk with your doctor if you feel your marijuana use impairs your life in any way, including between the sheets. A drug addiction expert or mental health professional can also help.

Filling Your Toolbox With Mental Health Mobile Apps

by Antonio XYZ

Mental health apps have proven to be a more valuable resource than in-person resources for many people during these last 15 months. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, "mental illness is one of the most common chronic diseases in America." One in five Americans experiences mental illness every year. That's why these mobile phone apps are so essential to offer support when other resources may not be available. These apps can help in many areas, such as self-assessments, providing training and tools for recovery, and providing care for those at risk.

Mobile phone apps can serve as a valuable resource for those who have trouble accessing traditional care or don't want to use it because of stigma or financial reasons. With the help of some mental health or health-related mobile apps, people have tools to monitor their emotional state, identify triggers for their moods, track moods over time, have reminders for taking medication and more. These are some apps that have helped me get through this pandemic, isolation and wavering levels of support. I can honestly say I've rightfully found my place back in the driver's seat of my wellness management, thanks to them. You may want to add a few to your digital toolbox.

JOURNALING

HABIT FORMATION/TRACKING

SELF-MANAGED BEHAVIORAL THERAPY

WEIGHT LOSS MANAGEMENT

2020’s Self Care Books for Trying Times

With Covid-19 a global pandemic that is still lingering in the air, and keeping our connections at a social distance, added how here at NYPL our librarians miss the frequent interactions with our patrons, I was contemplating on ways to keep our reading connected, our souls warm, and our health having its self care. Before google, I’d rely on the plethora of information our branches hold on any challenge in life I’d be facing. Now with a myriad of problems we can tackle, and resources we can all use to improve our lives, I wanted to tackle grounding and elevating ourselves to cope with our surroundings, than advice I can provide on financial, relationship, life goals, etc.

In this blog “2020’s Self Care Books 4 Trying Times” I’ve comprised my 20 favorite titles for the year 2020 on wellness, people’s journeys, and how health experts can help guide us to a calm and vibrant place for our wellbeing. From parenting tips, to self acceptance, coping with a mental health disorder, or even self care rituals, the need for healthy habits is a topic we all can relate and rely on to keep us striving through this winter, and being united through our current unstable climate. We should never be ashamed of our experiences, asking for help, and addressing challenges in our lives to be at peace with our pasts, content with our present, and hopeful about our futures.

What is Self-care, according to very well mind, describes a conscious act one takes in order to promote their own physical, mental, and emotional health. There are many forms self-care may take. It could be ensuring you get enough sleep every night or stepping outside for a few minutes for some fresh air.

What is mindfulness? Mindfulness refers to being in the moment. This means feeling what our bodies feel, letting ourselves think without judging our thoughts, and being aware of our environment. It is about paying attention on purpose to both what is happening inside and outside of you.

ADULT

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change by Stephen R. Covey

Topics: Professional Development, Success, Psych Evaluation

One of the most inspiring and impactful books ever written, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People has captivated readers for nearly three decades. It has transformed the lives of presidents and CEOs, educators and parents—millions of people of all ages and occupations. Now, this 30th anniversary edition of the timeless classic commemorates the wisdom of the 7 habits with modern additions from Sean Covey. The 7 habits have become famous and are integrated into everyday thinking by millions and millions of people. Why? Because they work!With Sean Covey's added takeaways on how the habits can be used in our modern age, the wisdom of the 7 habits will be refreshed for a new generation of leaders.

Stay Positive: Encouraging Quotes and Messages to Fuel Your Life With Positive Energy by Jon Gordon

Topics: Self Help, Affirmations, Optimism

Stay Positive is more than a phrase. It's an approach to life that says when you get knocked down, you'll get back up and find a way forward one faithful step and optimistic day at a time. Start your day with a message from the book, or pick it up anytime you need a mental boost. You can start from the beginning, or open the book to any page and find a message that speaks to you. The book is a go-to resource for anyone wanting to inject a healthy dose of positivity into their life

$9 Therapy: Semi-Capitalist Solutions to Your Emotional Problems by Megan Reid and Nick Greene

Topics: Life Skills/Hacks, Self Care Rituals, Budgeting

A collection of the authors' favorite life hacks and mini-upgrades, such as craft cocktails on the cheap or tips for a perfectly planned staycation. Sometimes it takes as little as nine dollars to turn your life around. How to find simple pleasures in a pricey, wellness-obsessed world.

You Were Born For This: Astrology for Radical Self-Acceptance by Chani Nicholas

Topics: Astrology, Self Acceptance

A revolutionary empowerment book that uses astrology as a tool for self-discovery, success, and self-care from the beloved astrologer Chani Nicholas, a media darling with a loyal following of one million monthly readers.

TEEN

Teaching Mindfulness to Empower Adolescents by Matthew Brensilver

Topics: Mindfulness, Educational Guides, Learning Disabilities, Reflections

Effectively sharing mindfulness with teenagers depends on distinct skill sets . . . done well, it is incredibly joyous." Matthew Brensilver, JoAnna Hardy and Oren Jay Sofer provide a powerful guide to help teachers master the essential competencies needed to successfully share mindfulness practices with teens and adolescents. Incorporating anecdotes from actual teaching, they blend the latest scientific research with innovative, original techniques for making the practices accessible and interesting to this age group. This text is an indispensable handbook for mindfulness instruction in its own right, and a robust companion volume for teachers using The Mindful Schools Curriculum for Adolescents

The Self-Love Revolution: Radical Body Positivity for Girls of Color by Virgie Tovar

Topics: Self Esteem, Plus Size Positivity, Hygiene

Every day we see body ideals depicted in movies, magazines, and social media. And, all too often, these outdated standards make us feel like we need to change how we look and who we are. The truth is that many teens feel self-conscious about their bodies and being a teen girl of color is hard in unique ways. So, how can you start feeling good about yourself when you're surrounded by these unrealistic, and problematic images of what bodies are "supposed" to look like? This book is an unapologetic guide to help you embrace radical body positivity. You'll identify and challenge mainstream beliefs about beauty and bodies; celebrate what makes you unique and powerful; and build real, lasting body empowerment. You'll also learn how to spot diet culture and smash your noisy inner critic so you can start loving your body. It's time to create your own definition of beautiful and recognize that your body is amazing. It's time for a self-love revolution!

Out!: How To Be Your Authentic Self by Miles McKenna

Topics: Coming Out, Self Acceptance, Family Dynamics

Activist Miles McKenna came out on his YouTube channel in 2017, documenting his transition to help other teens navigate their identities and take charge of their own coming out stories. From that wisdom comes Out!, the ultimate YA guide to the queer lifestyle. Find validation, inspiration, and support for your questions big and small--whether you're exploring your identity or seeking to understand the experience of an awesome queer person in your life."

Dancing at the Pity Party: A Dead Mom Graphic Memoir by Tyler Feder

Topics: Grief Counseling, Coping with terminal illness, Bereavement. Family Estrangement

Tyler Feder shares her story of her mother's first oncology appointment to facing reality as a motherless daughter in this frank and refreshingly funny graphic memoir.

Superpowered: Transform Anxiety Into Courage, Confidence, and Resilience by Renee Jain and Dr. Shefali Tsabary

Topics: Health, Fitness, Selt Esteem.

The perfect tool for children facing new social and emotional challenges in an increasingly disconnected world! This how-to book from two psychology experts—packed with fun graphics and quizzes—will help kids transform stress, worry, and anxiety

Teen Guide to Mental Health by Don Nardo

Topics: Teens, Mental Health, Body Image, Puberty

Todays teens face and are expected to deal with a wide array of personal, social, and other issues involving home-life, school, dating, body image, sexual orientation, major life transitions, and in some cases physical and mental problems, including eating disorders and depression. This volume examines how many teens have learned to cope with and survive these often stressful trials and tribulations of modern youth.

KIDS

Turtle Boy by Evan Wolkenstein

Topics: Social Life, Friends, Relationships, School Stress

Seventh grade is not going well for Will Levine. Kids at school bully him because of his funny-looking chin. His science teacher finds out about the turtles he spent his summer collecting from the marsh behind school an orders him to release them back into the wild. And for his Bar Mitzvah community service project, he has to go to the hospital to visit RJ, an older boy struggling with an incurable disease. Unfortunately, Will hates hospitals. At first, the boys don't get along, but then RJ shares his bucket list with Will. Among the things he wants to do: ride a roller coaster, go to a concert and a school dance, swim in the ocean. To Will, happiness is hanging out in his room, alone, preferably with his turtles. But as RJ's disease worsens, Will realizes he needs to tackle the bucket list on his new friend's behalf before it's too late. It seems like an impossible mission, way outside Will's comfort zone. But as he completes each task with RJ's guidance, Will learns that life is too short to live in a shell.

How To Make A Better World: For Every Kid Who Wants To Make A Difference by Keilly Swift

Topics: Activism, Human Rights, Organizing

If you are a kid with big dreams and a passion for what is right, you're a world-changer in the making. There's a lot that can be changed by just one person, if you know what to do. Start by making yourself into the awesome person you want to be by learning all about self-care and kindness. Using those skills, work your way up to creating activist campaigns to tackle climate change or social injustice. This fun and inspiring guide to making the world a better place and becoming a good citizen is packed with ideas and tips for kids who want to know how to make a difference. From ideas as small as creating a neighborhood lending library to important ideas such as public speaking and how to talk about politics, How to Make a Better World is a practical guide to activism for awesome kids.

All About Anxiety by Carrie Lewis

Anxiety. It's an emotion that rears its head almost every day, from the normal worries and concerns that most of us experience, to outright fear when something scary happens, to the anxiety disorders, that many kids live with daily. But what causes anxiety? And what can we do about it? All About Anxiety tackles these questions from every possible angle. Readers will learn what's going on in their brain and central nervous system when they feel anxious. They'll learn about the evolutionary reasons for fear and anxiety and that anxiety isn't always a bad thing--except for when it is! Most importantly, kids will discover new strategies to manage their anxiety so they can live and thrive with anxiety

Dictionary for a better world: poems, quotes, and anecdotes from A to Z by Irene Latham

Topics: Inspiration, Self Help, Advice

Organized as a dictionary, entries in this book for middle-grade readers present words related to creating a better, more inclusive world. Each word is explored via a poem, a quote from an inspiring person, and a short personal anecdote from one of the co-authors, a prompt for how to translate the word into action, and an illustration".

I feel... meh by DJ Corchin

(E-book)Topics: Health, Fitness, Management

This series helps kids recognize, express, and deal with the roller coaster of emotions they feel every day. It has been celebrated by therapists, psychologists, teachers, and parents as wonderful tools to help children develop self-awareness for their feelings and those of their friends. Sometimes I feel meh and I don't want to play. I don't want to read and I have nothing to say. Sometimes you just feel...meh. You don't really feel like doing anything or talking to anyone. You're not even sure how you're feeling inside. Is that bad? With fun, witty illustrations and simple, straightforward text, I Feel...Meh tackles apathy—recognizing it as a valid emotion, while also offering practical steps to get you out of your emotional slump. It's the perfect way for kids—and adults—who are feeling gray to find some joy again!

Violet Shrink by Christine Baldacchino

Topics: Phobias, Relationships, Social Skills

Violet Shrink doesn't like parties. Or bashes, or gatherings. Lots of people and lots of noise make Violet's tummy ache and her hands sweat. She would much rather spend time on her own, watching the birds in her backyard, reading comics, or listening to music through her purple headphones. The problem is that the whole Shrink family loves parties with loud music and games and dancing. At cousin Char's birthday party, Violet hides under a table and imagines she is a shark gliding effortlessly through the water, looking for food. And at Auntie Marlene and Uncle Leli's anniversary bash, Violet sits alone at the top of the stairs, imagining she is a slithering snake way up in the branches. When Violet learns that the Shrink family reunion is fast approaching, she musters up the courage to have a talk with her dad. In this thoughtful story about understanding and acceptance, Violet's natural introversion and feelings of social anxiety are normalized when she and her father reach a solution together. Christine Baldacchino's warm text demonstrates the role imagination often plays for children dealing with anxiety, and the power of a child expressing their feelings to a parent who is there to listen. Carmen Mok's charming illustrations perfectly capture Violet's emotions and the vibrancy of her imagination. A valuable contribution to books addressing mental health."-- Provided by publisher.

Check out this link to a presentation by NYPL’s Children’s Librarians, Sarah West and Justine Toussaint on Mindfulness/Social-Emotional Self-Esteem Picture Book Spotlight. Featuring popular book titles in our database of the past few years promoting kids well beings!

Pre-2020 Books

Aphorism by Franz Kafka

Topics: Life Quotes, Recovery, Future Planning

For the first time, a single volume that collects all of the aphorisms penned by this universally acclaimed twentieth-century literary figure. Kafka twice wrote aphorisms in his lifetime. The first effort was a series of 109, known as the Zurau Aphorisms, which were written between September 1917 and April 1918, and originally published posthumously by his friend, Max Brod, in 1931. These aphorisms reflect on metaphysical and theological issues--as well as the occasional dog. The second sequence of aphorisms, numbering 41, appears in Kafka's 1920 diary dating from January 6 to February 29. It is in these aphorisms, whose subject is "He," where Kafka distills the unexpected nature of experience as one shaped by exigency and possibility."

This Book Loves You by PewDiePie

Topics: Life Skills, Inspiration, Food 4 Thought

A popular blogger shares humorous pieces of advice and positivity, including "Never forget you are beautiful compared to a fish" and "Every day is a new fresh start to stay in bed."

The Subtle Art Of Not Giving A Fuck: A Counterintuitive Approach To Living A Good Life by Mark Manson

Topic: Self Help, Happiness, Motivation

In this generation-defining self-help guide, a superstar blogger shows us that the key to being happier is to stop trying to be 'positive' all the time and instead become better at handling adversity. For decades we've been told that positive thinking is the key to a happy, rich life. But those days are over. 'Fuck positivity, ' Mark Manson says. 'Let's be honest; sometimes things are fucked up and we have to live with it.' For the past few years, Manson--via his wildly popular blog--has been working on correcting our delusional expectations for ourselves and for the world. He now brings his hard-fought wisdom to this groundbreaking book. Manson makes the argument--backed both by academic research and well-timed poop jokes--that improving our lives hinges not on our ability to turn lemons into lemonade, but on learning to better stomach lemons. Human beings are flawed and limited--as he writes, 'Not everybody can be extraordinary, there are winners and losers in society, and some of it is not fair or your fault.' Manson advises us to get to know our limitations and accept them. This, he says, is the real source of empowerment. Once we embrace our fears, faults, and uncertainties--once we stop running from and avoiding, and start confronting painful truths--we can begin to find the courage and confidence we desperately seek. 'In life, we have a limited amount of fucks to give. So you must choose your fucks wisely.' Manson brings a much-needed grab-you-by-the-shoulders moment of real-talk, filled with entertaining stories and profane, ruthless humor. This manifesto is a refreshing slap in the face for all of us so we can start to lead more contented, grounded lives."

Zen Pencils: Cartoon Quotes From Inspirational Folks by Gavin Aung Than

Topics: Writing Development, Expression, Quotes

Gavin Aung Than, an Australian graphic designer turned cartoonist, started the weekly Zen Pencils blog in February 2012. He describes his motivation for launching Zen Pencils: I was working in the boring corporate graphic design industry for eight years before finally quitting at the end of 2011 to pursue my passion for illustration and cartooning. At my old job, when my boss wasn't looking, I would waste time reading Wikipedia pages, main biographies about people whose lives were a lot more interesting than mine. Their stories and quotes eventually inspired me to leave my job to focus on what I really wanted to do. The idea of taking these inspiring quotes, combining them with my love of drawing, and sharing them with others led to the creation of Zen Pencils.

By Mx. Je'Jae Cleo Daniels

@Mx.Enigma

She/They

ASMR and ME

I have boasted several times within this community about the wonders of ASMR. It is not a subject that is vast since its inception in 2011. For those who never heard about it, it stands for Autnomous Meridian Sensory Response. You know it plainly as tingles that are felt as far back as the back of your head offering a satisfying sleepy, relaxing feeling to your body. It is a Youtube phenomenom that owes its prevalence only in the confines of social media. For our own purposes, I am living proof that I subscribe for the past three years or so.

It is not fad like make-up tutorials or how-to videos that inundate Youtube daily. ASMR offers structured relaxation in the form of scripted role plays, touching, sensory clickin-and-clacking noises under the mechanics of high impact microphones and sound systems that cost thousands of dollars. Their goal: to make as many ASMR videos for pay. However, for a lot of ASMR artists, the title given to these people who make these type of videos, they feel they give their time, devotion, and know-how to myriads of fans that they feel they help.

Although not medically proven like CBT or DBT, ASMR does have fans that have low to severe nervous and brain disorders. Reactions range from "I needed this today" to "I suffer from major anxiety and this is the thing I need for my major anxiety."

For myself, I discovered ASMR in the summer of 2017 when I was recently diagnosed with PTSD and I was trying to find ways to cope. I am always good about coping mechanisms for my PTSD.

PTSD at the time was new, and I needed to find a way to combat it. I remember as a kid being read to by teachers, as it happens in grade school. I attribute the experience of ASMR to that. I had British teachers growing up in Catholic School, and later on American teachers, so I had the best of those teachers reading to my class. It takes me back to that time. That is my experience with ASMR and there are no plans to stop loving ASMR.

By Pen Name

The Health Benefits of Cannabis

By Richard C.

The views expressed by the individual does not represent Fountain House, its Board of Directors, and the Fountain House community at large.

This article was lightly edited for clarity.

Cannabis possesses CBD which in its simplest form is a chemical that affects how the brain operates. Poppers relate to the fact that it allows the mind to function better than without the presence of being high. Stories half of what is staring at you once coming in contact alongside THC helps pain relievers. Believers swear that when combining both substances it can be extracted and enhanced for use.

As science has said when it is fused to discover what is inside cannabis it should be clear it refute. Pathway placed on chronic pain is possible to be resolved played like a flute play cannabinoid. Whether an ounce or a pound there are hundreds of chemical compounds found cannot be avoided too. True core placed upon marijuana shows chemical makeup flushes out pain treats as medical. Focus on states allowing the said drug to be legal and lessen the consequences on legal calls lives. Commonality which correlates to how someone may suffer fewer aches under condition by-product.

Try to cut your blunts into pod cuts replay beats selector-based matter it improves lung capacity. Smoking doesn’t always have familiar circumstances such as comparing cigarette wraps a pity. While puffing cannabis into truest form a person’s lungs are not fragile, it won’t deconstruct by bits. Therefore, an examination discovered that cannabis assists the lungs by increasing the capacity of the lung. Repetitive info are often genuine to deflect any misconstrued, never alienates how tongue rotate. Excuse the yellow tape around peculiar dangers designated to what goes on when weed is in air.