Marijuana And Its Impact On Adolescents

The Impact of Marijuana on Adolescents “We are the New Americana, getting high on legal marijuana,” are the lyrics to a popular new song by 21-year-old singer/songwriter ‘Halsey.’Her song reflects the unfortunate reality of the world our children are growing up in, as marijuana becomes not only legal, but socially acceptable in more and more states. It would be only natural for young people to assume that if all these adults have fought for or are fighting for marijuana to be legalized, then the drug itself must be pretty harmless. This assumption is incorrect and dangerous. While marijuana use is risky for people of all ages, it is especially hazardous for youth. Here’s why: Marijuana impacts the developing adolescent brain: Studies show that chronic (and sometimes casual) marijuana use during adolescence can actually change the physical shape, volume and density of a person’s brain, negatively impacting learning and memory. The severity of such brain abnormalities is shown to increase as frequency of use increases. Heavy use of marijuana during adolescence may also reduce a person’s IQ by as much as 8 points. A loss of 8 points could drop a person of average intelligence into the lowest third of the intelligence range. Marijuana impacts school performance: Research consistently shows that marijuana users earn lower grades, are more likely to skip classes, have higher incidences of school suspension/expulsion and higher dropout rates, and are subsequently more likely in adulthood to experience unemployment, social welfare dependence and dissatisfaction in quality of life. Marijuana impacts health and safety: Marijuana use has the potential to increase heart rate, cause lung and breathing problems, and is linked to anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts among youth. Marijuana affects a person’s coordination, balance, reaction time, alertness and ability to concentrate – increasing one’s risk for accidental injury and death. Because the adolescent brain has not yet matured, many young people have a tendency to act on impulse, without regard for risk. Adding marijuana to the mix only increases the likelihood of poor decision-making, including engaging in risky sexual behaviors, getting into a car with an impaired driver, or taking part in a criminal act. If the risks of marijuana continue to be downplayed by adults, there is a greater likelihood of more youth, including our sons and daughters, giving this drug a try. Young people must be made aware that marijuana is not harmless; that use of this drug causes people to think and behave differently; that marijuana negatively impacts brain function, intelligence, school performance and health and safety; and that marijuana use not only threatens success in the present, but jeopardizes a hopeful future. For more information, visit Drug Free Action Alliance’s Marijuana Resource page. Sources: Meier et al. (2012). Persistent cannabis users show neuropsychological decline from childhood to midlife. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Neurology Advisor: Marijuana-Related Emergency Department Visits on the Rise, December 17, 2014. National Institute on Drug Abuse: Marijuana – Selected Effects on the Brain, Body & Behavior. Rocky Mountain HIDTA Report: Volume 2, 2014.

Supportive Words for Parents to Share with Teens

A new school year is upon us. Our children will face many uncertainties and anxieties. One tip for parents is to speak life into our children. When I say speak life I mean take time to share with your children what you love about them. Every morning before school or every evening before bed take a moment to ask you teen, “what are you hopeful about?”, or “you know I love it when…” These types of conversations let your teen know they are loved and supported. This loves reminds them they can rebound from mistakes and increases their resilience. Along with this dialog, a parent can share some hopes and dreams they have for their child. No child is a mind reader and hopeful dreams never shared are not known. The new school year is a good time to say “I love you, I’m proud of you, and There is greatness within you. Speak life and life will be manifested.

Marijuana, Talk About It

Know! What’s Up With Weed Marijuana has become a regular subject on the nightly news, along with heated debates between those for legalization of the drug and those against it. It seems everyone is talking about marijuana, including our children. Depending on what state you’re in, the laws surrounding “weed” will vary, as well as attitudes and perceived risk of using the drug. Regardless of where your state stands on weed, where do you stand on weed? Do your children know where you stand? Are you even sure where you stand? If you’re unsure on the subject, more than likely, your children are too, which can open the door to adolescent experimentation. In the U.S., as state laws surrounding marijuana began to loosen, attitudes began to soften. And as perceived risk of marijuana began to decrease, use of the drug increased. While this is unfortunate news, there is hope. Studies show that as knowledge on marijuana increases, use of the drug decreases. With this in mind, we need to know what’s up with weed and share that information with our children. Marijuana has the potential to negatively impact adolescent brain development and function and cause various breathing problems. Marijuana use also changes the way many people think, impacts the choices they make and alters the way they behave. Marijuana use in the short-term: Causes cognitive dysfunction when it comes to memory, perception of time, and ability to complete complex tasks and learn (some of which can become long-term issues as well); Negatively impacts decision-making, including increased risky sexual behavior; Impairs coordination and balance, leading to an increased risk of accident, injury and death. And while marijuana may have a calming effect on some users, it significantly increases the heart rate of others, and can cause panic and anxiety. Marijuana use in the long-term has been linked to: Higher incidences of students dropping out of school; Poorer life outcomes and life satisfaction, including career and relationship matters; Poorer physical health and mental health problems, including depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts among teens; Addiction – about 1 in 11 marijuana users become addicted and the odds may increase to about 1 in 6 for those who begin using in their teens. This is certainly not what any of us want for our children. Federal law says one thing, some state laws say another. Regardless, your voice andyour actions matter. Your parental influence is powerful when it comes to your children and the decisions they make. Talk to your children about the dangers of marijuana. You can get the conversation started by asking your child what he/she knows about marijuana, and his/her opinion on the topic. Listen closely and keep your cool even if your son or daughter’s opinion is not in line with yours. This is your opportunity to provide the facts, make your stance known and your expectations for non-use clear. Sources: MSNBC: UN report: Number of marijuana-related injuries is on the rise. June 27, 2014.Neurology Advisor: Marijuana-Related Emergency Department Visits on the Rise, December 17, 2014.National Institute on Drug Abuse: Marijuana – Selected Effects on the Brain, Body & Behavior.