TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) -- Statistics show 95% of teenagers have been exposed to or used marijuana use at some point during their high school years. So how can parents approach this topic with their teens?
Family therapist Jane Marks says many questions are asked about marijuana. It can become a big issue when there's worry that a teen may be abusing marijuana on a regular basis. Marks say first and most importantly, it;s important to note that marijuana abuse does affect the brain. The chemical compound THC releases Dopamine in the brain giving off a heightened sense of euphoria and altering the perceptions of time.
According to Marks, If you suspect your teen of abusing marijuana you may look for the following signs and educational facts:
· Bloodshot Eyes
· Slow reaction time
· Sleeplessness
· Anxiety
· Panic
· Fear
· Distress
· Paranoia
· Depression
· Aggression
· Increased appetite, the munchies
· Short term memory loss
If you’ve noticed any of these signs on a regular basis especially before high school, Marks say now is the time to address this as a young person as opposed to waiting over an extended period of time because so often these problems become a part of the fiber of their lives.
Other educational facts include:
1. Early and continued use of marijuana can affect memory, attention and the ability to think clearly, making it difficult to concentrate and learn new things and make sound decisions.
2. Some teens who have attentional deficit issues will sometimes say that it improves their concentration so for some this can truly be a struggle.
3. Marijuana can also affect movement and balance while participating in this behavior. On occasion it can be associated with a moderate decrease in IQ according to some studies.
4. Heavy, current marijuana use can result in poor school performance, increased absences from school, it also increases the risk of dropping out without graduating.
5. Marijuana begun at an early age is often linked to higher risk of leaving the family home, immature sexual activity, increase of driving under the influence of marijuana, which by the way does increase the risk of being in an accident according to many studies.
Should you suspect your teen is using marijuana:
- Remember it is illegal and there are often severe consequences.
- If you catch your child smoking, do not panic.
- Be specific and clear with your child about the fact that you don’t not want him or her to use drugs or associate with peers who use drugs.
- Usually we tell parents to take away privileges and positively reward appropriate choices.
- If it is a situation where you know the friend’s parents and you have an established relationship, it is okay to contact the parents and let them know that you found your teen and their teen smoking pot together. This can be helpful in many ways, it sends a clear message to your son or daughter’s friends that you are serious about your child not participating in drugs.
- If you have a close bond with your teen this can be a very powerful teaching moment to make them understand what this situation is. Trust can be re-established in a more meaningful way.
- And finally, if your child acts responsibly and does not display increased anger or resentment and you see a cessation of the sneakiness that often occurs with this process, then you have just completed a life lesson.
