Whoever said marijuana isn’t an addictive drug is clearly wrong. In fact, 100,000 teens are treated for marijuana dependence on a yearly basis. It is one of the most commonly used drugs among teens, incorporating over 14.6 million teen users. It is not only a gate drug, it is also a drug that is commonly laced with other potent drugs. About 60 percent of teens who use drugs only use marijuana. Of the 14.6 million reported marijuana users in 2002, approximately 4.6 million used it on 20 days or more days in any given month.
When a teen is using marijuana, there are often different signs in behavior and actions that should be of warning. Such signs are listed below.
- Eating habits change.
- Excessive laughter
- Red, glazy eyes
- Quietness
- Random gadgets in room (teens use a variety of tools to crush or roll the marijuana)
- Falling grades
- Changes in teen’s energy level
- Cotton mouth, resulting in extreme thirstiness
- Isolation
- Sneaking out
Avoid falling into denial that your teen could be using marijuana. Often times, teens experiment with other drugs, although their parents think it’s only weed. Learn to recognize the smell of marijuana, which may show up on your child’s clothing or belongings. Marijuana has a sweet though often skunk-like smell that gets attached to objects and clothing very easily. Your child’s fingers and breath may also smell of marijuana.
If you think your child needs additional help in becoming sober, seek alternative schools such as New Creations Boarding School where drugs are absolutely prohibited. 24/7 supervision is provided daily, allowing your child to seek help and meet sober peers.
Marijuana may not seem as risky as other drugs, but with more and more teens being treated for marijuana dependence, statistics prove otherwise.
Related posts:
