National Prevention Week 2018
#NPW2018, #eatonengage
Youth Marijuana Use: What's the Big Deal?
The teen brain responds differently to marijuana than the adult brain. Because adolescence is a time of rapid brain growth, regular use can cause long term damage to developing structures.
Child and Adolescent and Addictions Psychiatrist Dr. Christian Thurston, University of Colorado, says:
- The human brain isn’t fully mature until roughly the age of 25. That means children and adolescents are in stages of brain growth and development that leave them especially vulnerable to problems caused by drug use, misuse and addiction.
- When someone says it’s not that big of a deal for kids to smoke a little weed, don’t believe them. Marijuana is addictive, and 1 in 6 people who try it before the age of 18 develop a clinical diagnosis of marijuana use disorder or dependence.
Dear Younger Me: Avoiding Pot and Pills
What's the Big Deal? Not Yesterday's Marijuana...
This is not yesterday’s marijuana. Many versions of marijuana sold today are significantly
more potent and potentially damaging to the teenage brain.
Marijuana producers have developed new strategies to create products that deliver higher levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary psychoactive component of marijuana.
• In the early 1990s, the average THC potency was about 3%. Today’s smoked marijuana
averages about 11% THC potency, ranging from 8-22% potency.
• THC potency in medical grade marijuana often reaches 35%.
• Marijuana products and concentrates contain extremely high THC levels of 40-80%, and THC potencies as high as 95% have been measured. These dangerously strong levels increase the risk of dependence and damage to the teenage brain.
What Parents Can Do
Strengthen Your Parent-Child Bond
A strong parent-child bond is one of the best protective factors against teen marijuana use.
• Create opportunities for your teen to contribute to the family in meaningful ways, and show appreciation for their efforts.
• Schedule one-on-one time with your teen every week to show them they are valuable.
• Tell your teen about your own past successes, failures, and obstacles you have overcome.
• Listen more and listen respectfully. Ask your teen for their perspective on controversial
topics or thought-provoking life decisions.
Strengthen Your Teen’s Goals and Skills
Youth pursuing meaningful goals are far less likely to limit their future with marijuana.
• Help your teen identify their dreams, prioritize their goals, and reach them!
• Actively help your teen build study skills. If needed, secure academic support for them.
• Teach skills your teen needs for their growing responsibilities at home and in the community.
Talk About Marijuana and Enforce Rules
Your influence means more than you might think!
• Explain the negative outcomes of marijuana and why you want your teen to abstain.
• Help your teen plan ahead for peer pressure.
• Establish clear expectations. Discuss rules and enforce consequences.
• Repeat these conversations often.
Eaton County Substance Awareness Advisory Group
Email: ecsaag@eatonresa.org
Website: www.eatondrugfree.com
Location: 1790 Packard Highway, Charlotte, MI, USA
Phone: 517-541-8711
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ECSAAG/