Why Kids Smoking Weed Is a Big Problem

With many states legalizing recreational marijuana, it can seem like kids smoking weed is a non-issue. In reality, marijuana serves as a gateway drug to more addictive, more harmful substances. In addition, kids smoking weed can lead to problems with the way that their brain develops. The human mind doesn’t stop forming until the mid-20s, so early marijuana use can inhibit the mind’s ability to function.

When adolescents engage in any form of substance abuse, it directly affects their mental and, sometimes, physical development. Parents and caregivers must educate themselves about the impact of substances like marijuana on young people. At Beaches Recovery, our counselors, therapists, and medical professionals believe education is one of the strongest tools in preventing and treating substance use disorder. We can guide individuals through the effects of marijuana abuse on adolescents and show you how to get the necessary treatment and support.

Why Kids Smoking Weed Is a Problem

Teenagers who smoke weed are more likely to move on to harder drugs, preventing their minds from developing properly. In a Lancet Psychiatry study, it was reported that teenagers who smoked marijuana daily were 60% less likely to graduate from high school than students who didn’t use it. In addition, these teenagers are seven times more likely to commit suicide. Plus, these teenagers are three times more likely to try another illicit drug.

According to CNN, marijuana is a growing problem because it has become destigmatized. Unfortunately, this has made it all too common for children to try using drugs. Whether marijuana is legal or not, it causes problems with brain development.

This is why parents and caregivers in states where marijuana is decriminalized still need to be vigilant about its use or abuse. Like tobacco use, marijuana use can lead to severe health issues in young people. This is why the states where the substance is decriminalized have instituted strict guidelines about who can buy and use it. It’s important to familiarize yourself with your state’s laws on the subject and monitor adolescent use and exposure to the drug.

Smoking Marijuana Damages the Mind

Some mental abilities like memory, critical thinking, and problem-solving aren’t fully formed until adulthood. Adolescence is a key time for the brain to develop. Recent studies have shown that incidences of kids smoking weed have been on the rise since the late 2000s. This is due in part to the perception of marijuana in popular culture. In medical trials, teenagers who used marijuana suffered from impaired mental function, poor memory, and weak academic performances.

Like alcohol use, marijuana use impairs motor skills and mental function. Repeated and continuous use can lead to dependency. However, this is an extreme and rare result.

Changing Perceptions Are Fueling Addictions

The recent drive to legalize marijuana has made it seem like a safe alternative to drinking. Teenagers may think that marijuana usage is cool and non-dangerous, but this is far from the case. A National Institute on Drug Abuse found that nearly 60% of high school seniors didn’t believe using marijuana regularly was harmful. A further 6.5% of seniors used marijuana daily.

Studies show that adolescents who start using marijuana early are more likely to have problems with other substances. Like any addiction, the key to recovery is getting professional drug rehabilitation help.

Discover How Beaches Recovery Can Help

The team at Beaches Recovery understands that treating substance use disorder requires the right therapeutic approach. Some of the therapies we offer include:

• Individual therapy
• Group therapy
• Family therapy
• Yoga therapy
• EMDR therapy
• Trauma therapy

Through these options and many others, we can put together a treatment plan that will help individuals overcome their substance use disorder and return to health. To get help with an addiction to marijuana or other substance abuse problems, call Beaches Recovery at 866.605.0532, or contact us online.