Parents have illusions about teen drug use, which leads to an idea that they can deter teens from trying drugs. The reality is that teens are naturally curious, impulsive, and don’t think through potential consequences, which can lead to addiction and the need for a teen addiction treatment center. This is why it’s important to know how to talk about teen marijuana abuse so they can make the right choices. Numerous studies show by simply being honest with your teen about the potential dangers is the best route.
What is Teen Marijuana Abuse?
It’s important to understand the difference between drug use and drug abuse. Most people are going to experiment with drugs at some point in their life. Abuse happens when the use is illegal or done in excess to begin coping with life. Teen marijuana abuse happens when a teen is turning to marijuana as a way to cope with their problems. In a perfect world, teens would never try marijuana, but this is often not the case.
You also need to realize that there’s a misconception out there that there’s no such thing as a marijuana addiction. In fact, you could require drug abuse treatment programs due to the psychological dependency of the drug. Moreover, the reality is that even though marijuana doesn’t have the same chemical hooks as other drugs, it’s addictive. An addiction involves rewiring the brain’s neuropathways to crave the action based on different triggers. This is why people struggle with non-substance-related addictions like gambling and food.
Talking About Teen Marijuana Abuse
The best thing you can do with your teenager is to be completely honest about marijuana abuse and the dangers. There’s no point in trying to use scare tactics based on false information because we live in the age of Google. By being honest with your teen, they’ll be able to look up the information you give them and see that it’s true. Here are some of the facts about marijuana use that you should teach your teenager:
- Marijuana can be addictive
- Some people have psychotic episodes after use
- Abuse can affect memory and problem-solving skills
You should also be honest with your teen about your history with marijuana use and the wisdom you now have. Studies also show that when teens feel like they can talk to you about drugs, it’s much easier to ask questions. When your teen knows that he or she can come to you with honest questions or concerns, there’s trust. If you are finding that your teen is beginning to abuse marijuana, he or she may need help.
Getting Help for Teenage Marijuana Abuse
Teens are in a great position to overcome their addiction because they’re still in the early stages. Addiction is a progressive illness, so your teen will be much more successful by getting help as soon as possible. Some of the programs that addiction treatment centers offer for teens include:
- 12-Step Programs
- Expressive Art Therapy
- Relapse Prevention
It’s not too late to find treatment for your teen. Find comprehensive marijuana addiction treatment near San Diego CA that specializes in treating teens today.
