A site for parents and teens who want to be better informed about
drug abuse and addiction as it affects young people today.
marijuana
Hispanic Teens More Likely to Smoke, Drink, and Use Marijuana
Posted on September 1, 2010
A new study has found that Hispanic adolescents are more likely to smoke, drink, or use marijuana than those of other races and ethnicities, and Asian students are at the lowest risk of substance abuse.
Daily Marijuana Use May Cause Irreversible Damage to Teens’ Brains
Posted on March 1, 2010
Marijuana is abused more frequently than any other street drug in the U.S. It comes from the cannabis plant, and is typically smoked. THC (which stands for delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) is the primary chemical in marijuana which affects the brain.
When you smoke marijuana, the THC quickly goes into the bloodstream from your lungs. Your blood transfers it to the organs in your body, including your brain. THC targets certain sites in your brain known as cannabinoid receptors. The resulting activity in the brain causes a pleasurable “high”. Most people who smoke marijuana experience feelings of relaxation and loosening of inhibitions. They also often lose track of time.
Unfortunately, marijuana use can also cause paranoia, coordination problems, impaired problem solving, memory problems, decreased motivation, poor judgment, anxiety and hallucinations.
Scientists have long been concerned about the effects of marijuana on the brains of adolescent users. It appears their concern is warranted. Recent research conducted by Dr. Gabriella Gobbi of McGill University Health Center suggests that when adolescents use cannabis daily, the consequences may include anxiety, depression, and permanent effects on their brains.
The purpose of her research was to determine if adolescents were more vulnerable to the neurological impact of cannabis use than adults. She also wanted to study the effects of cannabis on young users. The research of Dr. Gobbi suggests that cannabis affects serotonin and norepinephrine, two neurotransmitters associated with both anxiety and mood disorders.
Adolescents who are exposed to this drug are thus more vulnerable to stress long-term, and may be more susceptible to developing a mood disorder.
While previous research has focused primarily on the effects of marijuana use on adolescent behavior, Dr. Gobbi’s study focused on the neurobiological relationship between adolescent cannabis use and anxiety and depression. Her research is the first to show that use of marijuana is especially damaging for teens – more so than for adults. In other words, the long-term effects of the drug when used during adolescent years may be irreversible.
Study Finds Cannabis More Detrimental to Teens than Originally Thought
Posted on December 31, 2009
Cannabis continues to be a drug in high demand and the best resources of customers is that of Canadian teenagers. This group of individuals are the largest consumers of cannabis the world over, but that isn’t the worst aspect of the news. According to a new study, the damaging effects on young brains are worse than originally thought.
Marijuana Becoming More Popular Among US Teens
Posted on December 14, 2009
A new federal survey shows that smoking marijuana is becoming even more popular among U.S. teens, and that they have cut down on smoking cigarettes, binge drinking, and using methamphetamine.
Family Hardships Can Lead to Cannabis Use Disorders
Posted on December 9, 2009
One in five Australian young people experience a cannabis use disorder, according to a University of Queensland (UQ) and Mater Hospital study published today in the American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse. The findings also reveal the characteristics of those who are more likely to experience a cannabis use disorder.
Studies Link Parental Monitoring with Decreased Teen Marijuana Use
Posted on November 17, 2009
With 42 percent of high-school seniors admitting to having experimented with marijuana, it has become the most widely used illicit drug by adolescents. Repeated marijuana use may result in a number of serious consequences, including depression, cognitive impairment, cardiovascular disease, and certain forms of cancer. As such, it is critical to prevent marijuana use by adolescents, and numerous behavioral and medical scientists have been trying to establish the best means of prevention.
More Teens Use Marijuana and Drink Than Smoke Cigarettes in North Carolina County
Posted on October 12, 2009
In Pitt County, North Carolina, teens are more likely to use marijuana and alcohol than they are to smoke cigarettes, according to survey results reported by the Pitt County Substance Abuse Coalition.
Marijuana: What Parents Need to Know
Posted on June 1, 2009
Marijuana is the most frequently used illegal drug in the United States, and it is especially popular among adolescents. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, nearly 98 million Americans over the age of 12 have tried marijuana at least once, and 42.3% of 12th graders have tried marijuana at least once. It is extremely important for parents to talk about marijuana use with their children, especially since kids often try it at a young age. Talking to your children about drugs isn’t easy, but the information presented here should help.
Research Shows Teens Smoke Pot to Deal with Stress
Posted on May 22, 2009
Marijuana use among teenagers continues to be a pressing problem. But, in order to effectively change behavior, it is important to understand why it starts in the thirst place. A recent Fox News report highlighted that teens for the most part are not smoking the drug to get high, but are instead using marijuana to cope with mental and physical problems.
