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| PARENTS. THE ANTI-DRUG. |
| For additional information visit any of our alcohol and drug prevention and information links (click here) |
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All information on this page was gathered from http://theantidrug.com/ on May 12, 2008. |
| Sarah Dodge Program Coordinator 3703 N. Richmond Rd. Johnsburg, IL 60051 youth@mayc.net 815-790-2968 815-344-0001 |
| The #1 reason kids choose not to use drugs- their parents! |
Millions of teens report feeling
hopeless and losing interest in
everyday activities for weeks at a
time. And many of these teens are
making a bad situation worse by
using marijuana and other drugs in
an effort to make themselves feel
better.
Research shows that using
marijuana can worsen depression
and lead to more serious mental
health problems. In fact, teens who
used marijuana at least once a
month in the past year are three
times more likely to have suicidal
thoughts than teens who don't use
marijuana.
For parents, this means it's critical
to pay closer attention to your
teen's behavior and mood swings,
and recognize that marijuana and
other drugs could be playing a
dangerous role in your child's life.
hopeless and losing interest in
everyday activities for weeks at a
time. And many of these teens are
making a bad situation worse by
using marijuana and other drugs in
an effort to make themselves feel
better.
Research shows that using
marijuana can worsen depression
and lead to more serious mental
health problems. In fact, teens who
used marijuana at least once a
month in the past year are three
times more likely to have suicidal
thoughts than teens who don't use
marijuana.
For parents, this means it's critical
to pay closer attention to your
teen's behavior and mood swings,
and recognize that marijuana and
other drugs could be playing a
dangerous role in your child's life.
| Teens, Marijuana, and Depression |
Marijuana: Then and Now
So you tried pot at some point in your life and think you'll feel like a hypocrite
telling your teen not to use? Get over it. Be honest and emphasize that this
discussion is about your child's future and not about your past. Marijuana
today is more potent than it was a generation ago and more kids are using it
at a younger age, when their bodies and minds are still developing. Talk to
your teens. Kids who learn about marijuana and other drugs from their
parents are less likely to use them.
Tell your teens how to say no, even if you didn't.
So you tried pot at some point in your life and think you'll feel like a hypocrite
telling your teen not to use? Get over it. Be honest and emphasize that this
discussion is about your child's future and not about your past. Marijuana
today is more potent than it was a generation ago and more kids are using it
at a younger age, when their bodies and minds are still developing. Talk to
your teens. Kids who learn about marijuana and other drugs from their
parents are less likely to use them.
Tell your teens how to say no, even if you didn't.
Follow these steps to help prevent and recognize
marijuana use in your home:
1. Talk to your teen -- You are the most important influence in your teen's
life when it comes to drugs,so make sure your teen knows the facts about
marijuana.
2. Set clear rules -- Discuss your expectations with your children, setting
rules with clear consequences for breaking them, as well as praising and
rewarding good behavior.
3. Recognize signs and symptoms -- There are a number of ways to
identify whether your child is having psychological problems related to
marijuana use. Look for signs of depression, withdrawal, hostility, etc.
4. Get help -- If you recognize any of the above signs in your child's
behavior, there are many helpful organizations for families.
marijuana use in your home:
1. Talk to your teen -- You are the most important influence in your teen's
life when it comes to drugs,so make sure your teen knows the facts about
marijuana.
2. Set clear rules -- Discuss your expectations with your children, setting
rules with clear consequences for breaking them, as well as praising and
rewarding good behavior.
3. Recognize signs and symptoms -- There are a number of ways to
identify whether your child is having psychological problems related to
marijuana use. Look for signs of depression, withdrawal, hostility, etc.
4. Get help -- If you recognize any of the above signs in your child's
behavior, there are many helpful organizations for families.