Peer pressure and party culture have been a staple of teen culture in the U.S. for decades. Parents may be concerned about their teenagers becoming engrained in the party scene and abusing drugs and alcohol. Teen marijuana use continues to increase as marijuana laws across the country make it easier for people to gain access to the drug. Finding a teen marijuana addiction treatment program could be the help you need to help your teen get back on track.
As a parent, it’s normal to worry about your kids. If you find out they are engaging in activities that could harm them, it’s wise to take action. The team at Northpoint Seattle knows how important it is for your teen to get the help they need when struggling with addiction. Call 888.483.6031 today to get started.
Teen Marijuana Use Statistics
About 1 in 3 teenagers in the United States have used marijuana at least once. This number continues to increase as more states legalize marijuana, and its use has become more socially acceptable.
- Among high school seniors, marijuana use has reached its highest level in 30 years. In 2018, nearly 40% of seniors reported using marijuana in the past year.
- Marijuana use is more common among boys than girls. In 2018, 36% of high school boys said they had used marijuana in the past year, compared to 21% of girls.
- Most teens who use marijuana start using it in their middle and high school years. Studies show that 95% of teen users started their habit by 19.
Marijuana is now the most commonly used illicit drug among teens after alcohol and tobacco. One reason for this is that it can be difficult to recognize the signs of teen marijuana abuse.
Effects of Marijuana on Teens
Marijuana is a mind-altering drug that affects a person’s mood and judgment. Teens who use marijuana can experience the following effects:
- Feelings of anxiety or paranoia
- Impaired memory and learning ability
- Risk of addiction from using too much or too often
- Increased risk of depression, which can lead to suicidal thoughts
- Impaired ability to focus or, in some cases, get motivated
Although these side effects are common, they do not affect everyone. Teens may be at an increased risk of long-term health risks from marijuana like memory loss, psychological issues, and respiratory problems.
What to Do If Your Teen Smokes Weed
If you find signs of teen marijuana use, it’s normal to feel concerned and hopeless. The effects of teen marijuana use can be serious, but there are also many ways to get help.
The first step is to talk to your teen about your concerns. They may be reluctant to open up, but it’s essential to have an honest conversation about the risks of smoking weed.
Developing an open, honest line of communication with your teen can help them feel supported, even if they don’t want to stop smoking marijuana. This open line can help you set the foundation when they decide to look for help.
After talking to them, you may want to look into teen marijuana addiction treatment options. Struggling with addiction is a challenging time for anyone, and it’s essential to find help that can set your teen on the right path.
Teen Marijuana Abuse Help at Northpoint Seattle
The experts at Northpoint Seattle are here to help your teen overcome their marijuana addiction. We offer a variety of teen marijuana abuse treatment options, including:
- Outpatient treatment
- Partial hospitalization
- Intensive outpatient program
Each of these programs helps meet the unique needs of your teen. We understand how difficult it is to watch your child suffer, so we’re here to help.
Call us today at 888.483.6031 if you’re ready to get started.