As the most commonly abused illicit substance there has been a large amount of controversy surrounding the drug marijuana. While, some assume it to be relatively harmless, psychological and physical studies of its use are proving the opposite to be true, especially with teens. The effects of marijuana have been determined to inhibit maturity, cause impaired judgment, promote risky behavior, result in a lack of motivation, lead to harder drug use, and induce psychological dependency. In addition, the drug can do physical damage to the respiratory, reproductive, and immune system, or cause anxiety, panic attacks, and paranoia.
When teens who smoke marijuana were surveyed, they gave a number of reasons for their decision to use the drug. Some admitted smoking pot as a way to fit in with friends, while others believed it to relax them, relieve emotional pain, or enhance creativity. However, the reality is that marijuana poses the risk for negative consequences and some of the things it is believed to help, it actually hinders.
Many people tell kids that when someone offers them drugs, it means they are not truly a friend. It's true that they may not be acting as a good friend at that moment, but the reality is that even some of the best kids get curious about drugs. Teens need to understand that if a friend offers drugs, they can and should say “no,” and that real friends will still be there even if you don't get high.
Alternative ways to spend time away from peers who use drugs, include signing up for extracurricular activities, playing sports, or joining a club. It is important for teens to surround themselves with positive friends who have similar values.
The idea that marijuana relaxes you and alleviates stresses is false. The mood altering effects of the drug may make it seem this way, but in reality, smoking marijuana raises the heart rate and can cause or increase problems with depression and anxiety. Plus, marijuana use can cause developing teens to fail at building appropriate coping skills.
Instead of using marijuana to relieve stress, try something healthier like going for a walk, participating in a recreational activity, or doing breathing exercises. There are more positive ways to deal with stress than smoking pot. Plus, marijuana can ultimately make problems worse.
Many teens who use marijuana describe the high as a sense of mental enlightenment, that allows them to think abstractly and exercise creativity. However, enough studies have been done to prove the contrary to be correct. While it is true that marijuana heightens your senses, it also reduces your ability to learn. Research clearly shows that marijuana limits the capacity to absorb and retain information. Plus, individuals who smoke marijuana generally fall short on memory and test lower in math and verbal skills.
Instead of expressing creativity through smoking marijuana to get high, teens should make better use of their talents. Participating in an art class outside of school, performing on a dance team, writing short stories, or other outlets for self expression are all better ways to exercise creativity.
