What to Do When Your Child Is Using Marijuana

Marijuana Use Among Youth

The National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), sponsored by the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, provides reliable and comprehensive information on drug use patterns in America. The 2013 NSDUH results includes helpful information about adolescent and teen drug use. Highlights from 2013 survey for the 12-17 age group include the following facts:¹

• An estimated 7.1 percent of young people in this age group were current users of marijuana.
• The number of teenagers who used marijuana varied according to age group: 1 percent of 12-13 year olds used marijuana, while in the 14-15 age group, marijuana use rose to 5.8 percent. It again rose to 14.2 percent in the 16-17 age group.
• Among underage drinkers, marijuana was the most commonly used illicit drug in combination with alcohol.
• Compared to 2007, fewer youths aged 12-17 perceived a great risk in smoking marijuana. In 2013, 39.5 percent had this perception compared to 54.6 percent in 2007.

The ongoing use of marijuana among those 12-17 years old, as well as the lowered perception of using marijuana as a great risk, suggests that current drug policy is not effective enough.

Also importantly, the potency of marijuana (i.e., THC levels) has been on the rise over the last few decades. The increased potency presents greater risks, which may account in part for the high incidence of emergency room visits due to marijuana. According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse, in 2011, there were 455,000 emergency department visits due to marijuana use, and 13 percent of these cases involved youth aged 12-17.

What Can Parents Do If Their Child Is Using Marijuana?

If you find your child is actively using marijuana, you have won half the battle because you know what’s going on. This is a great benefit as many parents are in the dark. But what are the next steps to immediately take? The Partnership for Drug-Free Kids advises that the following actions can help:²

• Be clear that drug use will not be tolerated, and there will be consequences for drug use, such as grounding or earlier curfew. It is critical to follow through in order to underline the severity of the situation.
• Provide opportunities to re-establish the bond of trust, such as supervising homework and chores but also recognizing a job well done.
• Be responsive to the child’s efforts to correct the behavior, as a punishing attitude alone can jeopardize or damage the emotional bond between parent and child.
• If a friend is involved, consider contacting the parents. First, it will send a message that drug use will not be tolerated. Second, it can help the other parents to take measures to prevent their children’s drug abuse. Third, it creates a dialogue around drug use between concerned parents.

Signs Of Marijuana Use To Look Out For

Not all parents will catch their children using marijuana. The discovery process will therefore require some effort to uncover the truth.

The following are some ways parents can determine if their child is using marijuana:

• Understand and watch out for the physical and psychological signs of marijuana use, which includes side effects of use, severe reactions/side effects of marijuana toxicity, and withdrawal symptoms.
• Learn about the behavioral signs associated with substance abuse.
• Consider searching for potential hiding places for marijuana and related paraphernalia.

Physical & Psychological Signs Of Marijuana Use

The physical and psychological signs of marijuana use are the same as the side effects the user will experience. Most often, these effects are temporary and may only last up to a few hours. For this reason, parents may not have an opportunity to notice the physical side effects of marijuana use when children use marijuana away from home.

Some children may use marijuana at home or return home before the effects have fully worn away. It is important to know the physical side effects, which range in severity, but can include:

• Red eyes
• Increased blood pressure
• Forgetfulness
• Dizziness and headaches
• Laughter without a reason
• Nausea or vomiting
• Panic or anxiety
• Hallucinations

Behavioral Signs Of Marijuana Use

The behavioral signs of marijuana abuse can be the greatest tipoff to the existence of the problem. When individuals become psychologically addicted to marijuana, they will make the drug a main priority in their day-to-day lives, possibly to the exclusion of important work, family, school, and/or personal obligations. The following are some additional behavioral side effects of marijuana abuse:

• Taking uncharacteristic risks such as driving while under the influence, having unprotected sex, or mixing marijuana with opioids, alcohol or other drugs
• Continuing to use marijuana despite problems it is causing in relationships, with finances, or with the ability to fulfill important obligations
• Ensuring that one has a more than adequate supply of marijuana due to a generalized fear of not having access to it (for any number of reasons)
• Increasingly foregoing social interactions or activities that do not involve marijuana use

Hiding Spots & Paraphernalia

Marijuana users, in order to protect their supply, may stash different quantities of the drug at home. Some parents will want to have evidence of marijuana abuse before approaching their child about their suspicions. For this reason, some parents may opt to search their children’s room, as well as the entire house, for marijuana and/or marijuana paraphernalia. There are numerous potential hiding places for marijuana, such as:

• In a drop ceiling
• In unopened soda cans or water bottles that are designed to hide drugs
• Inside of CD/DVD cases
• In consumer packages for over-the-counter drugs
• Between mattresses
• In a hollowed-out space above a door
• In an electrical outlet
• Rolled up in a towel

When parents reach a point where they are sure their child is using marijuana, the next concern will be how to approach the child. This necessary step can be fraught with unsettling emotions. It is important to gather motivation and momentum from the unfortunate reality that even occasional recreational drug abuse can escalate to addiction. Also, a host of negative consequences, such as an arrest, can arise from marijuana abuse.

How To Talk To Your Child About Smoking Pot

When individuals experiencing marijuana abuse are in denial or resistant to getting help, concerned individuals often need guidance on how to get the person into treatment.

Oftentimes, marijuana abuse occurs as part of poly-drug abuse, which can make the need for treatment even more urgent. The best practice is to know about your treatment options before approaching the person who is using marijuana or other drugs.

When you go to talk to your child about their suspected drug use, it’s a good idea to:

• Wait until the child is sober to have the talk.
• Understand that hostility won’t work. Instead, explain concerns in a nonthreatening way that communicates the motivation for the talk comes from a good place.
• Have evidence or at least a firm understanding of the root of the concern because this will help to remove or chip away at the child’s denial tactics.
• Offer potential solutions, such as information on a rehab program that can provide professional help.

Treatment for Marijuana Addiction

While views on marijuana are becoming more positive, it’s crucial to remember that it’s a potent drug with the potential for addiction. Although the FDA hasn’t yet approved any medications to treat marijuana use disorder, there are still effective treatment options to help. Behavioral therapies, often used to address other substance use disorders, can help individuals manage their marijuana use.

If you’re worried about your loved one’s marijuana use, or are concerned about your own, give us a call at . Our compassionate and knowledgeable admissions navigators can help you find the right marijuana addiction treatment for you, verify your insurance or discuss other payment options, and help you start your journey to recovery.