Teen Marijuana Abuse Myths

Marijuana is the most commonly abused drug amongst teenagers. It is considered a recreational drug by many teenagers and is a drug that they believe to be a harmless way to relax and have fun. Compared to other drugs often abused it is less expensive and more easily attainable. Today, kids are using marijuana younger than ever before which means that the long-term effects can be more drastic. The unfortunate thing is that with peer pressure, or simply by some teens seeing older kids doing it, marijuana use is considered normal so many kids don’t even think twice about it. Unfortunately, there are also a number of myths surrounding the drug that make them think it is harmless.

Myths About Teen Marijuana Addiction

There are a number of myths about marijuana that teens seem to think are true, and they believe that this justifies their use of the drug although they may never even consider trying drugs that are heavier.

1. It’s natural, so it can’t be bad - marijuana may have some natural properties, but today there are many additives to the drug. Regardless, it still happens to be a drug, and what many teens don’t realize is that many drugs , including heroin also have natural properties, which is one drug that many claim they would never consider doing. With things being added into drugs, teens also never know what they might be ingesting and what detrimental effects if could have upon their health.

2. Marijuana doesn’t cause any problems – again linked to the idea that marijuana is harmless, many teens believe that it won’t actually have an effect upon their life. The reality is that marijuana can have notable physical, social, learning and behavioral problems and this happens at a time when teens are still developing, and also setting the stage for the rest of their lives with their education.

3. Marijuana isn’t addictive – because it’s not a “real” drug (so teens think) they also believe that this drug can’t be addictive. Since we already debunked the myth that marijuana isn’t a drug, it should be obvious enough to say that it is also is addictive. Studies have shown that despite this common belief, people can become addicted to marijuana. Teens in particular can be vulnerable to addiction when it’s related to a coping skill.

4. Marijuana doesn’t make you lose control - teens believe that marijuana is a safe drug because it doesn’t lead them to get out of control like alcohol or other drugs. It has been proven that in reality marijuana does effect motor and judgement skills so it’s no better to get behind the wheel of a car on marijuana than it is to drink and drive. The effects of the drug can also last 4 hours.

5. You can’t get in trouble for using marijuana - teens seem to believe that if caught with marijuana they won’t get in trouble. Marijuana is no different than any other drug legally, and they can end up being fined or with criminal or misdemeanour charges for possessing marijuana.

Treatment for Marijuana

With all of the myths about marijuana debunked, the bottom line is that it’s a drug and those addicted to it do need help to stop using it. Teens in particular should get the help they need to stop using marijuana if they are unable to do so on their own, because they are at such an integral part of their lives that one supposedly “harmless” drug could end up destroying it.