Teen Marijuana Use

Teen marijuana use in the United States is a growing concern. Experts believe that there are several factors that contribute to the high use of pot among teens. From music to regular news coverage, marijuana talk is everywhere. It shouldn’t be shocking that teens are curious about trying this drug.

Is Marijuana Addictive?

The real question that parents have about marijuana is if it’s addictive. The answer depends on who they ask. In general, however, experts agree that marijuana is addictive.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), nearly 10 percent of people who use weed develop a disorder. This means that they continue to use marijuana despite the drug getting in the way of daily life. Some people, teens included, use weed even when it causes problems at school, home or work.

At its very core, this behavior is the same as an addiction. People who have addiction continue to use drugs despite them causing harm in some way. However, some people don’t think that marijuana is addictive because it doesn’t cause dependency like other drugs.

Teen Marijuana Use Is Growing Out of Control

The NIDA says that teen marijuana use is on the rise and shows no signs of slowing down. In fact, the problem might get worse as more and more states legalize the herb. In 2016, the NIDA said that nearly 4 million people age 12 and older suffer from marijuana use disorder.

Some experts also say that more teens use marijuana because their parents use it at home. People who grow up with marijuana around them are likely to use it too. They become a victim of their own environment and are at greater risk.

Does Marijuana Harm Teens?

There’s some evidence that supports the idea that marijuana harms the developing teenage brain. Teens who abuse marijuana typically have lower or reduced school performance. The effects on adult brains are less noticeable.

However, some experts believe that the fall in school performance is because of lifestyle choices rather than weed. Until there’s more research, it’s hard to say how much of an effect that marijuana has on the teenage brain.

Fight Back Against Marijuana Abuse

Don’t let teen marijuana use become a problem in your home. At The Hills Treatment Center, we can stop teenage drug abuse. We create custom treatment plans that put the needs of your teen first. Some of the many programs that we offer include:

• Gender-specific rehab
• Individual and group therapy
• Dual diagnosis treatment
• Drug rehab aftercare
• Family therapy

Don’t let people trick you into thinking that weed isn’t dangerous. Find out how we can help you put an end to teen marijuana use disorder. Reach out to 844-915-0287 for more information.