TEENS WITH PROBLEMS: Is Marijuana a Harmless Drug?

Is
Marijuana
A "Harmless Drug"?

According to a survey of adolescents, ages 12 to 17, taken by the
"Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration,"
teens who admitted to using marijuana in the past year
self-reported the following behaviors:

Adolescents who use marijuana weekly are
9 times more likely than non-users
to experiment with illegal drugs or alcohol.

Adolescents who use marijuana weekly are
6 times more likely than non-users
to run away from home.

Adolescents who use marijuana weekly are
5 times more likely than non-users
to steal.

Adolescents who use marijuana weekly are
nearly 4 times more likely than non-users
to engage in violence.

Adolescents who use marijuana weekly are
3 times more likely
to have thoughts
about committing suicide.

Adolescents who use marijuana
are more prone than non-users
to be involved in destruction of property.

Adolescents who use marijuana
are more prone than non-users
to physically attack other teens.

Adolescents who use marijuana
also reported
* more social withdrawal *
* physical complaints *
* anxiety and depression *
* attention problems *
* thoughts of suicide *

Still think
Marijuana
is a "Harmless Drug"?

For more information and free publications on adolescent drug use
as well as a treatment locator with a map for every state
please visit the SAMHSA web site.

Much useful information for parents regarding substance abuse in teens on this site:
The AntiDrug Site for Parents and Teens

There is also a lot of helpful information on marijuana at the following link:
Youthwork Links and Ideas: Marijuana

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