TEENAGE MARIJUANA USE DECLINING

Warning signs could indicate a teenager is using marijuana to deal with
life's problems.

Research indicates marijuana use in teenagers is declining, but it remains
the drug of choice for that age group. For this reason, parents need to
look for signs that could indicate their children are using illicit drugs,
according to the S.T.A.R. council.

Some of the warning signs include red or bloodshot eyes, a case of the
giggles or an increased desire to "binge" eat.

These signs could be signs of marijuana use, but parents should also look
for additional signs.

Additional signs include dizziness, coordination problems and memory loss.

According to drug experts, behavioral changes, such as depression,
withdrawal, fatigue and hostility could also point to a drug problem.
Deteriorating relationships, problems at school and altered eating or
sleeping habits can point to a narcotics problem, the experts said.

"Marijuana is 10-20 times more potent than it was years ago," said Dr. John
Keppler with the Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse. "It is so
dangerous with kids because of its interference with memory, its ability to
cause depression and its ability to cause a lack of motivation on their
part and loss of direction in their lives."

According to Keppler, parents should be concerned if children start using
large quanitities of eye drops or nose sprays. Strange odor on their
clothes, in their bedrooms or in their cars should also be a concern for
parents.

"My mother would always ask me if I was at a fire or if I smoked
cigarettes," said one rehabilitated drug addict. "Marijuana was just the
beginning of my drug problem. I moved to cocaine and speed within a few
months because it was just as easy to get. Marijuana was a beginner drug
for me, just as it can be for many teenagers."

For more information about marijuana usage or substance abuse, contact the
S.T.A.R. Council at 800-375-1395, or stop by the organization's office at
239 S. Virginia St. in Stephenville.