PARENT TALK - MARIJUANA USE IN YOUTH IS ON THE RISE

Marijuana use among teens is making a comeback. According to the
National Institute on Drug Abuse, the number of middle, junior high
and high school students experimenting with the drug is the highest
since the 1980s. And marijuana is the top reported drug of choice in
teens being treated for addiction at Youth Eastside Services (YES).

At YES we work with youth in schools, teen centers and in our
substance abuse and mental health treatment programs. Across the
board, our counselors are reporting a change in attitude toward
marijuana. Most teens see it as less dangerous and we are hearing them
talk about the drug being natural, medicinal and "almost legal."
Experts agree that a leading factor for the changes in attitudes and
increased use could be the confusing message kids are getting due to
the legalization debates.

Contrary to popular belief, marijuana can be addictive and is also a
gateway to experimentation with other illegal drugs. In addition, the
marijuana of today is up to 10 times more potent than that of 20-30
years ago and this can add to dependency issues.

A recent Harvard study shows that marijuana has an especially negative
impact on the developing brain. In addition, regular marijuana use
usually results in poorer school performance and attendance as well as
loss of interest in other activities, such as sports.

Marijuana has also been associated with respiratory and mental
illness, poor motor performance and impaired cognitive and immune
system functions. Addiction can cause increases in anxiety, depression
and suicidal thoughts. There is also concern regarding teen use of
marijuana as a self-medicating behavior to cope with other issues such
as anxiety, depression and more.

So what can parents do? Even if you're for legalization, talk with
your kids about the dangers of misusing marijuana, alcohol or any drug
and its potential for addiction. Help your kids understand that any
medicine has the potential to be harmful when misused.

For parents who would like to be more prepared for a discussion on
drugs and alcohol, YES offers an in depth Alcohol and Drug Education
class each month, as well as many tips on its Web site. Visit
www.YouthEastsideServices.org for details and more information on teen
drug trends.

Patti Skelton-McGougan is executive director of Youth Eastside
Services. YES is a nonprofit organization and a leading provider of
youth counseling and substance abuse services in the region. Since
1968, YES has been a lifeline for kids and families, offering
treatment, education and prevention services to help youth become
healthy, confident and self-reliant and families to become strong,
supportive and loving. While YES accepts insurance, Medicaid and
offers a sliding scale, no one is turned away for inability to pay.