Because cannabis and related products are now more mainstream than before, facilities offering teen marijuana abuse treatment programs are more necessary than ever. These days, teens can more readily access both medical-grade and recreational marijuana because the drug’s reputation has changed. Recent legal changes and released studies have altered the way people view the dangers of using marijuana. However, while marijuana may offer certain health benefits with proper use, teen marijuana use can lead to many problems and may require teen marijuana abuse treatment.
Marijuana use can affect a teen’s coordination, memory, situational judgment, overall health, and more. Some experts even consider marijuana a gateway drug. Because the drug is popular among teens and could lead to using other substances, you need to know how to recognize marijuana use in teens to keep your child healthy and safe. If you’re dealing with teen drug use and are looking for a drug abuse treatment program, contact Foothills at Red Oak Recovery by calling 866.300.5275 or reaching out to our team online.
What Is a Gateway Drug?
Marijuana is a gateway drug, according to many educators, specialists, and professionals, but what does that mean? A gateway drug, when used regularly, can lead to the use of more addictive and more dangerous substances. In other words, using a gateway drug becomes a gateway into other types of substance abuse. Apart from marijuana, other gateway drug examples include alcohol and prescription medications.
How do gateway drugs work that way? When someone abuses alcohol, prescription medications, or marijuana, they could stop feeling fearful of the potential harm of using other substances. However, not everyone will react the same way to gateway drugs. Substance use disorder is complicated and different for everyone.
What Are the Signs of Teen Marijuana Use?
The physical signs of teen marijuana use are easy to spot. Not only is the smell of weed obvious after someone smokes it, but the scent sticks to the air and the fibers of what the smoker is wearing. If your teen has bloodshot or red eyes, they could be high on marijuana. They may also display delayed reaction times mentally and physically or have trouble with muscle coordination.
Different strains of marijuana will affect the human body and mind in various ways. Teens may have mood swings and be lazy or tired. They may also be anxious and have an increased heart rate. Marijuana use may also affect a teen’s ability to focus on school, work, or home activities. If their grades or performance has changed, it could be a sign of a dependency on marijuana.
You may also search for specific tools or equipment that your teen may use to smoke marijuana, such as bongs, pipes, rolling paper, vapes. Marijuana can also be in edible products, so check the labels and packaging of your teen’s snacks.
What to Expect From Marijuana Abuse Treatment for Teens
Sometimes, teen drug use can be simply a product of curiosity. Some teens will try marijuana once and then never touch it again. However, if you find out that your troubled teen is using marijuana regularly, you should consider getting them admitted to a marijuana abuse treatment program.
Depending on the severity of the substance use disorder, treatment can take anywhere from weeks to months and can take place in an inpatient or outpatient setting. A specialist will conduct a comprehensive assessment and develop a custom treatment plan for your teen. In addition, the specialists may diagnose your teen with other co-occurring disorders during this process.
Marijuana abuse treatment programs can include many forms of care and therapy and often come with aftercare planning and maintenance. Individual and group therapy are typically part of treatment, too. This may involve treatment such as:
Family involvement is common in many teen drug use treatment programs because many teens’ substance use disorders and mental health problems start in the home. Family is also an excellent support system for recovering addicts.
Learn More About Foothills at Red Oak Recovery Today
Are you looking for a drug abuse treatment program because you’ve discovered your teen’s marijuana use? Contact Foothills at Red Oak Recovery by calling 866.300.5275. You can also reach out to our team online.
