Teenagers frequently experiment with drugs and alcohol. Peer pressure, hormonal shifts, and the opportunity to try new things leads many teens to try edibles. Because edibles are readily available, especially in states with few marijuana restrictions, they are easy for teens to come by. They may be a fun, seemingly harmless high. However, edibles are as easily abused as other drugs. Today, teen drug abuse treatment programs can help young people and their families find healthy coping strategies without the use of drugs or alcohol.
If your teen needs drug abuse treatment, call Foothills at Red Oak Recovery to learn more about our programs for adolescent men. Reach our North Carolina clinic at 866.300.5275 for more information.
What Are Edibles?
Some parents may fondly remember their first teenage experiences with marijuana. Things, however, have changed in the marijuana industry and teenage drug culture. Edibles are foods laced with THC and CBD. THC is Tetrahydrocannabinol and is the principal psychoactive compound in cannabis. They allow a person to get high and experience the various effects of marijuana through cookies, brownies, butter, and gummies. Today, gummies are increasingly popular marijuana edibles. Eating an edible can cause:
- Tremors
- Flushing
- Increased heartbeat
- Dry mouth
- Nausea
- Dizziness
For many people, edibles can be more potent than smoking. Teens may also prefer edibles over the acts and effects of smoking. The dose of THC, the chemical that produces euphoric highs, can be much higher in an edible. This makes it difficult to know how much THC a person is ingesting. Because edibles are sweets, it can also be easy to overconsume them before the drug has taken effect.
Today, there is a rise in the popularity of Delta 8 gummies. Delta 8 is a synthetic THC made in labs. It is not well regulated and can cause more intense highs. When a teen is high on Delta 8, they may engage in behavior that endangers themselves and others.
Edibles and Teen Drug Abuse
Edibles may seem rather harmless. But in reality, it’s hard to know what exactly is in an edible. Homemade edibles might contain other drugs. States and federal governments do not regulate professionally made edibles very well, especially where THC is not legal. Some companies even fraudulently sell Delta 8 and other marijuana products that do not comply with state and federal regulations. These products may also contain other drugs and harmful chemicals.
Marijuana may seem rather benign and less harmful than heroin, cocaine, and other substances. While there are ongoing debates over whether marijuana is addictive, teen drug use is often a sign of underlying conditions in need of attention and treatment. While many teens experiment with drugs to gain autonomy of their bodies, rebel against authority, and fit in with friends, regular use of edibles can lead to addiction. Because it’s hard to know what is in an edible, they can be dangerous for teens and adults. Teens seeking the euphoric, numbing, and altering states of edibles are likely avoiding difficult emotions, conflict, and deep wounds. For teens regularly using edibles, drug abuse treatment programs can help.
Begin Teen Drug Abuse Treatment at Foothills at Red Oak Recovery Today
Edibles may seem like a fun and delicious high. In reality, they can be unpredictable and dangerous. If your teen is regularly consuming edibles, they may be struggling with drug abuse and dependency. The staff at Foothills at Red Oak Recovery can help. Our beautiful North Carolina teen drug abuse treatment center helps adolescent boys detox and recover from all walks of life. Foothills focuses on holistic healing from drug, alcohol, and process addictions alongside co-occurring disorders. We use medically assisted detox, traditional psychiatric care, and equine therapy to help teenage boys disconnect from social pressures. Learn more about our programs by calling 866.300.5275 today.
