The fact is that we at the Center for Addictive Diseases(CAD) are seeing more and more teens being referred to us for problems stemming from marijuana use. We are also getting more calls from parents who have recently discovered their teen is smoking marijuana. Together these present challenges for drug and alcohol treatment programs. The major obstacles we face are dealing with the high level of denial, the rationalizations, the “easy” availability of pot and the wealth of “facts” teens present to us about what this drug really is---from their perspective.

The presenting problems include legal, school performance, mood/behavior changes, and relationships with family and peers. Nine times out of ten, the adolescent is coming at the recommendation of one or more adults in their life (i.e.: parent, teacher, etc.). Rare is the teen that may refer him or herself for treatment. Thus, the feedback we receive from the reluctant teen includes:

• I don’t need to be here.
• My parents are over-reacting
• I can quit whenever I want, and I have before
• It is only pot; I don’t do hard drugs
• Everyone does it at my school
• It is not addicting
• Pot should be legal anyway
• It helps me calm down; deal with stress and be more creative

On the other side of the coin, we, and the concerned adults, are observing:

• Changes in motivation and school performance
• More drastic isolation from family
• Changes in level of participation in activities the teen used to enjoy
• Change in circle of friends, or a preoccupation with a group of friends who probably smoke pot.
• Inability to deal with the typical stressors and challenges of teen development
• Misinformation on the concept of addiction. (Teens focus on physical appearance rather than emotional presentation)

From the treatment viewpoint, this dichotomy, presents a challenge for the therapists. Rather than get into an intellectual debate with the teen, our treatment team focus is this:

• Provide a supportive environment in which the teen can communicate openly
• Educate the reality that any drug—including marijuana—can become an addiction
• Introduce the possibility the use of marijuana may be a form of self-medication vs. recreational use
• Discuss the dependency on marijuana may make it unlikely the teen will develop the skills to problem solve, communicate effectively and, as a result, force them to become dependent on others rather than mature into independence
• Present the use of marijuana may mask additional behavioral/emotional problems (i.e.: Depression, ADD/ADHD)

Can we “make” them see it our way? — NO!
Can we make them see it their parent’s way? — NO!
Can we encourage them to process the potential consequences should they choose to continue marijuana use? — YES!!

###

Published:2-25-2003