Preventing and Treating Substance Abuse

docx

School

Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology *

*We aren’t endorsed by this school

Course

100

Subject

Psychology

Date

Nov 24, 2024

Type

docx

Pages

5

Uploaded by ndungadaniel

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1 Preventing and Treating Substance Abuse Student’s Name Institutional Affiliation Course Name & Number Instructor’s Name Assignment Due Date
2 Preventing and Treating Substance Abuse The title of the resource viewed is Preventing Marijuana Use among the Youth . Marijuana use among youth is a problem because it can negatively impact their health and cognitive development. Research has shown that marijuana use during adolescence can cause changes in the brain's structure and function, affecting learning, memory, and executive function. According to research, heavy marijuana users may experience symptoms of dependence on the drug and withdrawal symptoms when they stop using it (samhsa.gov, 2022). Furthermore, marijuana use during adolescence may increase the risk of developing mental health problems such as depression and anxiety disorders. It is important to address the issue of marijuana use among youth because it is an issue that affects their mental health and overall well-being. Marijuana use has been linked with several conditions, including depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia. The risk of developing these conditions is higher among those who start using marijuana before age 16. This can be especially dangerous for adolescents, who may be more likely to experiment with drugs and alcohol than adults because they are still developing physically and emotionally. There are several challenges in dealing with the issue of marijuana use among the youth. One of the challenges is the existence of different regulatory structures in America. There are states where marijuana use is illegal, while there are others marijuana use is considered for recreational or medical purposes. The nature of the evolving policy on marijuana use makes prevention challenging. Greater public acceptance of marijuana and its use may contribute to an increase in youth marijuana use. The perception of risk is declining, and the increasing availability of marijuana products may be a contributing factor. The product diversification,
3 marketing, and pervasive nature of the cannabis industry may also contribute to increased consumption (samhsa.gov, 2022). Another challenge is increased accessibility. With the rising popularity of marijuana in recent years, many states have seen a rise in its accessibility to teens, especially since the passage of medical and recreational marijuana laws in several states. Because of this, many parents and teachers are concerned about the potential negative effects of marijuana on their children's developing brains ( samhsa.gov, 2022). While research does not suggest that smoking pot causes permanent damage to anyone's brain, recreational users could experience negative side effects, including memory loss and attention problems. Several effective strategies can be used to mitigate marijuana use among youth. The first is education. Educating parents and children about the harms of marijuana use will help them make informed decisions about their cannabis consumption or whether they should refrain from using it altogether. Another strategy is implementing policies that restrict access to marijuana for youth in schools and other public spaces. This can be done by limiting children's time in these places, requiring parental consent for unaccompanied minors, or restricting where teens can purchase their products. Another strategy is increasing access and affordability of evidence-based treatments for mental health disorders such as depression or anxiety disorders so that people struggling with these issues feel comfortable seeking professional help without having to worry about being stigmatized by others who may disapprove of their choices. In conclusion, I think that the SAMHSA resource on Preventing Marijuana Use Among Youth is useful for anyone interested in learning more about marijuana use and its effects on those who use it. The information in this resource is very thorough and provides some great tips for parents of teens, teachers, and guidance counselors who work with youth. I also believe this
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4 resource will be useful to anyone who wants to learn more about how marijuana affects development and whether or not it has any negative effects on brain function. This information can help parents make better decisions about what kind of activities their kids should participate in while they are young so that they are not exposed to any substance later on in life when they are older and more susceptible to addiction or other health problems from using marijuana regularly throughout adolescence.
5 References samhsa.gov. (2022). Preventing Marijuana Use Among Youth. Retrieved 8 October 2022, from https://www.samhsa.gov/resource/ebp/preventing-marijuana-use-among-youth.