15. Marijuana hazards threaten teens

By Tom O'Connell

Marijuana, also known as "pot," is tolerated by many in our society as a "harmless" yet illicit drug. But it is far from harmless, and threatens the well-being of vast numbers of people. From 1979 to 1993, illegal drug use in this country was decreasing. But since 1993 it has been on the increase, and marijuana use by youngsters 12 to 17 years old is up. Officials in Washington, fearing the trend, are trying to alert parents to this situation.

One of the risks that goes with increased marijuana use is that the earlier people start using "gateway" drugs such as marijuana and tobacco, the more likely they are to experiment later with drugs like heroin and cocaine.

On the educational front, parents concerned about a child's performance need to realize that young people who regularly use marijuana tend to lose interest in school. "Ah, who cares? What's the big deal about grades anyhow? I'm gonna have fun while I can."

"Fun" with marijuana impairs thinking, reading comprehension, and verbal and math skills. Also, research shows that young students don't remember what they've learned when "high." Marijuana, the "harmless" drug, reduces short-term memory and alters a person's sense of time. It also reduces the ability to do things requiring concentration, swift reactions, and coordination. For instance, driving performance deteriorates.

During adolescence, marijuana may be especially harmful because research studies indicate that the drug has negative effects on hormones relating to sexuality. These effects are seen in both young men and women. Girls may have irregular menstrual cycles, and young people of both sexes may impair their fertility. Moreover, long-term reproductive difficulties may arise, causing great personal distress when adult life arrives.

Lung problems deserve consideration too. Marijuana smoke contains more cancer-causing agents than tobacco smoke, and it irritates the lungs and damages lung function. In addition, lab tests have shown that tars from marijuana smoke have produced tumors when applied to animal skin. Imagine the effect on sensitive teenage lungs when marijuana smoking becomes habitual. Also, since marijuana smokers often use cigarettes too, they are increasing their health risks due to the combined effects of both substances.

"Marijuana burnout" refers to the effect of prolonged using. When teens smoke pot over long periods of time, they can become dull, slow moving, and inattentive. Unaware of their surroundings, they are living life in a dense mental fog. They may not  respond when friends talk to them. And they may not even realize they have a problem.

What's a parent to look for as signs of marijuana smoking? Along with the tips already noted in this column, be alert for bloodshot eyes, heavy thirst due to a dry mouth and throat, irregular sleeping habits, mood swings, blurred vision, a nagging cough, and inflamed sinuses. Marijuana may also bring on a very rapid heartbeat, lightheadedness, extreme silliness, speech difficulty, facial flush, and anxiety disorders. When a teen has been on marijuana habitually and then stops, watch for symptoms such as irritability, restlessness, insomnia, excessive sweating, persistent runny nose, diarrhea, and hiccups.

Observe the teen's behavior for a while. Keep a journal of what you notice. Then check with your local council on alcoholism and drug dependence about  how to confront the teen with the data you've gathered. The earlier the intervention the better.

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