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For many young adults, experimenting with recreational drugs is a phase that is becoming more and more common. With cannabis, becoming more widespread, due to its legalization in some US states, marijuana (also known as pot, or dope) is considered to be one of the most accessible drugs available to young people today. There are many different reasons why young adults start smoking cannabis, including:
– Experiencing a phase of rebellion against a strict upbringing
– They’re succumbing to peer pressure and all their other friends are smoking it
– They’re bored
– They want to feel good or unwind because of academic or social pressures
– They’re using it to deflect and manage other issues, such as their mental health
– They’re using cannabis as a way to deaden or anaesthetize distressing memories as a result of a traumatic event or experience, such as bullying or physical/sexual abuse
If you feel that your teen needs help with their addiction, find out more about what can cause cannabis addiction here.
Whatever reason your teen has started smoking cannabis, as a loving parent or guardian it’s only natural for you to feel concerned. Thankfully, most of the reasons behind smoking cannabis pass, but for others, addiction can take hold. Recognising the signs of cannabis addiction means you can actively seek help for your teen and get them on the road to recovery.
Read on for the crucial signs of cannabis addiction you should be aware of.
A downturn in academic performance
Has your teen always had straight A’s? Or have they always been consistent with their academic achievements? Attended school on time, contributed to class and worked hard? If you’ve suddenly noticed a change in their attitude towards school and their subsequent results, and you’re already aware that they smoke marijuana, then this could be a sign that drug addiction is beginning to take hold.
Interest in extracurricular activities and hobbies declines
Habits and preferences can change, especially when you’re a teenager. What they showed interest in one week, can change within a matter of days. However, if your young adult is no longer attending their extracurricular activities or showing an interest in hobbies that you know make them happy and bring them joy, then dependence on marijuana could be the cause.
Sudden criminal activity
We expect teenagers to be a little rebellious, but sudden criminal activity and run-ins with the law shouldn’t be part of their childhood. Perhaps they’re stealing to buy their marijuana, or their new addiction has drawn them into a new crowd, whatever the reason, a sudden increase in criminal activity and the devastating consequences (legal action, school suspension etc) could have a detrimental impact on their self-esteem and push them further into cannabis dependency.
New friends that they don’t want you to know about
Friendship groups come and go, but if your young adult is now hanging out with other individuals who have an affinity to drugs such as cannabis and they’ve left their other friends behind, then it’s another red flag.
Final thoughts…
We all want what’s best for our children, whether they’re teens, young adults, or somewhere in between. If you’re worried about your teen’s cannabis use, reach out to a professional as soon as possible.
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