New Study Links Teen Depression to Marijuana

The United States government just published a new report that links teen marijuana use to worsening depression in teens. Often what happens is that a teenager has an undiagnosed mental illness, such as depression, that goes untreated and the teen used drugs to self-medicate. The point of this study was make two things very clear: 1. teen depression is a big problem and 2. marijuana is not safe and its use amongst teens is another big problem. The study also shows that teens that abuse opioids were 228 times more likely to get depressed. This is a major find in the war against drugs because it can help parents to determine if their child is using drugs.

The authors of the study advise parents to seek professional help if they notice their teen acting depressed and to know where their teen is at all times. Setting limits seems to be a good things for parents to do. Rules such as no hanging out at friends’ houses without adults present can help keep teens drug free. Assigning punishment and reinforcing it might also help kids to stay on the right track.

Are there any other ways that parents can help their teens and young adults to stay drug free?

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2 Responses to “New Study Links Teen Depression to Marijuana”

adolescent drug rehab Says:
May 4th, 2009 at 11:14 pm
I read a lot of articles regarding teen addiction, adolescent drug rehab, teen drug treatment, almost all of them stating that the parents has a big responsibility on how to avoid their children to use drugs and I definitely agree with it. thanks for the post.

-mj-
david Says:
October 27th, 2009 at 2:36 am
I have not only heard about the teen addiction but also have seen it among teens where i was working as a teacher. They usually think that substances like meth, marijuana can help them gain good memory power. Teens who use marijuana to “self-medicate” may worsen their underlying depression or other mental health issues. Parents and other elders around them must always take care and have an eye on them that they don’t lead a wrong path.