Signs a Teen May be Using Marijuana

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Have you ever gazed at your teenager and thought you were gazing at a stranger? That the jovial, garrulous child you had known has been taken by one who is reserved, and mysterious? Although some degree of change is a normal process of adolescence, there are behavioral and physical changes that may be a reason to be concerned. 

With the perception of marijuana quickly shifting in the world, most parents are left in a dilemma on whether these changes are simply normal teen behavior or otherwise. Is it just a normal experience of a growing up teenager or is it possible that they are testing out substances which can damage their teen mental health. This blog will make you familiar with the most important physical, behavioral, and psychological symptoms of marijuana use. 

Understanding Marijuana Use Among Teens

●  Why Marijuana Use Is Increasing Among Teenagers:  The current adolescents are being raised in a world whereby the risk of marijuana is becoming less perceived. It is commonly depicted as a safe natural drug with legalization in most regions in the medical and recreational field. It can be normalized, which, together with its popularity in social media and popular culture, may give an impression of harmlessness in terms of experimentation. The consequences, however, are more severe in the case of the developing adolescent brain.

●  The Risks of Marijuana Use in Adolescents:   The adolescent brain is still developing vital neural networks especially in areas that deal with judgment, decision making, and impulse control. Adding THC, the psychoactive element of marijuana, may interfere with this fine process. Memories, learning and critical thinking skills have been associated with frequent use. It may also add to existing problems and have a considerable effect on the mental health of teenagers, which may lead to or aggravate anxiety, depression, and even psychosis.

Physical Symptoms of Marijuana Use in Teens

●  Bloodshot Eyes and Dilated Pupils:  Cannabis makes blood vessels in the eyes to widen resulting in characteristic red, bloodshot eyes. To cover this, teens can attempt to hide this by using eye drops. They can also possess marijuana smoking accessories like pipes and lighters which are physical evidence of marijuana use.

● Unexplained Weight Gain or the Munchies:  This is one of the most common effects of THC which is the sudden urge to eat, a phenomenon often referred to as the munchies. Your teenager might be coming out of the pantry, consuming enormous amounts of snacks or gaining weight without any noticeable change in their habitual eating and physical activity behaviors.

●  Absence of Coordination or Irregular Movements: Marijuana can affect the motor skill and reaction time. A teenager can seem clumsy in comparison with the normal teens, seem to be unusually slow and unresponsive.

Behavioral and Emotional Changes in Teenagers Using Marijuana 

●  Sudden Mood Swings and Irritability: THC has the potential to change the chemistry of the brain resulting in unpredictable emotional reactions. One day, a teenager may appear to be abnormally calm or even euphoric, and the next day, he or she may become irritable, nervous, or even paranoid without any noticeable cause.

●  Withdrawal from Family and Friends:  A powerful indication is the impulsive wish to be alone. An adolescent who consumes marijuana can spend too much time alone in the room, skip meals or family events, and cease to engage in dialogues that he or she would have engaged in.

●  Increased Secrecy and Defensiveness: This goes beyond typical teenage privacy. You may notice lying about where they’ve been or who they were with, locking their bedroom door more frequently, and becoming overly defensive or angry when asked simple questions.

Academic and Social Signs of Marijuana Use

●  Declining Grades and Difficulty Focusing:  The effects of using drugs and alcohol such as marijuana are short-term memory impairment and lack of concentration. This will definitely come in the form of a decrease in grades, absent work and teachers complaining that they are zoning in the classroom.

●  Neglecting Responsibilities and Interests: Sports, chores, hobbies and part time jobs can be sidelined.  The first important red flag is the loss of motivation and interest in activities which were previously enjoyed.

●  Modifications in Social Circles and Friendships:  Teenagers are likely to relate with individuals who share common habits. One of the most noticeable indicators is a sudden desertion of old friends by a new, mysterious group, particularly when you think that the new friends are involved in substances.

Psychological Symptoms to monitor

●  Anxiety, Paranoia, or High Stress: Although some teens can use marijuana as a way of self-treating anxiety, it can actually backfire, particularly with strong strains of marijuana. They can be irrationally scared or appear to be overly concerned.

●   Short-Term Memory Loss and inability to concentrate: You can have a forgetful and inattentive teenager, or you can have a spacey and uninterested teenager and the one who is not interested in what is being said to him.

●  Distorted Thinking or Unrelated Conversations: They may not be able to stick to their line of thought or they may jump out of context matters. The conversations may be disorganized and unreasonable.

Conclusion 

It is an act of love and not suspicion to know the signs that your teen may be using marijuana e.g. changing friends, scoring poor grades or becoming more secretive. These signals are a call for advice, not punishment. This can be done by responding to them with empathy and proactive support to guide them towards a healthier future. If you worry about the well-being of your teen, contact Athena Behavioral Health today, the best rehab center to get confidential and professional help.