Understanding Teenage Marijuana Abuse

Marijuana is one of the most common drugs abused by teens because it’s so easy to access through both legal anda young teen in need of a Adolescent marijuana addiction treatment illegal means. Many parents are beginning to see marijuana use among children as relatively harmless — thinking that it’s OK because the negative effects seem minimal and “everyone experiments.” Unfortunately, marijuana use in adolescents can have major effects on their brain development. While there are new studies released every day, the overall conclusion is that underage marijuana use can have a negative impact on cognitive ability and physical health.

It’s important to learn everything you can about the causes, side effects, and symptoms of marijuana abuse before making any decision that affects your teen. However, if your teen is exhibiting signs of addiction, Ascend Healthcare offers an adolescent marijuana addiction treatment program in California. We can help your teen develop healthy coping skills and break the cycle of addiction. 

Causes of Teenage Marijuana Abuse

If there was one clear reason adolescents begin using marijuana, it would be much easier to diagnose and treat abuse, but there are actually many reasons teens choose to begin smoking weed. Teens report that they began using marijuana because of peer pressure, parental substance use, self-medicating, and feeling the need to escape.

One of the benefits of working with Ascend is that we address these underlying concerns and work with adolescents to develop better coping mechanisms for whatever instigated their marijuana abuse. A large part of our adolescent marijuana addiction treatment program involves confronting their fears, pain, and concerns to ensure we’re providing targeted, effective solutions that work for them. 

Side Effects of Teenage Marijuana Abuse

While the effects of marijuana are still being debated when it comes to adult use, there is clear evidence that shows marijuana use before the brain is fully developed (around age 25) can be extremely detrimental. Some of the most common side effects may affect your teen’s: 

  • Brain structure volume
  • Quality of white matter
  • Ability to perform cognitive functioning
  • Emotional development
  • Academic retention
  • Social interactions

 Abusing marijuana can also result in an increased risk of developing depression, anxiety, and even schizophrenia.  

Does Your Teen Need Adolescent Marijuana Addiction Treatment?

If you’re worried about your child because you’ve seen some changes in their behavior, don’t jump to conclusions. Consider these signs and symptoms first to discover whether marijuana abuse is the cause:

  • Bloodshot eyes
  • Increased hunger or desire for snacks
  • Persistent cough
  • Ongoing memory problems
  • Impaired coordination
  • More time using and recovering from use
  • Continued use despite legal, personal, or academic problems

These symptoms in your teen mean it could be time to consider an adolescent marijuana addiction treatment program. 

You may also be seeing symptoms of withdrawal if your teen is trying to stop using marijuana. These symptoms could include:

  • Mood changes
  • Irritability
  • Diminished appetite
  • Sleeping difficulties
  • Loss of focus
  • Headaches
  • Cravings
  • Stomach problems
  • Chills
  • Sweating
  • Increased feelings of depression

If your teen is exhibiting these symptoms, our teen treatment program might be right for them.

Contact Ascend for Adolescent Marijuana Addiction Treatment

Admitting your child needs help is the first step towards helping them recover from marijuana addiction and abuse. Ascend Healthcare is here with a safe space for them to express their concerns and overcome obstacles that stand in their path towards a healthier, happier life.

With our focus on family therapy and progress evaluation, our personalized treatment plans, unique therapy modalities, and discharge recommendations, our California marijuana addiction treatment can make a lasting change in your teen’s life. Working with Ascend means customized care and an experienced team that is passionate about making a difference.

If you’re ready to discuss your child’s marijuana addiction or want to learn more about Ascend Healthcare’s adolescent marijuana addiction treatment program, reach out to our admissions team today at 310.388.3713.