Talk to your son about why he is smoking marijuana, and help him find an alternative activity or behavior to do instead. For example, if smoking pot is his way of coping with stress, help him come up with healthier ways to relax. If he is doing it to fit in with his friends or peers, help him find more positive role models with whom to associate.
Full Answer
How can I get my teenager to stop smoking marijuana?
How Can You Get Your Teen to Stop Smoking Marijuana 1 In the Family. You need to start with a real communication of your concerns for their health... 2 Get Educated Before You Talk. Get educated about the real risks...and no scaremongering. 3 Keep Your Cool and They'll Listen. By talking rationally and with concern your son...
How can I get my 14 year old son to stop smoking?
How Can You Get Your Teen to Stop Smoking Marijuana 1 Start within the Family. Start first in the family, if that doesn’t work, get some professional outside assistance on an outpatient basis, and if that doesn't work, consider inpatient treatment. 2 Professional Help. ... 3 Outpatient Care. ... 4 Inpatient Care. ...
Did my son know before he started smoking marijuana?
Your son knew before he started smoking marijuana that you specifically told him not to do so. He CHOSE to disregard your instructions. It is your job as a parent to inform your son that he has made a poor choice and to immediately follow up with a consequence. You said you think your son has been smoking marijuana for several months.
What to do if your child is expelled from school for marijuana?
A teen who is expelled from school for marijuana possession is probably in pretty deep. Be clear that your son is not allowed to get high at home, or to bring drugs or paraphernalia into the house. Let him know you reserve the right to search his room, confiscate anything you find, and impose a limit.
What does weed do to the teenage brain?
Studies have shown that the use of marijuana is associated with reduced cognitive function in teens. One study found that teens who regularly use marijuana lose an average of 5.8 IQ points by the time they reach adulthood.
What do you do if you catch your child smoking?
If you catch your teen smoking or vaping, avoid threats and ultimatums. Ask a few questions and find out why your child is smoking or vaping; they may want to be accepted by a peer group or want your attention. Talk about what changes can be made in your teen's life to help them stop smoking.
How can I stop my son smoking?
Offer your own suggestions as well:Know your reasons. Ask your teen to think about why he or she wants to stop smoking. ... Set a quit date. Help your teen choose a date to stop smoking.Avoid temptation. ... Be prepared for cravings. ... Consider stop-smoking products. ... Seek support.
Can a 16 year old smoke weed?
Teenage marijuana use is at its highest level in 30 years, and today's teens are more likely to use marijuana than tobacco. Many states allow recreational use of marijuana in adults ages 21 and over. Recreational marijuana use by children and teenagers is not legal in anywhere in the United States.
How do I talk to my child about smoking?
How to Talk with Your Child About SmokingStart early. It is a good idea to start talking with your children about the dangers of cigarettes when they are 5 or 6 years old. ... Stay connected. ... Be clear about your rules and expectations. ... Talk about the risks of tobacco. ... Know your kids' friends.
How can I tell if my teenager is smoking?
Signs a Teenager is Smoking CigarettesThey seem edgy. When someone becomes hooked on nicotine they will show signs of withdrawal. ... They smell of smoke. The teen may reek of smoke. ... They cough often. Smoking can cause the throat to become dry and irritated. ... Their teeth become yellowed.
How do you discipline a teenager for vaping?
Before giving them a harsh punishment, make sure you talk to them about why they're vaping and how often. Give them the low-down on the negative effects of vaping, but don't scare them into throwing it away. Always give them appropriate consequences and be consistent with your discipline approach.
How can I help my teenager quit vaping?
You might want to talk to a health care provider who can suggest effective nicotine cessation programs that help teens kick the habit.Vaping has become an epidemic. ... Ask questions. ... Be patient. ... Help them remove temptation. ... Encourage them to have a plan. ... Point them toward more help.
What can teenager do to avoid smoking and using drugs?
To help your teen avoid getting hooked, follow these tips.Set a good example. Teen smoking is more common among teens whose parents smoke. ... Understand the attraction. ... Say no. ... Think beyond cigarettes. ... Appeal to your teen's vanity. ... Do the math. ... Expect peer pressure. ... Take addiction seriously.More items...
How do I know if my son is smoking weed?
Signs Your Teen Is High Your teen may have red, bloodshot eyes. Your teen could be very giddy or very tired, depending on when they got high. Your teen may be paranoid or anxious. They may get the "munchies" and be hungry for anything they can get their hands on.
What does weed do to you?
Smoking cannabis can cause some stinging or burning in your mouth and throat while you're inhaling. Cannabis can cause digestive issues when taken orally. While THC has been shown to ease nausea and vomiting, in some people long-term heavy use can paradoxically cause nausea and vomiting.
What type of drug is weed?
Marijuana is a mind-altering (psychoactive) drug, produced by the Cannabis sativa plant. Marijuana has over 480 constituents. THC (delta- 9-tetrahydrocannabinol) is believed to be the main ingredient that produces the psychoactive effect.
How long does marijuana stay in your system?
Marijuana's other dangers.The substances in marijuana stay in the fatty parts of the body for long periods of time.A 50% concentration of THC can be found in the body up to eight days after using marijuana and traces can be found in the body up to 3 months after use . THC, the active ingredient in marijuana, accumulates particularly in the testes, liver and brain of users.PET scans (a brain mapping method which allows scientists to visualize what is happening in the brain) of regular marijuana users show that marijuana may continue to impact the brain three or more days after use, particularly affecting motor coordination, memory and learning. According to two studies, marijuana use narrows the arteries in the brain, “similar to patients with high blood pressure and dementia”11 and may explain why memory tests are difficult for marijuana users. In addition, “chronic consumers of cannabis lose molecules called CB1 receptors in the brain’s arteries,”12 leading to blood flow problems in the brain which can cause memory loss, attention deficits, and impaired learning ability.Research has now established that marijuana is addictive. Each year, more teens enter treatment with a primary diagnosis of marijuana dependence than for all other illicit drugs combined. Over sixty percent of teens admitted to drug treatment cite marijuana as their primary substance of abuse.Research also shows that marijuana use is three times more likely to lead to dependence among adolescents than among adults.Research indicates that the earlier kids start using marijuana, the more likely they are to become dependent on this or other illicit drugs later in life.The proportion of admissions for primary marijuana abuse increased from 6% in 1992 to 64% percent of admissions in 2002. Almost half (46 percent) of the people admitted for marijuana were under 20 years old. Of those admitted for treatment for primary marijuana dependence, 56 percent had first used the drug by age 14, and 26 percent had begun by age 12.Even marijuana proponents acknowledge that marijuana use is harmful for teens. Allen St. Pierre, the executive director of NORML (National Organization for the Reform of Marjuana Laws) recently stated that "One can argue before a young person reaches full brain development in their early 20's, they should not use or have legal access to marijuana."1Scientists have proven that marijuana users experience changes in the flow of blood to their brains. Ronald Herning of the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) found that marijuana smokers may suffer from narrowed blood vessels in their brains, possibly explaining why smokers experience memory and thinking problems.12
What jobs pay more that you won't be accepted?
There are some professional jobs that pay more that u won't be accepted coz of a failed drug test,eg, pilots, lawyers, etc.
What is the advantage of outpatient programs?
Outpatient programs have an advantage over residential programs in that they allow young people to practice the skills they learn in the real-world and stay active in school.
What to do if drug use continues?
If it becomes apparent that drug use continues after your attempts to keep things in the family , it's time to enlist professional help.
How to help a teenager who is experimenting with marijuana?
You must take serious action when you find your teen experimenting with marijuana, but for the best chance of success you need to stay in control, get educated and take the steps that are going to work. Have the courage to do what's needed, even when it gets difficult.
What to do if family intervention isn't working?
If family-level interventions aren't working, find an experienced family or teen therapist with knowledge of addiction issues and get started with individual drug counseling and/or family therapy. If use isn't yet addiction, brief professional interventions can work wonders.
How to talk to a teenager about drugs?
You need to start with a real communication of your concerns for their health and well being, and before you start talking , you’d better get informed. Your teen likely has a pretty good body of knowledge about the drug…possibly more than you do. What they know may not be totally accurate, but if they think it is and you can’t contradict them reasonably, your words aren’t likely to have much impact.
How does marijuana affect kids?
Marijuana destroys motivation, it screws up memory, and it gradually destroys self-esteem. The kids I work with say that it makes them feel “lazy” or “dumb.” Their grades drop, their ambitions disappear, and their friends change.
Why is marijuana considered a gateway drug?
Even most kids will agree that marijuana is a so-called “gateway drug” because as their tolerance increases, they move on to other drugs. And regardless of its legality, it often exposes kids to harder drugs and to drug dealers. It’s rare for young people to use marijuana by itself.
Why does it take so long for kids to recover from addiction?
You throw drugs into a developing brain and you stop emotional development cold, which is an important reason why it takes kids so long to recover from addiction. Think about it, most kids don’t have their emotional skills built up and they have not developed the ability to build strong relationships and to make reasonable and rational decisions.
How to tell the truth about marijuana?
Tell the truth, but tell how things have changed. Give them the facts. Marijuana is stronger than it used to be and we now have research that tells us about the frightening things it does to your personality and your performance in school, sports, and every area of your life. All the neurological wiring is laid down in adolescence for judgment, reason controlling impulses, empathy, compassion, flexibility, and all those more mature brain functions that help people grow into responsible adults.
Why is marijuana dangerous?
One of the dangers of marijuana is that it’s much stronger than it was a generation ago. Back then, pot, as we used to call it, contained four percent THC.
What happens when a child gets hooked on marijuana?
Once a child gets hooked on marijuana and combines it with other drugs, the chances of getting addicted, particularly if they start using at an early age, are very high . And the age that kids first start smoking it is going down.
What happens when you suspect your child is using drugs?
When you suspect your child might be using drugs, the faster you can jump in and be authoritative, decisive, and strong, the better. You have to be like steel with this disease. When they are using alcohol or other drugs on a regular basis, kids can be incredibly manipulative and they will lie to your face.
How to deal with a son who is being expelled from school for marijuana possession?
Then it will be time to tackle your son’s drug problem. A teen who is expelled from school for marijuana possession is probably in pretty deep. Be clear that your son is not allowed to get high at home, or to bring drugs or paraphernalia into the house. Let him know you reserve the right to search his room, confiscate anything you find, and impose a limit. This can start out as grounding, which will not stop your son but may slow him down. However, after a few infractions he will need a drug and alcohol evaluation by a substance-abuse treatment provider. Also limit his access to money he can use to buy drugs.
What does it mean to take an honest look at your family's dynamics?
What this means is taking an honest look at your family’s dynamics to see how your son got so powerful. A family therapist can help you answer this question. All families have unwritten rules that help them function. These rules are rarely expressed, but are adhered to nonetheless. Some are helpful, but others are pathological. For example, one that prohibits discussion of Dad’s drinking may keep his anger in check and save the marriage, but comes at a great cost to Dad’s health and to children who see their father drunk every night.
What are some examples of weak family boundaries?
Weak parent-child boundaries erode parental authority. One example is the parent who needs to be cool in their child’s eyes. This desire leads them to act less like a parent and more like a friend.
How do weak parent-child boundaries affect children?
Weak parent-child boundaries erode parental authority. One example is the parent who needs to be cool in their child’s eyes. This desire leads them to act less like a parent and more like a friend. The thing is: Kids want their parents to be in charge. They feel more secure when parents provide appropriate structure. I had an adolescent patient who got in lots of trouble. His parents were unable to set effective limits and treated their son more like a peer. He once told me how envious he was of kids whose parents were able to keep them in line.
What to do after a few infractions?
However, after a few infractions he will need a drug and alcohol evaluation by a substance-abuse treatment provider. Also limit his access to money he can use to buy drugs. Although inconsistent limit setting is often behind a child’s oppositional or entitled behavior, other factors can also play a role.
Do teens want their own power?
Rick Lavoie said, “ Teens do not want your power — just some of their own.”. While true for most adolescents, your son apparently has his own power — and most of yours, too. Limits are like a fence you build around your child to keep him safe. As the child grows, the fence should expand to give him more freedom.
Can children refuse treatment?
Some children, however, refuse treatment and are so out of control that they need to be in a full-time therapeutic environment such as a wilderness program or therapeutic boarding school. Unfortunately, these programs are financially out of reach for many families.
What is the goal of marijuana addiction treatment?
The goal of treatment is to help young adults and adolescents develop coping mechanisms for stressors and other triggers that they may usually use drugs to treat .
What is the purpose of a child's therapy?
Therapy often focuses on helping your child develop problem-solving skills and changes in lifestyle to support a healthier approach to challenges. Rather than relying on marijuana to escape stressors, your child is encouraged to develop the independence and confidence to manage sobriety effectively.
How to tell if your child needs help with marijuana?
Signs your child may need professional help include: Experiencing cravings for the drug. Increased tolerance leading to higher dosages/increased frequency of use. Cutting back on other areas of life for marijuana. Inability to stop using the drug. Therapy for marijuana addiction may include a variety of treatment methods.
How to talk to a child about drug use?
Approaching your child about suspected drug use can be a stressful experience so be sure to consider the following: Wait until your child is sober to start the conversation. Understand that anger or hostility will not help the conversation – instead, focus on communicating your concern in a less confrontational way.
What can interventionists do for kids?
Additionally, interventionists can help you and your child transition into next steps; often times, this may mean beginning treatment for addiction.
Why do adolescents abuse drugs?
From feeling upset about your child’s substance use to experiencing a sense of guilt regarding actions you could have taken, adolescent drug abuse is a reality many parents face. Due to perceptions regarding the safety of use and the movement to legalize marijuana, adolescents are increasingly at risk to begin experimenting with the drug.
How to reconnect with your child?
Provide ways you can reconnect with your child and establish trust again. Be responsive to your son or daughter’s efforts to change their behaviors. Depending on the severity of your child’s individual situation, you may also consider using an interventionist to help facilitate these conversations.
Is marijuana legal in more states?
Despite the fact that marijuana is being legalized in more states, there continue to be questions about the long-term effects of marijuana on the developing brain. And, of course, there are concerns about marijuana use and the short-term effects of marijuana on judgment, memory, and good decision-making.
Can my son smoke twice?
Perhaps your son's school schedule is too intense and needs adjusting. Keep in mind that your son and his friend are probably smoking twice as much as they are letting on to. The rule of thumb is to double the frequency and/or quantity of drug/alcoholuse that individuals report.
Can I keep my child home?
Yes, there certainly are times when you may want to keep your child home. This, however, should be the exception, not the rule. Regarding phone privileges: I am not a fan of taking away the phone. Our kids feel very isolated without their phones and isolation is not the feeling that we want to create.
Can you talk to your son about marijuana?
In the future, when you talk to your son about marijuana, keep in mind that he is not your brother so that your son does not get the impression that you view him and your brother as one and the same.
How to confront a smoker?
Depending on your parenting style you may be chomping at the bit to confront him or you may be dreading the conversation. It is important to be honest and straightforward with him. Present the facts that you know without much accusation or assumption. Be prepared to clearly lay out your expectations, the family “no use policy” and the associated consequences. He needs to know exactly what he is risking if he continues to smoke pot.
What to do if a boy is using marijuana?
If the initial conversation does not go well and his marijuana use continues you will have to take some further action. The first step is to get a really good assessment by a qualified professional. This will likely be either a trained mental health professional or your family physician. You want someone who has experience both with adolescents and with substance abuse issues. The assessment can confirm the existence of a problem, identify the nature of the problem and also suggest appropriate avenues of treatment.
How to deal with a teen's brain?
1. Talk it out with your spouse/partner/friend and come up with a solid plan 1 Do a thorough room search 2 Do some research on drug testing 3 Do some research on marijuana and the developing teen brain 4 Come up with some logical consequences
What to do when your son is smoking pot?
1. Talk it out with your spouse/partner/friend and come up with a solid plan.
How to talk to your son about marijuana?
Do some research on drug testing. Do some research on marijuana and the developing teen brain. Come up with some logical consequences. 2. Try to figure out the reasons your son may be smoking.
How to approach your son about smoking?
If you approach your son from a standpoint of curiosity and caring there is a better chance you will have a successful conversation. With that said, try not to make too many assumptions or tell him you are certain of the reasons he is smoking. He will likely react negatively and feel the need to prove you wrong.
Can you experiment with marijuana with your son?
While experimentation may be inevitable, you do not have to accept ongoing drug use from your son. You can definitely intervene and give him a solid chance to be successful and happy without drugs and alcohol.
What to do if a teenager refuses to cooperate with a drug treatment program?
If he refuses to cooperate, we suggest that you seek professional counseling , and we highly recommend that you do this together as a family . The most successful treatment programs take a family systems approach that involves intensive evaluation and a series of counseling sessions offered in an environment of community and accountability. If this doesn’t work, you might opt to break the negative pattern by sending your teen to live with a relative in another city or enrolling him in a residential drug treatment program. Our staff would be happy to provide you with referrals to programs of this nature or a list of qualified therapists in your area who specialize in treating drug addiction. Don’t hesitate to contact our Counseling department.
Can parents control teen use of marijuana?
Parents Can’t Control Teen’s Use of Marijuana. As parents, how should we respond to a teenager who argues that the recreational use of pot is socially acceptable, that the authorities aren't concerned about it anymore, and that it's on the verge of being legalized. We know he's been using marijuana, but when we confronted him about it he flatly ...
What to tell your son before he starts smoking?
Your son knew before he started smoking marijuana that you specifically told him not to do so. He CHOSE to disregard your instructions. It is your job as a parent to inform your son that he has made a poor choice and to immediately follow up with a consequence.
Is smoking marijuana a consequence?
The type of consequence you decide to use depends on the severity of the behavior. Smoking marijuana is a severe behavior, so put some effort into creating what you think will be an effective consequence and make it relate to the “crime” as closely as possible.