Author: Sakina Alston, MSN, RN
I am not sure what will be the best way to communicate information in a forum like this, but in healthcare, we use a form of communication called SBAR. SBAR is an acronym that stands for situation, background, assessment and recommendations. When healthcare providers use this structure of communication, it allows us to be brief, concise and provide necessary and relevant information. I am going to try it for my first post here.
BTW-This post is just touching the top of the iceberg. I have much more to share as we have so much to learn in terms of mental health and the issues have great range. Hopefully, soon, we will explore mental health conditions, diagnoses, impact, medications, resources and even gain insight about various resources available to us. In the meantime, let’s talk about this.
Post comments or questions in the comment section, I’d love to hear your thoughts…
| S | -Generational substance abuse (weed smoking) is common -Recreational marijuana is legal in 12 U.S. states (Governing: The States and Localities, 2019). -THC education has not been updated to match desensitization associated with legalization -Children have access to mind altering substances as early as 11 years old –Social media and the internet allow excessive ease of accessibility (too easy to order weed delivery via Snap Chat etc., don’t even have to know address). -Marijuana use in adolescence correlates with limited progression into successful adulthood and increase in risky and self-limiting behaviors e.g. substance dependence, poor resilience, poor coping skills, financial instability and homelessness (Silins et. al., 2014). |
| B | -In the early 1990’s (when Generation X was new to smoking weed) potency of THC, (the part of weed that causes psychosis), was 3-7%. The weed our children start out smoking today is genetically modified and ranges from 50% to well over 80% potency (National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2019). Some strains are 99% potent. |
| A | -Substance abuse is often associated with untreated mental health conditions e.g. anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD); (kids are smart enough to self-medicate) -Often cannabis use, alcohol consumption and tobacco use are practiced together (each vice has associated risk). –Suicide attempts, unintentional overdose, depression, substance induced psychotic disorders, and schizoaffective disorders have increased in the same period that the potency of marijuana has increased -Teens who smoke marijuana are 60% less likely to go to college and 7 times more likely to commit suicide (Silins, et. al., 2014). |
| R | –Screen your children for substance abuse and exposure by age 11 -Intervene early (nip it in the bud if possible) -Find out what your child is self-medicating for and get them help whether it is peer pressure, anxiety, OCD or something else. Dig deeper, it is always something -Do not minimize the impact of substance use including cannabis -Know the associated risks and educate your children truthfully -Focus on harm reduction and not abstinence if substance abuse is present –Promote pro-social behaviors like sports or after-school job (get them involved in things that do not go well with substance abuse) -Acknowledge strengths and positive behaviors (make a way for them to continue those behaviors) -Be accountable for your role in everything to do with their development. Do not lie to yourself or them –Be honest, kind and trustworthy parents |
Reference:
Governing: The States and Localities. (2019). State marijuana laws in 2019 map. Website. Retrieved on September 3, 2019 from https://www.governing.com/gov-data/safety-justice/state-marijuana- laws-map-medical-recreational.html
National Institute on Drug Abuse: Advancing Addiction Science. (2019). A rise in marijuana’s THC levels. Website. Retrieved on September 3, 2019 from https://archives.drugabuse.gov/rise-in- marijuanas-thc-levels
National Institute on Drug Abuse: Advancing Addiction Science. (2019). What are marijuana’s long-term affects on the brain? Website. Retrieved on September 3, 2019 from https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/marijuana/what-are-marijuanas- long-term-effects-brain
Silins E. Horwood, J., Patton, G.C., et al. (2104). Young adult sequelae of adolescent cannabis use: an integrative analysis. Lancet Psychiatry. 1: 286-293
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