Adolescence can be a difficult and delicate phase in life. Some adolescents, in addition to having to face normal physiological, social and cultural pressures, are also exposed to the use of the most common illegal drugs, such as marijuana. If you believe your child is using marijuana against your will, look for evidence instead of making false allegations. Above all, talk openly with your child and show your support as a parent.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Identifying the Signs of a Problem
Step 1. Assess your child's emotional state
Think about why you are worried about him. Does it seem to you that it behaves differently? Have you noticed any unwarranted mood swings? Perhaps it seems to you that he is scared for no obvious reason. It is therefore likely that he uses marijuana: it is a psychoactive substance that interferes with the psychophysical functions of those who use it, temporarily modifying his way of thinking and his personality.
Step 2. Watch for behavioral changes
Smoking marijuana can cause cognitive damage during high that increases as its consumption increases. If you think your child may be high, look for the following psychic disorders:
- Slowing down of reaction times.
- Impaired decision making.
- Memory disturbances.
- Tendency to get distracted or lose the train of thought.
- Paranoid or persecutory thoughts. These symptoms may be more common among consumers with pre-existing psychiatric problems or with a particular genetic predisposition.
Step 3. Try to empathize with the teen's mind
It is obvious that you are worried about your child, but it is also normal for teens to experience sudden mood swings. Sometimes trying to keep up with his mood swings could give you the impression of being on a roller coaster. It is important to remember that the stage of adolescence is characterized by profound physical and emotional transformations. Some changes in behavior and mood are common. Try to do research on this or ask a trusted friend to help you understand your child's behavior.
Step 4. Analyze your relationship
Although your child is sometimes unwilling to admit it, you are one of the most important people in his life. His behavior sometimes depends on your relationship. Try to take a step back and look at your bond from an objective point of view. Has anything changed recently? Is it possible that his behavior represents a simple reaction to something that is occurring in the family context?
Step 5. Know when to worry
Although boys often engage in unclear behaviors, these cannot always be attributed to the state of agitation typical of adolescence. Pay close attention to all aspects of your child's life, while respecting their freedom and growing need for autonomy. If all the signs point to the use of a drug, perhaps it is time to worry. It also communicates with your inner self. You know your child better than anyone else: what does instinct suggest to you? Even if you think your child knows what is wrong, be sure to deal realistically with the presence of meaningful signs.
Part 2 of 3: Identifying Marijuana Use
Step 1. Look for red eyes
If you really think your child is smoking weed, it's time to look for evidence. The redness of the ocular conjunctiva is one of the best known effects of the use of marijuana. It sometimes confers a reddish or reddish-yellow color to the whites of the eyes of those who use it, because it causes dilation of the ocular capillaries. It is also possible that the smoke irritates the eyes of those who smoke it and causes them to redden, although it is not necessary to smoke it to get red eyes. Remember not to jump to too hasty conclusions; Did your child stay up late last night studying (or playing video games)? This could be the cause of the redness of his eyes.
- Also remember that marijuana could cause dilation of the pupils, although this aspect is the subject of controversy and has not yet been analyzed well, unlike the effect of red eyes.
- The use of eye drops with calming properties (such as Fitostill and others) can be an indirect signal of marijuana consumption, as these are often used to counteract redness of the eyes.
Step 2. Note his unusual need for sleep
The consumption of marijuana can cause drowsiness, inducing a lack of interest in normal activities. If you are suspicious of your child, pay attention to the excessive time he spends sleeping, vegetating on the sofa, playing video games all day and his general lack of interest in "anything". Remember, however, that marijuana use may not be the only cause of your need for sleep, as many teenagers simply feel the need to rest more than adults.
Although the relaxing effects of marijuana may seem pleasant, it is also likely to impair important cognitive functions such as memory, reaction times and critical thinking, reducing the ability to react in certain situations that require special attention (such as driving vehicles)
Step 3. Notice if your child is acting silly
It is quite common among marijuana users to engage in more stupid behavior than usual. For example, they have a tendency to laugh out of control at things that are not particularly funny, or some may not be able to behave seriously in situations where seriousness is a must. If it seems to you that your child is losing self-control, marijuana use could be the cause of his behavior, although, as with many of the other more common symptoms of marijuana use, it may not be the only determining reason.
Step 4. Evaluate your favorite movies
If your child has begun to embrace the weed culture, you might pick up some clues based on his choices. Drug-focused movies could potentially spark your child's interest in marijuana. Some examples include "Life is a Dream", "See you Friday" and "The Big Lebowski". Your child may like this kind of movies, but if you notice him watching them repeatedly, you should pay attention to other signs of marijuana use.
Step 5. Pay attention to your child's social habits
Notice his constant coming and going. Habitual use of marijuana can compromise normal sleep-wake rhythms, leading children to sleep during the day and stay awake at night. If your child uses marijuana, you may notice other changes in behavior patterns, such as hanging out with different friends and places, going out at unusual times, etc.
However, it is important not to make unfounded accusations against your child solely because he is in and out at odd times, or because he has friendships you don't approve of. Behaviors of this kind can depend on many factors
Step 6. Pay attention to the more tangible things
Check the house for drugs. If you find marijuana hidden while washing your child's clothes, for example, you have clear evidence that he uses it. Since the grass is quite bulky, it is likely that every single pack of "stuff" is small enough to be easily hidden in small spaces.
- Marijuana usually looks like a weed of different colors, from yellow to pale green to brown, which resembles oregano and has an intense and unmistakable smell.
- It is often stored in plastic bags, pill containers, small jars or other makeshift containers.
- Go in search of tools. Pipes, grinders, bongs, rolling papers, tweezers, lighters and other accessories are significant signs of marijuana use and are usually some of the most obvious evidence parents can find.
- Note the typical smell of marijuana. If you smell it or smoke it, you can be sure it's nearby (or has recently been). It has a distinctive and often intense odor. The fresh one has a pungent odor, often compared to that of a skunk, although less unpleasant. According to some, it has a sickly sweet smell or construction waste.
- Marijuana smoke has a weed smell, sometimes compared to that of fresh tomatoes and burnt tea leaves. It is sometimes described as sweeter than that of tobacco. It tends to impregnate clothes, hair and upholstery.
Step 7. Observe your child's eating habits
Cases of "munchies" or increased appetite have long been associated with the use of marijuana, but in recent years some research has amply shown that the use of marijuana, in addition to stimulating the appetite of its user, also modifies his food preferences. Therefore, if your child is going through a period in which he has an insatiable desire for snacks, the cause could be marijuana intoxication.
- Also remember that marijuana can sometimes cause dryness and irritation of the mouth and throat, causing users to drink plenty of water or other beverages.
- However, remember that the increase in appetite during adolescence is a fairly normal phenomenon, because during this period the body undergoes rapid growth that can induce young people to take in larger quantities of food.
Part 3 of 3: Addressing the Problem
Step 1. Decide how to deal with the problem
The use of marijuana is illegal, so if you discover that your child is using it and has not been caught red-handed by the relevant authorities, it is up to you to decide how to handle the situation. There is no single correct answer, but you can start by telling him about your expectations. It is up to you to establish rules that you think are reasonable.
- Understand that your child is probably tempted to smoke marijuana out of curiosity. During adolescence, his friends or schoolmates may start talking about marijuana or using it, so your child may have a natural desire to understand what it is.
- Explain that, regardless of one's motivation, the possession and use of marijuana is a crime in most states. Even where it is considered legal, the possession and consumption of marijuana by minors is strictly prohibited and adults cannot provide it to minors.
Step 2. Confront your child without judging him
Even if he does not fully understand the effects of marijuana, there is a good chance he understands that its use is frowned upon by many adults, so he may get nervous, agitated or take a defensive attitude when you confront him with the reality of marijuana. facts. He may even initially lie to you to hide the evidence. Calmly express your point of view, while still being open to hearing his. Your purpose is to understand each other, not to terrify him.
Step 3. Outline the personal risks of marijuana use
Rather than prohibiting its use by taking an authoritarian attitude, it would make more sense to justify your decision, explaining the harmful effects of marijuana, to make your decision more legitimate: a child is unlikely to respect or take the side of a parent who wants to prevent him. the use of marijuana without a valid reason. For example, you could focus on the known harmful effects of continued use of marijuana at a young age, including:
- High school dropout rate.
- Increased likelihood of anxiety disorders and difficulty relating to others.
- Impaired memory and cognitive abilities.
- More likely to suffer from psychotic disorders.
- Breathing / lung problems (similar to those caused by smoking).
- More likely to use other illegal drugs.
Step 4. Outline the criminal consequences of marijuana use
Its occasional consumption may not cause personal or health problems. However, even with the occasional use of marijuana your child could get into trouble with the law. Furthermore, the penalties associated with the use of marijuana are almost always greater when the boy is accused of possession and sale of large quantities. Whether or not you are willing to tolerate your child's use of marijuana, make sure they clearly understand the law's position on this.
- In Italy, personal consumption has now been decriminalized for adults, but there is an absolute ban on the possession of marijuana by minors.
- As with alcohol, the use of cannabis involves the application of the rules and penalties provided for by the Highway Code for driving in a state of psychophysical alteration.
Step 5. Make a plan by mutual agreement
If this is the first time you have dealt with the subject of marijuana use with your child, take the opportunity to clearly define the family rules on the use of this substance for the future. Emphasize that you are not upset by his initial curiosity, but that you expect him to abide by your rules in the future. Make sure he understands that he can always ask you questions about it without hesitation.
- If your child deliberately breaks the rules or lies to you, you can punish or scold him. Tell him again that his curiosity does not upset you, but that he has disappointed you for breaking the clearly defined rules.
- Remember that, although your child is a teenager, he is fast approaching adulthood. Try to involve him in decisions if he seems receptive to dialogue. Sometimes, if you put more responsibility on them, they may behave more responsibly.
Advice
- Remember that you are responsible for your child's life. If you're worried, it's time to take action.
- Don't hesitate to ask for outside help. Does your child have a favorite uncle or aunt he trusts blindly? Ask them to talk to your child.
- If you deem it necessary, consult a specialist. It is legitimate to feel insecure.
