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Dear School Professional,

 Are you aware of the significance of Friday, April 20^th (i.e., ”420”)?  Among marijuana and/or other substance users this day is known as the national “Weed Holiday” or the “Hippie New Year,” a day made of “clouded” memories and celebrated with total inebriation.  Popular culture contributes to the glamorization of marijuana use and the Rastafarian movement, as depicted in this year’s release of the documentary “Marley” this April 20^th discussing the life, music and legacy of Bob Marley.  Among adolescents, marijuana usage is perceived as less of a danger than alcohol, as one in five adolescents reports driving under the influence of marijuana and one in eight adolescents admits to driving after consuming alcohol (SADD, 2012). 

Among the most important findings cited in the 2011 Monitoring the Future Survey, an annual survey conducted on a nationally representative sample nearly 47,000 secondary students located in 400 schools throughout the United States, is the rise of daily or near daily marijuana use (i.e., defined as use on 20 or more occasions in a prior 30 day period).  The reported findings of the daily use of marijuana in 2011 are 1.3%, 3.6% and 6.6% in grades 8, 10, and 12 respectively (Johnston, O’Malley, Bachman & Schulenberg, 2012).  The above outcomes signify that one in every 15 high school seniors today is smoking pot on a daily or near daily basis, which is the highest rate seen since the findings of 1981.  These statistics are disturbing, as research suggests that adolescents who consume marijuana daily can trigger the development of depression and anxiety, as well as, long-term, irreversible brain dysfunction.  Studies have found that cannabis negatively impacts serotonin and norepinephrine neurotransmitters found in the brain, which are involved in the regulation of neurological functions associated with mood control and anxiety.  

As a staff at Families and Adolescents in Recovery, Inc. (FAIR), we are extending our services to the school community, as you may experience students under the influence of substances or actively using on school property.  Signs of adolescent marijuana use includes, but is not limited to:  bloodshot eyes; slowed or slurred speech; averting eye contact or unsteady gaze; carrying Visine to rid the eyes of redness; empty plastic baggies or empty toilet paper rolls with dryer sheets; homemade paraphernalia made of chopped pens, apples, and other common household supplies; preoccupation with drawing marijuana leaves or psychedelic images; excessive spraying Axe or other cologne; lethargy and lack of motivation; sudden drop in academic performance; and/or a change in peer group.  If you have questions or need assistance please contact us at 847.359.5192.

FAIR STAFF

References

Johnston, L. D., O’Malley, P. M., Bachman, J. G., & Schulenberg, J. E. (2012). Monitoring the future national results on adolescent drug use: Overview of key findings, 2011. Ann Arbor: Institute for Social Research, The University of Michigan.

Students Against Destructive Decisions. (2012, February 22). Hazy logic: Liberty mutual insurance/sadd study finds driving under the influence of marijuana a greater threat to teen drivers than alcohol. Retrieved from http://www.libertymutualgroup.com/omapps/ContentServer?pagename=LMGroup/Views/LMG&ft=3&fid=1138356780859

COME AND VISIT OUR OPEN HOUSE ON FEBRUARY 24TH., 2012.  OUR MISSION IS TO CHANGE LIVES AND SAVE FAMILIES. COME AND SEE HOW WE DO IT.

When a parent first brings his/her adolescent to treatment, he/she expects our FAIR treatment team to concentrate on just "fixing" the adolescent.  In many cases. parents fail to understand the need to examine their personal beliefs and behaviors related to drinking and/or the use of other mind altering substances--and how implied or explicit beliefs/behaviors may impact the adolescent.  Adolescents learn by carefully observing parental attitudes and actions. FAIR treatment staff encourages parents to not only work on their parenting skills, but also on themselves in order to become healthier individuals physically, emotionally and spiritually. At FAIR, we start this process by encouraging an abstinent and alcohol/drug-free household to best foster recovery for the adolescent.  Please take take time and read following article addressing the epidemic of binge drinking amongst adults in US. Remember... Your teen is watching you.

The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) released a press announcement in October 2011 regarding concerns about pending marijuana legalization efforts.  Despite popular belief that it's "just pot," ASAM noted the dangers of marijuana producing dependence and negative consequences in the areas of emotional, mental, physical and behavioral life-domains.

Read complete press release at:  http://www.asam.org/pdf/Advocacy/PressReleases/20111027_MarijuanaLegalization-PR.pdf

American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) released a public policy statement regarding changes to the diagnostic definition of addiction Summer 2011.  Below is the short version of changes made.

Addiction is a primary, chronic disease of brain reward, motivation, memory and related circuitry. Dysfunction in these circuits leads to characteristic biological, psychological, social and spiritual manifestations. This is reflected in an individual pathologically pursuing reward and/or relief by substance use and other behaviors.

Addiction is characterized by inability to consistently abstain, impairment in behavioral control, craving, diminished recognition of significant problems with one’s behaviors and interpersonal relationships, and a dysfunctional emotional response. Like other chronic diseases, addiction often involves cycles of relapse and remission. Without treatment or engagement in recovery activities, addiction is progressive and can result in disability or premature death (ASAM, 2011).

Access the short definition:  http://www.asam.org/1DEFINITION_OF_ADDICTION_SHORT_4-11.pdf

Access the full definition:  http://www.asam.org/DefinitionofAddiction-LongVersion.html

NIDA’s Monitoring the Future Survey shows increases in Ecstasy use and continued high levels of prescription drug abuse

WASHINGTON -- Fueled by increases in marijuana use, the rate of eighth-graders saying they have used an illicit drug in the past year jumped to 16 percent, up from last year’s 14.5 percent, with daily marijuana use up in all grades surveyed, according to the 2010 Monitoring the Future Survey (MTF).

Several studies have found an association between marijuana use and increased risks of depression and anxiety disorders in children and teens

Jack Shafer, the media columnist at Slate, is famous for pointing out "bogus trend stories," especially those involving drug use. Of them, he once said, "Whenever I fall into a funk over the press corps' abysmal coverage of illicit drugs, I console myself with the knowledge that, as awful as the coverage is, it's always been that way." He's even blasted drug coverage in sister publications The Washington Postand NEWSWEEK.