According to recently released data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, there were 2.4 million new users of marijuana in 2009. Additionally, the average age of initiation – first-time use of marijuana − dropped from 17.8 years of age in 2008 to 17.0 years in 2009. There was also a nine percent increase (from 6.7% to 7.3%) in current users of marijuana age 12 to 17 between 2008 and 2009.
The lowering of age of initiation and increase in number of people using marijuana is very alarming. Marijuana use is associated with
voluntary treatment admissions, respiratory and mental illness, poor motor performance, and cognitive impairment, and emergency room admissions. And young people are the most susceptible group to these negative effects. Plus, using drugs at an early age increases the likelihood of heavier abuse and addiction later in life. Failing to adequately prevent young people from using drugs now can lead to a lifetime of devastating consequences.
A renewed focus on preventing drug use is a key element in our effort to implement a public health approach to reducing drug abuse and its consequences. Last week, Director Kerlikowske cited three steps parents can take to protect young people from illegal drug use, including:
- talking to kids about the dangers of drugs
- learning to spot risk factors for substance abuse
- removing old and un-needed medications from your home
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Read ">Marijuna MythsLOCAL RESOURCES
Snellville/Gwinnett Nar-Anon: Unfortunately, we do not have a Narcotics Anonymous group in Snellville, but there are meetings in Lawrenceville. See: http://www.naranonga.com/GeorgiaNaranonMeetings.html
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