Marijuana and education most definitely don’t go together, and the evidence speaks for itself. 2017 survey statistics show that approximately 4.1 million people aged 12 or older had a marijuana use disorder (MUD) in the past year. In addition, 2.2 percent of adolescents aged 12 to 17 in the survey had a MUD. Addiction treatment centers in Washington and across the US have seen their fair share of these young people who needed help kicking the habit.
What is Marijuana?
Marijuana and education don’t mix because it is a drug that can damage the brain and impair cognitive functions. Marijuana (cannabis), also known as weed, dope, and pot, is a Schedule I drug that is illegal due to its high potential for abuse. It’s also a popular drug for adolescents, teens, and young adults. They usually experiment with it before moving to more potent and addictive drugs such as cocaine, heroin, or meth. Some also start “popping” prescription pills such as Ritalin and Adderal to improve their academic grades.
School-age kids use weed in different ways, for example, smoking, eating, vaping, or dabbing. The drug is often used for pleasure, as it produces euphoria and makes the person feel relaxed and happy. The tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in the drug binds the cannabinoid receptors in the brain and gives the pleasurable feelings.
However, THC is a psychoactive substance—meaning it affects mood and mental state and causes effects such as drowsiness and hallucinations. Moreover, dope can seriously impact your child’s education due to a myriad of adverse short and long-term side effects.
Marijuana and Education Problems
Mixing marijuana and education can lead to poor school performance or affect the student’s entire life, for that matter. Pot use slows down learning due to its effects on thinking, concentration, and memory. The reason for this is tied to the brain’s prolonged exposure to THC. In fact, THC can impair brain development or cause permanent IQ loss in those who began using the drug at an early age. Furthermore, those who use marijuana “have poorer educational outcomes than their nonsmoking peers.” They also have a higher school dropout rate, lower-income, trouble getting employment, and an increased risk of criminal behavior. The drug affects learning because it causes:
- Trouble thinking or remembering
- Lowered intelligence quotient (IQ)
- Difficulty concentrating/focusing
- Problem-solving difficulties or impaired judgment
- Decreased motivation or loss of interest in school
- Behavior problems at school leading to suspension or expulsion
Getting Treated at a Marijuana Addiction Rehab in Nevada
Bayview Recovery in Washington can help solve your child’s marijuana and education issues. We offer addiction treatment programs that cater to persons whose substance abuse is linked to marijuana and/or other drugs. Our doctors, therapists, and mental health specialists will work together to design a treatment plan to address the client’s needs.
We generally treat marijuana dependence with detox and behavioral therapy. Clients with an underlying mental illness, such as anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), can receive dual diagnosis treatment. Treatment is done in one of the following highly structured programs:
- Outpatient rehab
- Inpatient treatment program
- Intensive outpatient program (IOP)
- Residential treatment program
Psychotherapy, e.g., cognitive behavioral therapy or dialectical behavioral therapy, helps the client to see how marijuana abuse is obstructing their educational success. Your child will also learn new ways to cope with stress at school and how to avoid drug use triggers, e.g., peers who smoke.
Many times, youths turn to drugs because of problems or traumatic events experienced in the home. Using family therapy programs or interpersonal therapy, we can help the parent and child explore ways to improve their relationship. With the right support at home, children tend to show more interest in their education and refrain from drug-seeking behaviors. Contact Bayview Recovery at 855.478.3650 for more information on our programs and the admissions process.
