Being a teen in today’s world can be very stressful. Between having standards of success bombard them through the media, and peer pressure, it is no wonder that teens may be feeling stressed out and conflicted. In order to deal with the stress of everyday life, teens may turn to drug use in order to “take the edge off.”
Marijuana happens to be one of the most popular drugs being used by teenagers. In fact, it is the most widely used drug in the United States, tying with prescription drug abuse.
Marijuana is a green, gray, or brown mix of shredded dry leaves, seeds, flowers, and stems from a plant called Cannabis sativa. Hashish is a more potent form of marijuana.
This drug is normally smoked or used in foods and/or tea. The active ingredient in hashish is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC. The effects that an individual feels from hashish depend solely on the strength and potency of hashish. Hashish does contain a higher amount of THC.
Many teens who use hashish can expect to experience a wide range of short-term and long-term effects. Some of these effects include:
· Impaired learning or memory
· Impaired perceptions of senses
· Impaired coordination
· Increase in heart rate
· Panic attacks
· Increased levels of anxiety
Those who use hashish long-term may experience frequent chest colds, and chronic bronchitis symptoms.
A study published in the American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse examined the prevalence of hashish use among high school students in the United States. Researchers collected data during the years of 2007 and 2011. Researchers wanted to know if sociodemographic factors were related to hashish use among teenagers.
An assistant professor and researcher noticed that hashish use and marijuana use parallel one another.
Hashish marijuana and normal marijuana had been smoked vaporized or cooked in food. Hashish contains a higher concentration of THC when compared to marijuana. To break it down, a typical marijuana joint contains 0.5-5% of THC, whereas hashish contains 2-20%, with some estimates in the 50% range.
Also found during the study was that other drug use was a precursor to potential hashish use. Those who use illicit drugs, smoke cigarettes on a regular basis, and drug alcohol on a frequent basis, were at a greater risk of trying hashish. Researchers also found that females were far less likely to experiment with hashish than men. Females actually were at a greater risk of experimenting with harder, more illicit drugs, when compared to men.
If you notice that your teenager has become withdrawn, combative, reckless, or has become friends with a suspicious group of people, drug abuse may be a factor.
If your teenager has been experimenting with hashish, drug abuse recovery centers can provide you with the support you need in order to get your child the best help available. They will assist your teenager as they undergo addiction detox, and teach them life skills to help them resist temptation upon leaving rehab.
James Lany
