THC is the chemical compound in marijuana that causes the drug’s high. In medical circles, THC is known for its ability to treat pain, nausea, depression, anxiety, muscle spasms, sleep problems, and other conditions. However, recreational teen THC use in Canada rises with each passing year. Teens hear of marijuana legalization in their own country and doubt claims of its dangers, more than ever before.
Recent law changes made recreational THC legal in Canada as of October 2018. This confuses the issue of drug safety for teens even more. In fact, teens tend to think when a drug is legal it is safe. However, nothing is farther from the truth, especially when it comes to a teen’s growing body and brain.
Details of Recreational Teen THC Use in Canada
According to Statistics Canada, 60 percent of illicit drug abusers in Canada fall between the ages of 15 and 24. Many of these start with THC or include marijuana in their mix of drugs. Moreover, other popular drugs in the country include ketamine, LSD, cocaine, bath salts, GHB, ecstasy, and meth. Of course, alcohol plays a huge role in recreational teen THC use.
Teens abusing drugs, such as for recreational teen THC use, develop many health problems. For example, these include:
- Short-term memory loss
- Anxiety, depression and panic attacks
- Low appetite
- Heart disease and liver damage
- Slowing of thoughts and conscious brain activity
- Psychosis
- Low oxygen to the brain
Why Does My Teen Turn to Drugs?
Drug dependence, including marijuana addiction in teens, takes many family members by surprise. Furthermore, many reasons exist for your young person picking up drugs for the first time. Beyond this first use, drugs often become a way of life. At this young age, your teen shapes his or her future with each use.
In fact, teens from all backgrounds engage in drug use. Some abuse drugs to show their maturity. Others do so for a feeling of independence. However, escape is a common reason for drugs, particularly when a teen suffers childhood abuse or trauma.
You cannot control your young person’s exposure to drugs. However, you can control their ultimate rise above drug use. This positive growth comes from the right help, help found in a quality, teen-oriented drug rehab center.
Where Do I Find Help For My Teen in Canada?
Your teen needs specific help from a professional rehab center. For example, this help may include:
- Teen-centric programs
- Individual therapy
- Education programs and small group processes
- Youth detox
- 30 day assessment and intervention
- Behaviour treatment
- Drug and alcohol treatment
You can find this help at Venture Academy in Alberta and Ontario. Therefore, call Venture Academy now at 866.762.2211 to learn more about our methods and programs.