IMPACT of MARIUANA USE ON YOUTH

With the legalization of Marijuana (MJ) in Oregon in 2015, the perception of risk lowers. This is shown in surveys done prior to and after Legalization of MJ. One of the biggest risks is the use of Rx drugs (legal or illegal) and legalization of MJ we need to be very aware of any changes in our children/grandchildren. Here are a few predictors of risky behaviors; both teens and adults.

Risk factors that predict future risky behaviors by youth/and adults are shown below.

Individual

·        Antisocial behavior and alienation/delinquent beliefs/general delinquency involvement/drug dealing

·        Gun possession/illegal gun ownership/carrying

·        Teen parenthood

·        Favorable attitudes toward drug use/early onset of AOD use/alcohol/drug use

·        Early onset of aggression/violence

·        Intellectual and/or development disabilities

·        Victimization and exposure to violence

·        Poor refusal skills

·        Life stress's

·        Early sexual involvement

·        Mental disorder/mental health problem

Family

·        Family history of problem behavior/parent criminality

·        Family management problems/poor parental supervision and/or monitoring

·        Poor family attachment/bonding

·        Child victimization and maltreatment

·        Pattern of high family conflict

·        Family violence

·        Having a young mother

·        Broken home

·        Sibling antisocial behavior

·        Family transitions

·        Parental use of physical punishment/harsh and/or erratic discipline practise

·        Low parent education level/illiteracy

·        Maternal depression

School

·        Low academic achievement

·        Negative attitude toward school/low bonding/low school attachment/commitment to school

·        Truancy/frequent absences

·        Suspension

·        Dropping out of school

·        Inadequate school climate/poorly organized and functioning schools/negative labeling by teachers

·        Identified as learning disabled

·        Frequent school transitions

Peer

·        Gang involvement/gang membership

·        Peer ATOD use

·        Association with delinquent/aggressive peers

·        Peer rejection

Community

·        Availability/use of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs in neighborhood

·        Availability of firearms

·        High-crime neighborhood

·        Community instability

·        Low community attachment

·        Economic deprivation/poverty/residence in a disadvantaged neighborhood

·        Neighborhood youth in trouble

·        Feeling unsafe in the neighborhood

·        Social and physical disorder/disorganized neighborhood

For more information please contact/email us at: ThinkAgainParents@outlook.com
Brought to you by TAPS (Think Again Parents of South County Substance Abuse Coalition) www.tapssouthcounty.org

Please get involved and become a member of TAPS. To find out more, call 541-815-3339.