Adolescents opting for marijuana over alcohol
Rewritten Article:
Teen Marijuana Use in Iceland: When the High Costs Outweigh the Thrill
Cannabis is becoming increasingly popular among Icelandic teens, even surpassing alcohol consumption in some cases, according to drug counselor Rúna Ágústsdóttir. Working at Foreldrahús, a support center for families confronting substance issues, she notes that marijuana is a top choice among teenagers and its risks are sometimes overlooked.
"Kids today smoke more weed than anything else. It's number one, two, and three," Ágústsdóttir stated emphatically, citing her years of experience dealing with young users and their families. She reveals that Foreldrahús handles close to a thousand of these cases each year.
Overestimating the safety of marijuana is a common error among parents, Ágústsdóttir warns. Early use of the drug can lead to addiction and developmental setbacks, especially before the age of 16, when the brain is still developing.
"Parents might think weed isn't dangerous compared to drugs like amphetamines. But it's a different story for teenagers," she said. Research indicates that the younger an individual starts using, the higher the chance of addiction.
However, Ágústsdóttir Says there's hope for young addicts; early intervention often proves effective, and dependence on cannabis usually doesn't escalate to more severe substance misuse.
Routine drug use during the critical period (ages 14 to 18) can disrupt education, hinder social development, and cause long-lasting issues, Ágústsdóttir cautions. These "lost years" can lead to dropping out of school, struggles with peers, and missed opportunities in life.
She emphasizes the importance of parental involvement and early detection to prevent these problems, urging both parents and schools to stay informed and vigilant.
In addition to the risks associated with traditional marijuana, synthetic cannabinoids (like HHC and THC analogs) can be especially harmful to young users, potentially resulting in acute psychosis and emergency hospitalizations. Parental tolerance of teenage substance use can also lead to higher rates of problematic behaviors.
Ágústsdóttir's advises parents and educators to focus on prevention strategies, such as early intervention programs, to keep young people from developing harmful habits.
In short, while cannabis may seem harmless to some, its short-term effects are often cognitive, behavioral, and mental health-related. Long-term use, especially before the age of 16, can lead to lasting impacts on brain development, mental health, and life outcomes. Proper education, prevention, and intervention are key to addressing these risks.
- Cannabis use is alarmingly high among Icelandic teens, even surpassing alcohol consumption in some cases, according to drug counselor Rúna Ágústsdóttir, who works at Foreldrahús.
- Ágústsdóttir warns that parents often underestimate the risks associated with marijuana use, particularly before the age of 16, as early use can lead to developmental setbacks and addiction.
- The use of synthetic cannabinoids like HHC and THC analogs can be especially harmful to young users, potentially leading to acute psychosis and emergency hospitalizations.
- Proper education, prevention, and early intervention are key to addressing the risks of marijuana use in teenagers, encourages Ágústsdóttir, to prevent lasting impacts on brain development, mental health, and life outcomes.
