In light of the new law that decriminalizes the possession of small amounts of marijuana in Maryland that took effect Wednesday October 1, 2014 teens maybe more at risk for marijuana abuse.

Senate Bill 364, will replace the penalty for possession of up to 10 grams of marijuana with a civil fine instead of a criminal offense.

Instead of arrest and a potential 90 day jail sentence under the current law, starting on October 1, 2014, offenders will be issued a fine, the amount of which varies from $100 for a first offense to $250 for a second and $500 for any subsequent offense.

The new law, however, does not decriminalize the possession of paraphernalia, including pipes, papers, vaporizers or bongs, meaning that a person caught smoking a joint technically could be arrested for the rolling paper but not the marijuana inside.

However a new study of teens treated at an outpatient substance abuse clinic found many showed symptoms of marijuana withdrawal. Marijuana was the substance used most often by 90 of the 127 teens in the study, HealthDay reports. Of those teens, 84 percent were considered to be dependent on marijuana, and about 40 percent experienced symptoms of withdrawal when they stopped using marijuana—a sign of drug dependence, the authors said.

“As more people are able to obtain and consume cannabis legally for medical and, in some states, recreational use, people are less likely to perceive it as addictive or harmful,” study co-author John Kelly of Massachusetts General Hospital’s Center for Addiction Medicine, said in a hospital news release.”But research shows that cannabis use can have significant consequences, and we know that among adolescents it is second only to alcohol in rates of misuse.”

Teens that had marijuana withdrawal symptoms were more likely to experience negative consequences, such as problems with school, work, relationships or finances. They were also more likely to meet criteria for marijuana dependence and mood disorders, the researchers wrote in the Journal of Addiction Medicine.

Teens that recognized and accepted that they had a substance abuse problem related to their marijuana use were more likely to make progress toward becoming abstinent, compared to those who did not think they had a problem.

“The importance of understanding the addictiveness, risks and harms associated with cannabis use is a major theme of this study’s findings,” said Kelly. “Recognizing those risks is known to reduce the likelihood that someone will start to use drugs, and better understanding of the role of substances in the problems experienced by patients may help them cut down on future use. Unfortunately, the general trend in attitudes in the U.S. is to minimize the risks and not recognize the addictiveness of cannabis which this new law may lead teens to think marijuana is not harmful or addictive.

TJ Baker with the Daily Chronic and JOIN TOGETHER STAFF with Partnership for Drug Free Kids contributed to this article.

For further information on the dangers of alcohol and other drugs, contact Talbot Partnership at 410-819-8067. Please also visit our website at www.talbotpartnership.org or find us on Facebook.

 

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Talbot Partnership agrees there is no single reason for teenage drug use and alcohol use. Dr. Neil I. Bernstein in How to Keep Your Teenager Out of Trouble and What to Do if You Can’t, details some of the core issues and influences behind teenage drug and alcohol use. It’s important that you, as a parent, understand these reasons and talk to your kids about the dangers of drinking and using drugs.

1. Other People — Teenagers see lots of people using various substances. They see their parents and other adults drinking alcohol, smoking, and, sometimes, abusing other substances. Sometimes friends urge one another to try a drink or smoke something, but it’s just as common for teens to start using a substance because it’s readily available. In their minds, they see drug use as a part of the normal teenage experience.
2. Popular Media — Forty-seven percent of teens agreed that movies and TV shows make drugs seem like an OK thing to do, according to a 2011 study. Not surprisingly, 12- to 17-year-olds who viewed three or more “R” rated movies per month were seven times more likely to smoke cigarettes, six times more likely to use marijuana, and five times more likely to drink alcohol, compared to those who hadn’t watched “R” rated films (Amy Khan 2005).
3. Escape and Self-Medication — When teens are unhappy and can’t find a healthy outlet for their frustration or a trusted confidant, they may turn to chemicals for solace. The often rough teenage years can take an emotional toll on children, sometimes even causing depression and anxiety, so when teens are given a chance to take something to make them feel better, many can’t resist.
4. Boredom — Teens who can’t tolerate being alone, have trouble keeping themselves occupied, or crave excitement are prime candidates for substance abuse. Not only do alcohol and marijuana give them something to do, but those substances help fill the internal void they feel. Further, they provide a common ground for interacting with like-minded teens, a way to instantly bond with a group of kids.
5. Rebellion — Different rebellious teens choose different substances to use based on their personalities. Alcohol is the drug of choice for the angry teenager because it frees him to behave aggressively. Marijuana, on the other hand, often seems to reduce aggression and is more of an avoidance drug. LSD and hallucinogens are also escape drugs, often used by young people who feel misunderstood and may long to escape to a more idealistic, kind world. The reasons for teenage drug-use are as complex as teenagers themselves.
6. Instant Gratification — Drugs and alcohol work quickly. The initial effects feel really good. Teenagers turn to drug use because they see it as a short-term shortcut to happiness.
7. Lack of Confidence — Many shy teenagers who lack confidence report that they’ll do things under the influence of alcohol or drugs that they might not otherwise. This is part of the appeal of drugs and alcohol even for relatively self-confident teens. Alcohol and other drugs tend not only to loosen your inhibitions but to alleviate social anxiety. Not only do you have something in common with the other people around you, but there’s the mentality that if you do anything or say anything stupid, everyone will just think you had too many drinks or smoked too much weed.
8. Misinformation — Perhaps the most avoidable cause of substance abuse is inaccurate information about drugs and alcohol. Nearly every teenager has friends who claim to be experts on various recreational substances, and they’re happy to assure one another that the risks are minimal. Educate your teenager about drug use, so they get the real facts about the dangers of drugs from you.

For further information on the dangers of alcohol and other drugs, contact Talbot Partnership at 410-819-8067. Please also visit our website at www.talbotpartnership.org or find us on Facebook.

Teen drug abuse: 14 mistakes parents make

Talbot Partnership wants parents to know that they can do a lot more than some realize to help protect teens from drugs or alcohol. One key is avoiding simple mistakes, like these 14 cited by addiction specialist Dr. Joseph Lee, a spokesman for the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and medical director the Hazelden Center for Youth and Family, an addiction treatment facility in Minneapolis.

1. Failing to set expectations

Teens who know their parents disapprove of drug use are less likely to use – and vice versa. Dr. Lee says it’s

best to let your kids know how you feel about drugs before they hit their teenage years.

2. Ignoring mental health issues

More than two-thirds of young substance abusers suffer from mental health problems, such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, and eating disorders. As a rule, substance abuse and mental health issues come together in young people. If your child undergoes an evaluation for drug abuse, make sure it includes a thorough mental health screening.

3. Assuming experimentation is no big deal

Experimentation doesn’t necessarily lead to addiction, and some parents figure that there’s nothing especially

worrisome about a child trying drugs or alcohol. In fact, even dabbling in substance abuse can cause big

problems, such as car accidents, sexual assault, and serious overdoses. It’s not a normal rite of passage.

4. Being dishonest about your drug use

Parents often feel uncomfortable discussing with their children their own experiences with drugs or alcohol.

There’s certainly no reason to wax nostalgic about the “glory days,” but Dr. Lee recommends being honest if

kids ask. “I am not aware of research indicating that an informed discussion with kids about your drug use

leads to them to use drugs,” he says.

5. Blaming yourself (or your spouse)

There’s no such thing as a perfect parent, and there’s no use in shouldering all the blame (or blaming your spouse) if a child has a drug or alcohol problem. Feeling guilty isn’t just unpleasant, it can complicate substance abuse treatment – by dividing the family just when it’s important to pull together as a team.

6. Setting a bad example

Think teens simply don’t pay much attention to their parents? Research suggests otherwise. Parents should remember the power they have to positively influence their teen’s choices through their own behaviors.

7. Being judgmental

Being firm is one thing, but “laying down the law” in a moralistic way can close off lines of communication.

Try not to be judgmental or to jump to conclusions. Do all you can to make your child feel comfortable about

coming to you for help, if it’s needed.

8. Failing to consider risk factors

Just as obesity is a risk factor for diabetes, smoking is a risk factor for teen substance abuse. Other substance abuse risk factors include early aggressive or disruptive behaviors, depression, ADHD, and anxiety. If your child has any risk factors, get help.

9. Confusing intelligence with maturity

Just because a child is smart doesn’t mean he/she is mature enough to have good judgment about drugs and

alcohol. The brain region responsible for judgment – the prefrontal cortex – doesn’t fully mature until a person

is in his/her mid-20s.

10. Not locking the medicine cabinet

Prescription drug abuse is a huge problem in the U.S. The CDC says one in five teen’s experiments with prescription drugs at some point, and most teens obtain the drugs not from drug dealers or the Internet but from friends and family. Be sure to keep track of all drugs in your home. If you no longer need pills, get rid of them. And pay attention to other substances around the house that have the potential for abuse, including solvents, aerosols, etc.

11. Failing to consider family history

Like many diseases, addiction can run in families. If it runs heavily in yours, it might be a good idea to adopt

a strict no-drinking policy in your home. There are no hard and fast rules for what is acceptable for all families, Dr. Lee says. And a teen can develop a substance abuse problem even in the absence of any family history of addiction.

12. Not noticing changes in your teen

Changes in sleep, mood, friends, activity level, academic performance, weight, personal hygiene, etc. can all

signal a substance abuse problem. So pay attention. Monitor your child’s welfare with particular care at times

of transition – moving to a new school, onset of puberty, breakups with boyfriends or girlfriends, etc.

13. Putting off getting help

Two million children between the ages of 12 and 17 need treatment for a substance abuse problem, according to a recent survey. But only about 150,000 get the help they need. If you think your teen may have a problem,

have him/her assessed by a child psychiatrist, pediatrician, or another expert. Remember, prevention and early intervention are key.

14. Not talking about driving

The top three causes of teen death in the U.S. are accidents, homicides, and suicides. Each of these problems

is linked to substance abuse. Make sure your teen knows about the dangers of driving under the influence –

and pay attention to his/her whereabouts.

Source: https://www.cbsnews.com/2300-204_162-10007444.html?tag=page

For further information on the dangers of alcohol and other drugs, contact Talbot Partnership at 410-819-8067. Please also visit our website at www.talbotpartnership.org or find us on Facebook.

 

According to CASA Chairman and President and former U.S. Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare Joseph A. Califano, Jr “Two of the most common questions regarding teen drug use and addiction are: how can it happen to my child, and how can it happen to young boys or girls who seem to be typical teens?” said Califano. “These questions are often asked where the drug-abusing teen does not exhibit one of the usual warning signs of drug abuse – being physically or sexually abused, having a learning disability or eating disorder, suffering from serious depression or another mental health condition. The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) at Columbia University’s teen survey suggests that for many teens, the answers to these questions can be found in high stress, frequent boredom and too much spending money.”

Parental Pessimism

Parents are likelier than teens to view teen drug use as a fait accompli.  More than four out of 10 parents said teens are “very likely” or “somewhat likely” to try drugs, compared to only one of 10 teens.  Teens whose parents believe that future drug use is “very likely” are more than three times likelier to become substance abusers than teens whose parents say future drug use is “not likely at all.”

“Many parents think they have little power over their teens’ substance use and a disturbing number view drugs in schools as a fact of life they are powerless to stop,” noted Mr. Califano. “How parents act, how much pressure they put on school administrators to get drugs out of their teens’ schools, their attitudes about drugs, and how engaged they are in their children’s lives will have enormous influence over their teens’ substance use. Talbot Partnership agrees with Mr. Califano that “Parent Power is the most underutilized weapon in efforts to curb teen substance abuse.”

Five Ways Parents Can Reduce Teen Risk

• Be sensitive to the stress in your children’s lives and help them cope.
• Understand when and why your children are bored and help relieve their boredom.
• Limit the amount of money your children have to spend and monitor how that money is spent.
• Know who your children’s friends are.
• Be engaged in your children’s lives: help them with their homework, attend their sports events, participate in activities together, and talk to them about drugs.

Source: CASA News Release Part 2

For further information on the dangers of alcohol and other drugs, contact Talbot Partnership at 410-819-8067. Please also visit our website at www.talbotpartnership.org or find us on Facebook.

 

 

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Talbot Partnership encourages the community to identify problems related to substance use with our teens by understanding the risk factors. According to The National Survey of American Attitudes on Substance Abuse VIII: Teens and Parents, an annual back-to-school survey conducted by The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) at Columbia University, the risk that teens will smoke, drink, get drunk and use illegal drugs increases sharply if they are highly stressed, frequently bored or have substantial amounts of spending money.

This was the first time in its eight-year history that the survey measured the impact of these characteristics on the likelihood of teen substance abuse.

Among CASA’s survey findings:

• High stress teens are twice as likely as low stress teens to smoke, drink, get drunk and use illegal drugs.
• Often bored teens are 50 percent likelier than not often bored teens to smoke, drink, get drunk and use illegal drugs.
• Teens with $25 or more a week in spending money are nearly twice as likely as teens with less to smoke, drink and use illegal drugs, and more than twice as likely to get drunk.
• Teens exhibiting two or three of these characteristics are at more than three times the risk of substance abuse as those exhibiting none of these characteristics.
• More than half the nation’s 12-to-17 year olds (52 percent) are at greater risk of substance abuse because of high stress, frequent boredom, too much spending money, or some combination of these characteristics.

Furthermore Talbot Partnership agrees with CASA Chairman and President and former U.S. Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare Joseph A. Califano, Jr that “High stress, frequent boredom and too much spending money are a catastrophic combination for many American teens.”But it is a catastrophe that can be avoided through parental engagement. Parents must be sensitive to the stress in their children’s lives, understand why they are bored and limit their spending money.”

 

Source: CASA News Release Part 1

For further information on the dangers of alcohol and other drugs, contact Talbot Partnership at 410-819-8067. Please also visit our website at www.talbotpartnership.org or find us on Facebook.

 

Teen Courts in Talbot County will begin their 16th year of service to the community under the direction of Gary Pearce, Teen Court Coordinator and the Department of Juvenile Services, with their opening court session scheduled on September 15.

Talbot County’s Teen Court program addresses the high risk of problematic behavior among county youth. The program provides early diversion for youth with first-time, minor offenses, often underage alcohol violations, 2nd degree assault, and malicious destruction. Teen Court provides consequences to reinforce the fact that negative behavior will not be tolerated. It provides opportunities for pro-social activities and social restitution in the community to steer youth away from the streets and delinquent activity, and it provides referrals to services to address substance abuse as well as mental health or educational needs.

Teen Courts are staffed by youth volunteers from Easton, Sts. Peter & Paul, and St. Michaels High Schools who serve in various capacities within the program, trained and acting in the roles of jurors, lawyers, bailiffs, clerks and judges. Most teen courts are sentencing courts in which the offender has already admitted guilt or pled no contest. Students interested in participating in Teen Court can contact Gary Pearce at [email protected].

The Talbot County Teen Court operates much like a traditional court, holding hearings before a judge and jury with the jury deliberating to determine an appropriate disposition. Court is held in the Talbot County Courthouse.

Often, sentences will involve the defendant’s making restitution to someone harmed or inconvenienced by their actions, or creating an informational awareness project about health, safety, respect, or another topic relevant to the offense. One of the more common sentences is community service. In many jury-based programs it is mandatory that the offender serve on a future Teen Court jury. In some cases, educational workshops are required as part of the sentence, usually in cases involving alcohol or drug charges.

Teen Court provides training to 80-90 student volunteers on the judicial system and serves approximately 40-60 first time offenders per year. The program has a very successful track record with a recidivism rate of less than 10%.

Initial funding for Teen Court was provided by The State of Maryland, through a grant from the Governor’s Office of Crime Control and Prevention. Unfortunately this grant expired December 31, 2009. Talbot Partnership, which serves as the fiscal agent for Teen Court, is looking to find individuals, local businesses, community foundations, service organizations, and the faith community to assist with keeping this important program in place. If you are interested in supporting Teen Court, please contact Talbot Partnership at 410-819-8067 or [email protected].

Talbot Partnership for Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Prevention reminds Talbot County residents that Talbot County has a TIP LINE for reporting underage alcohol parties. The Tip Line is anonymous and will be administered and responded to by local law enforcement.

Talbot County has a phone line for people to give information about underage drug/alcohol activities. Everyone is encouraged to call their local police directly or to call 410-820-4003 with information about underage drug/drinking parties or about neighborhood disturbances. The phone line is provided through the Talbot County Emergency Management Agency.

As students return to school parents are again reminded that underage drinking and drug use can lead to severe and tragic consequences including car crashes, injuries, rape, teen pregnancies, sexual assault, suicide, alcohol poisoning, alcohol dependency, overdoses and death. It is illegal for any adult to host an underage drinking party or to purchase or supply alcohol for persons under 21 years or age, even with their parents permission.

Together we can help keep our children safe and prevent tragedies related to alcohol or other drug use.

For additional information on what parents can do to help their children avoid the dangers of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs, contact Talbot Partnership at 410-819-8067. Please also visit our website at www.talbotpartnership.org or find us on Facebook.

 

 

In light of the recent tragic death of Robin Williams we need to be more aware of our children’s mental health and substance use. According to Suicide Prevention Education Alliance (SPEA) for most teens, the transition from child to adult is exciting, rocky and awkward.  Risk taking is a natural part of youth development.  And, while most of our children survive the teen years relatively unscathed, there are some who make negative choices that permanently affect their future.

The report goes on to say it is difficult to recognize if your child is suffering from depression and using drugs and alcohol to self-medicate. The National Alliance on Mental Illness reports that one out of every five children suffers from some form of mental illness, most often depression. When our children hurt, they want something to make them feel better and their search could lead to drugs and alcohol.

But, use of alcohol and drugs will not end the pain of depression and left untreated, your child’s illness can worsen. Studies show the earlier our children use substances to medicate themselves, the more likely they are to become addicted. This combination of chemical dependency and major depression is referred to as “co-occurring disorders.”

PARENTS SHOULD KNOW

Parents need to protect their child’s mental health as vigorously as they do their physicalhealth. While depression can occur at any time, it happens most commonly during adolescence.  And although half of all lifetime mental illness cases begin by age 14, only 20 percent of depressed children are treated by a professional.  Left untreated, depression is likely to reoccur and become progressively more severe.

Use of chemicals may be linked to your child’s depression. To distinguish between normal teenage angst and behaviors alerting you to a more serious problem, watch for the following symptoms of depression—

• Persistent sadness or anxiety

• Loss of interest or pleasure in activities

• Decline in school performance

• Feelings of hopelessness or desperation

• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness or shame

• Change in sleeping patterns

• Changes in appetite or weight

• Decreased energy and fatigue

• Restlessness and irritability or increased anger

• Inability to concentrate or make decisions

• Increased alcohol and/or drug use

• Thoughts of suicide or wishing to be dead

Parents whose children have five or more of these symptoms lasting at least two weeks should have them assessed by a mental health professional to determine if they have a depressive illness.

Contact SPEA at 216-464-3471 or visit their website

 

For further information on the dangers of alcohol and other drugs, contact Talbot Partnership at 410-819-8067. Please also visit our website at www.talbotpartnership.org or find us on Facebook.