Getting high isn’t harmless — especially for teenagers. Studies show that using marijuana as a teenager can affect brain development by thinning the part of the brain that helps with decision-making, which keeps developing until age 25.
There are a wide range of other negative impacts, including becoming addicted. One in six adolescents cannot control their use of it, according to the National Institute on Drug Use.
To help, LSF Health Systems, a leading Florida behavioral health system, is reaching out to parents with a supportive program designed for First Coast teens, ages 13-17, who are struggling with marijuana use.
This treatment program, funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and administered by Gateway Community Services, provides early intervention, treatment and recovery support to help teens reclaim control over their lives.
Program participants will take part in five counseling sessions, which include a mix of individual motivational enhancement therapy and group cognitive behavioral therapy sessions.
Teens learn to identify and better cope with underlying issues in ways that don’t involve drugs.
Licensed mental health counselor and Gateway Senior Director of Clinical Operations Rico Bodin says the proven program helps teens address the root causes of substance use in a safe, supportive environment.
“Kids who are using marijuana often have other issues going on, like depression, anxiety or trauma,” said Bodine. “We help them identify any underlying problems and provide them with tools to better manage them.”
Data shows that teens who participate in a marijuana treatment program remain drug-free a year later. LSF Health Systems is now accepting new applications to the program. Go to LSFHealthSystems.org/teens to learn more.
