The past 80 years have seen the US government attempt to
stem drug use through criminalization. As this approach has seemed to fail, a
new trend has emerged in the legalization of some illicit drugs (Bianculli,
1997). Marijuana (recreational) is one such drug that is trending towards
legalization in many states. This may be a good revenue generator for states
like Colorado who estimate sales in 2014 anywhere from 65-128 million dollars,
or between .6 to 1.2 percent of all generated revenue in the state (CADCA.org,
2014), but this does not come without severe implications as use by young
adolescents is on the rise as a result of legalization.
Research has indicated that as states trend toward the
legalization of recreational marijuana, the perceived risk of use declines, and
its use increases (Newcomb & Bentler, 2014). According to CADCA, a
membership organization of over 5000 anti-drug coalitions, since legalization
for so-called medicinal use in Colorado was passed, marijuana use by youth is
39% higher than the national average and expected to climb as a result of the
legalization of recreational marijuana. In Washington County (Utah) extensive
research done by Southwest Behavioral Center has shown an upward trend in use
by youth that correlates with recreational legalization in states such as
Colorado and Washington, with the average age of onset of use to be 14 in
Washington County.
Even though the potency of marijuana continues to rise
(3.4% THC potency in 1992, to over 13% in 2014) further exacerbating cognitive
impairment and deleterious brain restructuring resulting in the loss of spatial
working memory and brain density (Corcoran, 2014, Kuster, et al, 2014), the use
of marijuana by young adolescents continues to rise. According to a participant
in our recent focus group who is also an agent for the DEA, he claims that the THC
potency of marijuana is closer to 20%, and in the foreseeable future the agency
believes the potency level will reach 30%: a tenfold increase in potency of
just a generation ago. In addition to brain deficiencies that over time become
irreversible, there is a growing body of research suggesting a decline in
psychosocial maturity among adolescents, making it harder to function in an ever-increasing
fast-paced society (Chassin, Dmittrieva, & Losoya, 2014).
In summary, there are several factors regarding marijuana
that are concerning for children, their parents, and society. They include the
rising potency of marijuana and ensuing biopsychosocial problems inherent in
its use, as well as the prolonged use and the implications for productive
functioning in a society that is ever-demanding. Clearly, if this problem is to
be effectively addressed, it must be done at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels
of society.
Our group believes that one area that will make an impact
is in helping to educate parents of young adolescents so that it may help them
to educate their children. This hypothesis is backed by ample research (Munson,
2014, La Ganga, 2014). In a recent
survey we conducted (freeinthree.org), 92% of those polled strongly agreed that
credibly discussing marijuana use with their children is important.
Interestingly, many (26%) did not understand the connection between legalizing
marijuana for recreational use and the perception of decreased risk in using
marijuana. Other data extrapolated from the survey suggests justification for
producing an informational pamphlet, especially in light of misconceptions
parents have regarding the dangers of marijuana use in their children. For
example, 13% did not believe that marijuana is a "gateway" drug; 13% did
not believe marijuana causes cognitive impairment, and 16% did not believe
marijuana to be addictive. Future assessment will be valuable in determining
effective means of educating parents and their children.
Emerging
research indicates that to combat the rising use by young adolescents a
strategy for prevention of marijuana among youths can be seen through a
risk-focused approach (Hawkins, Catalano, & Miller, 1993). Accordingly,
research suggests the best time to prevent substance use is at a young age,
before onset. DARE, once thought to be a means to reduce risk has not produced
the results once hoped for. More and more the trend is moving towards a life
skills approach that has shown more promise by improving life skills and
greater competency (Griffin & Botkin, 2004, Elias, Greenberg, &
Weissberg, 2000).
Based off of the trending research and our groups own
personal observations regarding the need of addressing early adolescent
marijuana use in the community, we came up with a plan to effectively address
the growing issue and problem. First off, we set out to establish an alliance
with the predominant behavioral health center in the area. We then sought to
validate our assumptions and observations by analyzing data already collected
by Southwest Behavioral Center as well as conducting our own surveys and focus
group.
Our goals in addressing the issue/problem, was first
discovering what would be the most effective and efficient way of addressing
the issue. Secondly, we would need to establish an avenue of addressing the
issue. Finally, our overall goal is to reduce the number of early adolescent
marijuana use in the county. As simple as these goals appear, there were many
sub goals within them. While assessing what the most effective and efficient
way of addressing the issue was, we needed to be open to the possibility that our
original plan would be inadequate. We had to explore other options and
opportunities as we relied on research and data collection by means of surveys
and a focus group to learn what the target population needed. Once it was
determined that credible information regarding early adolescent marijuana use
was needed within the parent-child relationship, we sought ways in which to
disseminate that information.
Our primary strategy then became manufacturing media in
the form of a pamphlet that addresses how parents can talk to their children
about the potential dangers of marijuana use. In order to reach as many parents
as possible, this pamphlet will be available in physical form as well as
digitally online. One strategy we utilized was creating a partnership with the
Southwest Behavioral Health Center (SBHC) to gain access to the pertinent
research that has been done in our community regarding adolescent marijuana
use. One way the target population has been involved in the key efforts is by
participating in the focus group. One consideration for future efforts in
reducing marijuana use among adolescents in our area is by reaching more
parents to gain additional insight of what their needs are. This could be done
by conducting more focus groups in the different areas of Washington County to
get a better sample. One of our limitations is that our focus group may not be
representative of all the different groups within Washington County. If time
permitted, a focus group from each middle school could have been helpful. Also,
our project assumes that the parents have a positive relationship with her/his
child and that a conversation about marijuana use would be welcomed by the
child. This limitation suggests efforts in building family relationships would
benefit prevention efforts regarding adolescent marijuana use.
The
focus group of key stakeholders in the community gave us information about what
would be valuable to address in the pamphlet. The stakeholders in this focus
group included parents and professionals who work with adolescents who are at
risk of using marijuana. This pamphlet will include local data about marijuana
use among adolescents. This tactic is important because it will make the issue
of adolescent marijuana use more personal. The target population, parents of
adolescents, will be able to connect to the information more if the data is “in
their back yard,” than if the data was represented from the national level.
Another tactic we are using to make the information more personal, is visual
aesthetics that allow the reader to relate the information to their own child.
We are attempting to accomplish this by having eyes of adolescent children on
the cover of the pamphlet that include different races and ethnicities, with a
caption along the lines of “why didn’t you tell me?” As supported by the
information gathered from the focus group, we will also have tips on how
parents can talk to their children about the risks of marijuana use. One way
this pamphlet can be evaluated is by including it in the Prevention Needs
Assessment and Survey Results research conducted by SBHC. Another way this
pamphlet could be evaluated is by having a link on the back of the pamphlet
where parents can get more information and can rate the pamphlet on different
factors of effectiveness. While these are means of tracking the potential
success the pamphlet can have towards getting parents to talk with their child,
the greatest success we can hope for is reducing the number of early
adolescents being exposed to marijuana use. As mentioned earlier, the data that
was collected by the Southwest Behavioral Center indicated that the average age
of onset for marijuana use is currently 14. The trend is indicating that that
age will continue to drop as the perceived risk decreases as well. With
credible information in the hands of parents, we hope that by the next time
data in regards to marijuana uses is collected in the county again, the number
will not decrease.
1.
I
consider recreational marijuana use (non-medicinal) among early adolescents
(11-14 years of age) harmful.
2.
It's
important to talk with children (11-14 YOA) about marijuana use.
3.
It's
important that credible information materials about early adolescent marijuana
use be available to parents through public education.
4.
I
believe early adolescent marijuana use is a growing problem.
5.
A
pamphlet addressing marijuana use among early adolescents (11-14) in southern
Utah would be helpful for me to better understand the topic.
6.
Marijuana
use has been linked to cognitive deficits in the brain. Brain imaging has
suggested that marijuana use in adolescents is highly correlated to memory and
abstract thinking deficits as well as deleterious restructuring of the brain.
7.
According
to research, marijuana use among adolescents tends to be addictive.
8.
Even
after prolonged use, the negative effects of marijuana can be completely
reversed.
9.
When
states such as Colorado legalize the recreational use of marijuana, the
perceived risk of marijuana use decreases.
10. As the perceived risk of marijuana use lowers, its
use increases.
11. While other states such as Colorado have legalized
recreational marijuana use, Utah has not. This protects young adolescents in
Washington County from increased marijuana use.
12. Marijuana is a "gateway" drug, meaning
that it leads to the use of other drugs.
13. Studies have shown that effectively discussing the
dangers of marijuana use with children is a helpful way of preventing them from
starting.
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