Adolescence and marijuana

Question

Have a son, 17, who thinks smoking weed is fine. I didn't notice it at first, so it seemed like I condoned it. I am now seeing that he won't eat my food,(so skinny) talk to me, be home. He still has good grades, but all his friends are leaving him. He is beginning to lie to look good. I have tried talking. I haven't really taken any thing for I guess I don't want him to runaway or go into deeper drugs?? He's not skipping school. Just being late and becoming truant late... (2 to 7 minutes)

Jim LaPierre · Accepted Answer

Hi there and thank you for writing to me! I would encourage you to talk openly and honestly with your son about marijuana. For many adolecents, marijuana use can be a sign that something is amiss - but perhaps not in the way you might think. Many folks use marijuana to medicate anxiety, Attention Deficit Disorder, and depression. I would encourage you to talk with him about the benefits he experiences from use and discuss different ioptions for getting his needs met.

A lot of what you're describing is what most would call normative teenage behavior. I do not excuse or condone your son breaking your rules for the family. I do want to share with you that what you've described does not set off red flags for me as an addictions counselor nor as a father of two healthy adults.

I love that you're concerned - it shows how much you care. Please share that with your son and see what's possible. Please write to me if I can answer questions or be helpful.

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