Adolescence can be very difficult and confusing at times. In addition to biological, social, and academic stress, some teens also face first contact with popular illegal drugs such as marijuana. If you think your child is smoking weed behind your back, seek evidence before making an accusation that isn't necessarily true. Most importantly, talk to your child openly and show your help as a parent.
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Part 1 of 3: Look for Signs
Step 1. Assess the child's mood
Think about why you are worried about your child. Does the child look different? Do children's moods change for no reason? Maybe the child looks scared for no apparent reason. If so, there is a possibility that your child is using marijuana. Marijuana is a psychoactive substance that interacts with the user's brain, thereby changing the way he thinks and feels.
Step 2. Watch for changes in the child's behavior
Smoking marijuana can cause cognitive impairment when high, which increases with frequent marijuana use. If you think your child is high, look for the following mental symptoms:
- Slow reaction
- It's hard to make a decision
- memory loss
- Tendency to be “stupid” or not following the conversation
- Paranioa or irrational belief that one is in danger. These symptoms are more common among users who have or are prone to psychiatric problems.
Step 3. Get to know the teenager
Parents are always worried about their teenagers, but normal teenagers also go through rapid changes in mood. It can be overwhelming if you try to monitor your teen's mood. It is important to remember that children are going through many changes, both physically and mentally. Some changes in behavior and mood are normal. Try doing some research or asking a friend to help you understand your teen's actions better.
Step 4. Evaluate your relationship
Even if your child doesn't realize it sometimes, you are one of the most important people in his life. Your relationship is sometimes an important factor influencing a child's current behavior. Take a step back and think about your relationship objectively. Have there been any recent changes? Is it possible for your teen to behave differently in reaction to something happening in your household?
Step 5. Know when to worry
Although teenagers' attitudes are sometimes confusing, not all of them are caused by anxiety in normal teenagers. Pay close attention to all aspects of a child's life, while respecting the limitations and freedoms of their growth. If all the signs indicate drug use, it's okay to worry. Also, listen to your heart. You are the one who knows the child best. Make sure you watch out for these signs realistically.
Part 2 of 3: Identifying Marijuana Use
Step 1. Look for red eyes
If you think your child is smoking marijuana, it's time to look for solid evidence. Red eyes are the most well-known side effect of marijuana use. Marijuana can sometimes make the eyes reddish or red-yellow. This is because the capillaries in the eyes are enlarged due to marijuana. In addition, cigarette smoke can also irritate the user's eyes and redden, although marijuana does not have to be burned to redden the eyes. Remember, do not rush to accuse the child. It could be that the child is late to sleep because of studying or playing games until late at night so that his eyes are red.
- It should also be noted that marijuana also makes the user's pupils widen, although this is still under debate and not clearly understood.
- A large stock of eye drops (such as Visine) can be an indirect sign of marijuana use because these drugs will reduce redness in the eyes.
Step 2. Pay attention to the child's sleepiness
Marijuana can cause drowsiness so that the child's activity level is reduced. If you suspect your child, be aware of how much sleep your child is getting, sitting on the couch, playing video games all day, and reluctance to be active. However, keep in mind that there are many reasons teens need more sleep, including biological reasons teens need more. sleep than most adults.
While the drowsy and relaxing effects of marijuana may sound appealing, it also affects important cognitive functions such as memory, reflexes, and critical thinking skills, making marijuana use dangerous in conditions that require caution (e.g. when driving)
Step 3. Look at the child's "ridiculous" behavior
It's common knowledge that marijuana users look even more ridiculous than usual. For example, marijuana users tend to chuckle at things that aren't funny. Sometimes users also find it difficult to be serious when required. If teens can't control their silliness, marijuana could be to blame. However, of course this is not the only symptom of marijuana use.
Step 4. Pay attention to your child's film choices
If your teen starts using marijuana, you may be able to get a hint from child entertainment options. Films that are very thick with drug use can potentially trigger children's interest in smoking marijuana. Some examples are Dazed and Confused, Friday, and The Big Lebowski. Children may really like these films. However, if the film is watched repeatedly, especially in certain scenes, you should start paying attention to other symptoms of marijuana use.
Step 5. Pay attention to the child's social habits
Look at the changing patterns of leaving and returning children. The habit of using marijuana can disrupt sleep patterns so that children tend to sleep during the day and stay up late at night. If your teen uses marijuana, other behavioral changes may appear, such as hanging out with different friends, visiting different places, and going out at unusual times.
However, you shouldn't accuse your child of using marijuana just because his schedule is changing, or hanging out with friends you don't like. This behavior has many causes
Step 6. Look at the obvious things
Look for evidence of marijuana itself. If you find a "stack" of marijuana while washing a child's clothes, you have found solid evidence that the child is using drugs. Drug prices are usually expensive, so it is likely that children's marijuana is small and easy to hide in crevices.
- Marijuana is usually in the form of green-brown leaves, similar to oregano, which has a strong and distinctive odor.
- Cannabis is usually stored in plastic bags, plastic pill containers, small jars, or other suitable containers.
- Look for medicinal supplies. Tools such as suction pipes, grinders, bongs, paper rolls, cigarette clips, lighters, and other accessories are strong indications of marijuana use and are usually the strongest evidence a parent can find.
- Sniff your house for the smell of marijuana. If you can smell marijuana or its smoke, it is likely that marijuana was used near you (and may have been used recently). Cannabis has a distinctive and strong odor. Fresh marijuana gives off an odor that is often said to be similar to that of a skunk, but it doesn't taste disgusting. To some, marijuana smells excessively sweet or resembles yard waste.
- Marijuana smoke has a "herbal" odor that sometimes resembles the smell of fresh tomatoes and the smell of burning tea. Cannabis smoke sometimes has a sweeter smell than cigarette smoke. This odor is often left on clothes, hair, and furniture.
Step 7. Pay attention to your teenager's diet
Marijuana use is often associated with "greed" or increased appetite. More often than not, however, research shows that marijuana tends to increase appetite and taste good in food. Therefore, if the child's appetite is never exhausted, the cause may be marijuana.
- It should be noted that marijuana can sometimes make the mouth and throat feel dry or itchy so that the user will drink a lot of water or other drinks.
- Keep in mind that sometimes an increase in appetite is normal during adolescence. Adolescent bodies experience rapid growth so that teenagers eat more.
Part 3 of 3: Revealing Problems
Step 1. Define your problem approach
In Indonesia, the use of marijuana is prohibited by law. If you find your teen using marijuana and haven't been arrested by the authorities, it's your responsibility to address the issue. There's no fixed way to deal with this problem, but you can start by having a conversation about your expectations. Make sure you make reasonable rules for the child.
- Understand that teens may be curious about marijuana. During adolescence, classmates may start using and talking about marijuana so that the child's curiosity is aroused.
- Explain that regardless of the child's feelings, possession and use of marijuana is criminal and against the law. Both adults and teenagers are prohibited from possessing, distributing and using drugs, one of which is marijuana.
Step 2. Deal with the child without judgment
Although children do not fully understand the effects of using marijuana, it is almost certain that children understand that using marijuana is considered bad by adults. As a result, your child may become nervous, agitated, or defensive when presented with evidence of marijuana use and may end up lying. Discuss this problem calmly with the child while opening your mind to the child's confession.. The main goal is for your child and you to understand each other rather than frighten them.
Step 3. Explain the dangers of using marijuana
Explain the harmful effects of marijuana use so that your prohibition is well founded and understandable. Children will not want to obey parents who take marijuana for no apparent reason. For example, you could focus on the harmful effects of marijuana use on young people, for example:
- More and more students are no longer in school
- Increased levels of anxiety and social disorders
- Impaired ability to remember and think
- Increased level of psychosis
- Respiratory/lung problems (as in smoking)
- Tendency to use other, more dangerous drugs.
Step 4. Explain the legal dangers of using marijuana
The occasional use of a small amount of marijuana may not cause personal problems or illness, but it is still illegal. What's more, the punishment for the child will be more severe if the child is caught carrying marijuana or selling it to someone else. Make sure your child understands the legal dangers of marijuana possession and understands the risks involved.
- In Indonesia, teenagers/students are subject to criminal law for possession and use of marijuana like adults. the difference is, the sentence for students is 1/2 of the punishment for adults.
- It is important to note that children who are in conflict with the law are given special protection, among others, in the form of avoiding arrest, detention or imprisonment, except as a last resort and in the shortest possible time. In addition, there is a diversion to strive for.
Step 5. Make a plan together
If this is your first time talking to your child about marijuana use, use this opportunity to emphasize the rules for using marijuana in your home. Emphasize your tolerance for the child's first try while insisting that the child must obey the rules that have been made. Make sure your child understands that he or she can see you as a parent if they have any questions about marijuana in the future without any hesitation or fear.
- Again, if you find your child breaking the rules or lying to you, punish or restrain. Explain to your child that you are not angry because of curiosity, but because your child has broken a clearly defined rule.
- Remember, even though teenagers are still children, they will soon grow into adults. Try to involve your child in decision making, if your child seems willing to communicate with you. Sometimes, children will be more responsible if given responsibility.
Tips
- Remember that you are in control of your child's life. If you're worried, it's time to follow up on this issue.
- Don't be afraid to ask others for help. Does your child have a favorite aunt or uncle who they trust the most? Ask them to help you talk to your child.
- Seek professional help if needed.
