“With all this going on, I just feel so alone… Weed is my only outlet.”
Fitting in
Cyberbullying
Self-image
Comparison
School performance
And the list goes on. Middle and high school is a challenging time in everyone’s life. Without a proper support system, it’s easy for kids to turn to something else to find relief. Our research shows that something is cannabis.
They think weed is an escape. It’s actually trapping them.
It turns out that turning to weed to relieve stress will end up making it worse. Chronic cannabis use has been shown to increase feelings of depression and anxiety. Over time, weed also lowers the body's ability to produce the feel-good chemical, serotonin, making you feel apathetic more often. Unfortunately, the very feelings they are trying to escape from are being enhanced.
Healthy Coping Skills
Endorphins
The Pain Killers
- Using essential oils
- Watching a funny movie
- Eating dark chocolate
- Exercising
Dopamine
The Reward Chemical
- Completing a task
- Performing self-care activities
- Striving toward a goal
- Eating healthy food
Oxytocin
The Love Chemical
- Playing with a dog/cat
- Playing with a baby
- Hugging a loved one
- Giving/receiving a compliment
Serotonin
The Mood Stabilizer
- Improving social behavior
- Meditating
- Running
- Walking through nature
- Getting sun exposure
Coping activities your kid can try:
- Physical activity, such as sports, yoga, dancing, a bike ride or even just squeezing a stress ball
- Relaxation techniques like deep breathing, counting backwards from 100 or listening to calming music
- Creative outlets including painting, playing an instrument or journaling
- Spending time with friends and family playing a game or talking
- Shifting mindset, like practicing gratitude or thinking of a happy memory