Pubdate: Fri, 15 Feb 2008
Source: Daily Gleaner (CN NK)
Column: Dear Abby
Copyright: 2008 Universal Press Syndicate
Contact: Write Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los 
Angeles, CA 90069
Website: http://dailygleaner.canadaeast.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3857
Author: Jeanne Phillips
Note: Relevant part of a longer column.
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/opinion.htm (Opinion)

MARIJUANA HAS COMPLEX EFFECT ON TEENS' DEVELOPING BRAINS

DEAR ABBY: You were right to tell "Just Saying No" (Jan. 16) that his 
pot-smoking classmates could be headed for addiction or other 
problems. I worry that marijuana poses more risks to teens than they 
- - or their parents - recognize. More kids need professional help 
kicking marijuana than for all other drugs combined. It is not a 
"harmless" drug.

School failure, which you mentioned, could be only the first of many 
problems daily pot smokers may experience. Researchers have a long 
way to go in understanding the complexity of brain function, but we 
know that illicit drug use changes the developing brain. Many young 
people smoke pot before their brain development is settled, and their 
chronic use of the drug can affect certain centers in the brain that 
control emotion and reason.

Research shows that regular use of marijuana may also lead to mental 
health problems. Youth who use marijuana weekly have double the risk 
of depression later in life, and are three times more likely than 
non-users to have suicidal thoughts. - MARC GALANTER, M.D., DIRECTOR, 
DIVISION OF ALCOHOLISM AND DRUG ABUSE, NEW YORK UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER

DEAR DR. GALANTER: Thank you for lending your expertise on this 
subject. I am sure many teens and their parents will find your letter 
enlightening.

If they wish, younger readers can read and consider the latest 
scientific facts about marijuana and other drugs by logging onto 
www.abovetheinfluence.com. Parents can visit www.theantidrug.com for 
tips on talking to their adolescents and teens about drugs and how to 
get them help if that conversation begins "too late."
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake