Legislatures have passed laws against the use, sale, and possession of marijuana. A few states (California and Arizona, for example) have passed laws authorizing doctors to prescribe small amounts of marijuana for personal medicinal use. These statewide sanctions, however, are being challenged by national lawmakers.

• In 2003, 197,100 juveniles were arrested for drug abuse violations; 83% were teens ages 16–17.
• In 2003, 46% of high school seniors said they had tried marijuana in their lifetime; 35% reported using marijuana during the previous year.

Sources: Juvenile Offenders and Victims: A National Report, National Center for Juvenile Justice (2006)

Violation of any drug law will result in some form of legal action. If a first offense involves a small amount of marijuana, you may be placed in a diversion program. This means you′ll be required to attend drug information classes and possibly participate in random drug testing. After you complete the classes, your case will be closed, with no arrest or juvenile record. If you fail to complete the program, formal charges may be filed. If you′re convicted of a drug violation, penalties include detention time, probation, and suspension or loss of your driver′s license.

Many teens claim that they turn to drugs to avoid pressure, relieve stress, and help handle depression. But drugs, including marijuana, are a health risk. (For example, marijuana contains up to 400 chemicals that can pose major health hazards.) Believing that pot is the least dangerous of recreational drugs, more young people are using it—despite statistics showing that marijuana use often leads to experimentation with harder drugs.

A conviction on a marijuana charge goes on your record (through a local and national computer system that records arrests, convictions, and sentences) and can follow you throughout your life. Future job opportunities may be jeopardized because of teenage drug use or experimentation. A teacher in Illinois recently lost his job when a background check turned up a 1974 conviction for marijuana possession. A candidate for a U.S. Supreme Court appointment was disqualified after admitting he had used marijuana as a student.

There′s help for anyone with a drug problem. A phone call to a local teen hotline, or any of the 12-Step programs in your community (Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, Cocaine Anonymous, etc.) is a first step toward recovery and a drug-free life. Check the white pages of your phone book for local listings.

If you have a problem with drugs or alcohol, get help! Medical care and counseling are available, and you may not need your parents′ consent to participate. Early warning signs indicating a problem include:

• You have new friends who abuse alcohol/drugs.
• Your grades drop, you fail tests, or you miss a lot of classes.
• You withdraw from family and friends; you become isolated and lie about your drinking/drug use.
• You experience mood swings, depression, and a loss of interest in your usual activities.

Legislatures have lowered the minimum age for obtaining help for alcohol and other drug use to encourage teenagers to take action. If you′re afraid to go to your parents for help, ask your school nurse or counselor, or call a confidential hotline.

FYI

Drugs and Your Brain by Beatrice Grabish (Rosen Publishing, 1998).
Discusses how the brain functions, how drugs affect the brain, the nature
of addiction, and where to turn for help.

Wise Highs by Alex J. Packer (Free Spirit Publishing, 2006). From breathing
and meditation to exercise and sports, this book describes more than
150 ways to feel really, really good—naturally, safely, and creatively.

Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT)
1-800-662-HELP (1-800-662-4357)
For counseling and referrals in emergencies.

Cocaine Anonymous
1-800-347-8998
www.ca.org
Information about the national organization and local groups. Not a hotline.

D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education)
1-800-223-3273
www.dare.com
Information on D.A.R.E.′s anti-drug, anti-violence message for kids, parents, educators, and D.A.R.E. officers.

Drug Abuse Information and Treatment Referral Line
1-800-821-4357
For drug-related information, referrals to local treatment programs, and support.

DrugHelp
www.phoenixhouse.org
Referral network that provides information on specific drugs and treatment options, and referrals to public and private treatment programs, self-help groups, and crisis centers.

Marijuana Anonymous
1-800-766-6779
www.marijuana-anonymous.org
Information and local referrals.

Narcotics Anonymous
(818) 773-9999
www.wsoinc.com
National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information (NCADI)
1-800-SAY-NO-TO (1-800-729-6686)
www.health.org

An organization of the federal government providing free information on substance abuse.

National Drug and Alcohol Treatment and Referral Hotline
1-800-662-4357
A hotline for information, referrals, and crisis counseling, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Web of Addictions
www.well.com/user/woa
This award-winning site is packed with factual information, links, and resources on alcohol and drug abuse.

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