Drug Classes and Consistent Message Key to Curbing Youth Drug Use
The 1960s and 1970s have long been thought of an era where teen marijuana use was high (pun intended). Believe me, the 60s and 70s have nothing on today. And I believe the primary culprit is medical marijuana.
As a counselor for both in-class and online drug classes I always discuss current marijuana use among my students. As all of them are in my class due to some drug-related offense, it is no surprise that almost 90% had smoked or used marijuana in the past 30 days.
Not one of my students would have any difficulty getting marijuana if they needed it. As a child of the 70s and 80s, and a recovering drug addict, it was never that easy for us.
In my last class all 21 students knew someone who was an every-day pot smoker. Almost 80% of my students believe marijuana should be legalized and claim having medical marijuana legal makes it less wrong to use.
What is wrong with these kids? There is nothing wrong with these kids. We need to be better role models for them. We need to make drugs illegal and difficult to get. With strong role models and a consistent positive message, combined with continued drug education classes, I believe we can help stop the rampant increase in youth drug use.
