Marijuana use

Drug abuse often starts with marijuana

Marijuana is the most commonly used illegal drug in America and the most abused illegal substance among youth – about 46% of U.S. teens will have tried marijuana at least once by high school graduation. If you or someone in your family struggles with marijuana abuse, our Student and Family Assistance Program offers judgment-free support.

Explore the resources below, or call us at 800-236-3231 for a free, confidential consultation with an SFAP counselor.

Educate yourself

Start by understanding how marijuana affects your brain and body, from its immediate effects to its long-term health risks, and assess your level of dependence.

  • Marijuana – A User’s Guide to Stopping [PDF]
    Advocate Advocate Aurora Health with the Center for Addiction and Behavioral Health Research
    Take quick self-tests and read detailed information about marijuana’s physiological effects, legal ramifications, and habit triggers, as well as powerful steps and strategies for stopping.

Talk to your teen

It’s never too late to talk to your teenager about drug abuse. The topic of marijuana has only become more complex, with the passage of medical marijuana laws and the legalization of marijuana in some states, and it’s more important than ever to start the conversation.

  • Marijuana: Facts for Teens (Revised) [PDF]
    National Institute on Drug Abuse
    Get a straightforward, easy-to-read overview of the risks of marijuana use, as well as frequently asked questions, quotes from teenagers about real-life experiences, and quick facts about marijuana use among teens.
  • Marijuana: Facts Parents Need to Know (Revised) [PDF]
    National Institute on Drug Abuse
    Talking to teenagers about drug use is never easy. Find detailed, point-by-point explanations of the types of marijuana use, the risks associated with it, and tips on discussing common questions about marijuana with your teen.
  • The National Institute on Drug Abuse for Teens features science-driven videos, games, and articles for teens, and kidshealth.org offers more information about how drugs and alcohol affect your teen’s body and life.

Additional resources

Find more education, treatment, and support from these trusted organizations.

Support for loved ones

Addiction hurts more than just the addict, and dealing with an addicted friend or family member can be overwhelming and painful. These organizations focus on supporting you.

  • Families Anonymous (www.familiesanonymous.org) provides a 12-step fellowship for the family and friends of individuals with drug, alcohol, or related behavioral issues.
  • SMART Recovery (www.smartrecovery.org) is a support group alternative to those based on the 12 steps of recovery, with most support groups currently hosted online.
  • Love First (www.lovefirst.net) helps families of addicts with general education and assistance with interventions, as well as a more intensive Structured Family Recovery program.
  • The Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation (www.hazeldenbettyford.org) offers a Family Program of seminars and workshops for educating and supporting families faced with alcohol and drug addiction, as well as Family Connection Coaching over the phone.
  • NAMI Family-to-Family Program (www.nami.org) is a free, 12-session educational program for families, significant others, and friends of people living with mental illness, offered by the National Alliance on Mental Illness.