New Study Links Higher Youth Suicide Behaviors to Marijuana Use

 

According to our prevention partners at Drug Free America Foundation and Informed Families, a new study shows that between the years 2015 and 2019 suicide ideation and behaviors have increased for youth that used marijuana. 

As marijuana is further legalized in states across the U.S., so should public health and suicide prevention efforts be increased to help curb the rise in marijuana use among adolescents and educate youth to better understand the causal link between marijuana use and suicide ideation and behaviors. 

Risky behaviors are part of being a teen, as this is the time they tend to push boundaries to become more independent. It is more important than ever that parents and caregivers arm their kids with knowledge of ways to stay safe and understand how the gateway drugs of alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana may adversely affect their growing bodies and brains.

Edible Marijuana Dangers for Kids

 

Marijuana (cannabis) is legal for medical or recreational use in most U.S. states. That means the availability of tempting treats that contain tetrahydrocannabinol or THC, the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana, is on the rise. Unfortunately, so is the unintentional THC poisoning risk these products pose to kids.

This is just one more reason why it is such a bad idea to legalize marijuana: a recent report form the National Poison Data System (PNDS) found that calls to poison control centers about kids aged 5 & under accidentally consuming marijuana edibles rose from 207 in 2017 to 3,054 in 2021 - a 1,375 percent increase. In 98 percent of these cases, the victims found the edibles either at home or at a friend's house.

Marijuana can be dangerous in all forms for children and adults. That's why it is important for parents to understand just how much THC is contained in edible products and how THC is absorbed in the body. Edible marijuana products often look just like regular sweets and snacks, such as gummy candies, lollipops, fudge, and other candies. It can be added in baked goods, snack foods, and desserts such as cookies, brownies, popcorn, and ice cream, as well as in sweetened beverages like soda and lemonade.

Despite their ordinary appearances, just one cookie or candy bar laced with pot can contain several times the recommended adult dose of THC. A THC edible can produce overdose effects including intoxication, altered perception, anxiety, panic, paranoia, dizziness, slurred speech, poor coordination, excessive sleepiness, breathing or heart problems. Even using marijuana one time can alter motor control, coordination, and judgment - leading to unintentional injuries and death.

Although smoking pot takes just seconds to minutes, a THC edible typically takes 30-60 minutes after being eaten. The peak effect may occur 3-4 hours after ingesting. The fact that THC-laced edibles don't take effect quickly may lead to larger amounts ingested to try to "get high" - and this can lead to overdosing.

If your child has eaten an edible, try to find out how much they ate and how much THC the product contains. Call the FREE Poison Control Hotline - 1-800-222-1222 - for fast help. If symptoms are severe, call 911 or go to an emergency room right away.

Empower Yourself with a Positive Mindset

 

Daily affirmations are scientifically proven to have a positive effect on the brain as it builds new neural connections. Your mindset is one of the most powerful tools you have - it helps wire your brain, build self-esteem, and change negative thought patterns into positive ones.

Positive affirmations require regular practice to make lasting changes. Similar to how exercise can boost physical health, the practice of daily positive affirmations can boost overall mental health and well-being. When you practice building positive views like the ones suggested in the "I AM" graphic above, it creates a foundation for confidence and self-awareness that can help when you encounter criticism from others or face risky situations. 

As professional boxer and social activist Muhammad Ali once said, "It's the repetition of affirmations that leads to belief. And once that belief becomes a deep conviction, things begin to happen!"

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CDC Report Shows Teens in Mental Health Crisis and Emotional Pain

 

The pandemic has taken a harsh toll on the mental health of U.S. teens. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shared data from the 2021 Youth Risk Behavior Survey of more than 17,000 high school students showing that an alarming number of teens have reported being affected by incidents of sexual violence, suicidal thoughts, suicidal behavior, and other mental health woes. Especially concerning is the alarming trend of teen girls who reported experiencing record levels of sadness and sexual violence with nearly 3-in-5 teen girls (57%) saying that they feel “persistently sad or hopeless.”

The risk of suicide is the highest in at least a decade with 30% reporting that they have seriously considered attempting suicide. This is double the rate among teen boys and up almost 60% over the past 10 years. Almost half of LGBTQ students are also facing mental health challenges that include considering a suicide attempt.

This is the first data collected since the start of the pandemic, with isolation, online schooling, and increased reliance on social media over the past few years only making mental health matters worse for many kids.

Kids need to know that it’s okay not to be okay. And that there is HOPE and HELP available…only 3 digits away. 9-8-8 is the new dialing code to route callers to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, now called the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, across the U.S. The Lifeline provides 24-hour confidential support to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional stress. A simple call or text to 988 will connect callers to trained counselors who will listen, provide support, and offer resources as needed. Support is also available via live chat.

For more information and resources, visit National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) at www.nami.org or National Institute of Mental Health (NIH) at https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/suicide-prevention

Countdown to Prom is Underway...Shop for Formal Wear FREE!

 

2023 Project Prom Shopping Days

 

Countdown to Prom is underway! Unfortunately for some teens, the expenses associated with attending this milestone social event may be out of reach. InnerAct Alliance and the UthMpact coalition are proud to continue the Project Prom effort, now in its 11th year, to provide free formal wear to deserving high school students and educate youth and parents about the risky behaviors that may occur during prom and graduation time. 

Student Shopping Days will take place on Saturdays: March 4, March 18, April 1, and April 15 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Project Prom Store at the Lakeland Square Mall, 3800 U.S. Highway 98 North in Lakeland (use entrance to the right of Dillards). Students with a Polk County School ID can sign a pledge to celebrate alcohol and drug-free and receive their dresses and suits at no cost.  

Since 2013, over 5,000 prom ensembles have been provided at no cost to teens in Polk County. Community members may support the effort by donating gently used dresses, men’s suits, shoes, and accessories. Especially needed are women’s dresses in larger sizes and men’s suits in smaller sizes. Donations may be dropped off at the Project Prom Store on shopping dates or at the InnerAct Alliance office (8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. weekdays). 

UthMpact’s goal is promote a safe and fun Prom Night. For more information, please visit www.uthmpact.org, www.projectprompolk.com, or contact Samantha McCain at (863) 802-0777.