Pubdate: Thu, 13 Oct 2005
Source: Asbury Park Press (NJ)
Copyright: 2005 Asbury Park Press
Contact:  http://www.app.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/26
Author: Mary Pat Angelini
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis)

TEACH TEENS DANGERS OF MARIJUANA ABUSE

About 1.5 million high school students will take the Standardized 
Achievement Tests this fall. This critical time in teens' academic 
careers -- as they look ahead to their futures -- is perfect for 
parents to discuss the dangers of marijuana use with their teenager.

Marijuana is the most commonly used drug among 16- and 17-year-olds, 
when most teens take their college entrance exams. Last year, 1.3 
million teens between the ages of 12 and 17 used marijuana for the 
first time. Marijuana use during these peak academic years can have a 
significant negative impact on academic performance.

It can hinder a teen's ability to learn. Heavy marijuana use impairs 
the ability to concentrate and retain information. Marijuana use is 
linked to lower grades. A teen with a "D" average is four times more 
likely to have used marijuana than a teen with an "A" average.

Marijuana and underage drinking are linked to higher dropout rates. A 
marijuana user's odds of dropping out are more than twice that of a non-user.

Teens who begin marijuana use at an early age when the brain is still 
developing may be more vulnerable to neuropsychological deficits.

Together, parents and teachers can lay the foundation for raising 
healthy, drug-free students. Prevention First provides preventative 
educational programs for parents and teachers with tools that will 
help children make healthy, responsible decisions. For more 
information about how marijuana use affects the development of the 
teen brain or to learn about the signs and symptoms of use, visit 
www.preventionfirst.net, or call (732) 663-1800.

Mary Pat Angelini

Executive Director

Prevention First
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MAP posted-by: Elizabeth Wehrman