The Manitoba Addiction Foundation (AFM) points tocannabis as the leading cause of youth addiction.
Cannabis is legal, affordable and overwhelmingly the drug of choice for young people seeking treatment for addiction.
Kate Evans, Prevention and Education Consultant for the Manitoba Addiction Foundation, said:
"The key is that the brain does not fully develop until the age of 25, and any type of exposure to alcohol or cannabis can be detrimental to brain development."
However, cannabis use is not the only concern, as alcohol consumption and addiction continue to be a problem.
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More than a quarter of young people are helped by alcohol abuse or addiction, according to AFM.
When it comes to both alcohol and cannabis, Evans said the issue is product accessibility and normalization.
"But it's not taken very seriously in the mainstream. You know, alcohol use has been normalized," Evans said.
"It's been several years since cannabis was legalized in our state, and both have, in a sense, normalized."
According to Drug Free Kids Canada, this The numbers are shocking and a change from what was normally seen in the past.
"We were always exposed to the statistic that children experimented with alcohol early on, but alcohol was the substance of choice, followed by cannabis. , which is a very high and surprising number,” said Chantal Valeland, executive director of Drug Free Kids Canada.
According to data collected across the country, the average age of experimentation with alcohol and cannabis is 13 for him and 14 for him, respectively. The later the better.
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"Less likely to become addicted. 90% of people struggling with addiction as adults I started using it in my teens,” says Vallerand.
Parents experience substance abuse by not allowing behavior that can help loved ones.
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} ``Let them experience the negative consequences from the negative choices they have made,'' Evans said. Allowing them to experience those negative consequences, even when they have to be accounted for, makes them take more responsibility for themselves.”
, stated that drug use is a coping mechanism for many.
“Children at a young age do not have the mental capacity to make rational decisions. You won't be able to wire it up, it will reduce your anxiety, not just experimenting with pleasure and happiness... suddenly these wires are covered with cannabis use," Vallerand said. She said parents help by setting a good example and having open and honest conversations.
"I tell my kids, 'Oh my god, I didn't realize it's been four days in a row I've been drinking a glass of wine to unwind. Would you like to go for a walk with me? Would you like to play a game of chess with me?” she said. There is a support hub for that provides support in dealing with children's issues. Youth addiction potential.
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"Parents, therefore, have a 24/7 chat directed to social workers who can help parents. You can access the resources on our website, ”she says Vallerand.
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