Edibles seem like a simple way to use marijuana and THC. However, though they seem safe, they are not, especially for teen use. THC edibles still create that sense of high that many teens are seeking when using this drug. More so, long term use of marijuana edibles can create health risks and the development of dependence on this drug. At Foothills at Red Oak Recovery, our team works with teens who need help working their way through this type of use. Contact Foothills at Red Oak Recovery today at 866.300.5275 to learn more.
What Are Edibles?
Any product to which people add THC or marijuana in order to ingest it is an edible. Often, these appear in the form of cookies or brownies. Sometimes it is in the form of gummies. In all situations, marijuana edibles still contain drugs that have psychoactive components to them, making them highly addictive to use over a period of time.
What Are the Dangers of THC Edibles?
THC is the psychoactive component of marijuana, which creates a sense of euphoria in individuals. This component leads people to desire to continue using marijuana edibles. While addiction is one of the risks, there are others, such as:
- Using marijuana as a teen may encourage the use of other, highly addictive, and more dangerous drugs later.
- Teen marijuana use in any form can stunt cognitive brain development creating permanent damage to the brain itself.
- Because the effects take a long time to develop, many people use too much marijuana, creating dangerous toxins in the system.
- There is a risk of addiction occurring. When this happens, your teen gets cravings for edibles or other products and cannot stop doing so independently.
- Tolerance develops, leading to the need to use more of the drug to get the same results, leading to a risk of overdose.
Teens who use edibles may be at risk for developing more worrisome conditions over time, including addiction to other drugs. Furthermore, using marijuana edibles may cause underlying trauma, depression, and anxiety. Often, these products are used as a way to cope with the symptoms of mental health disorders. That positions a teen to be at high risk for complications later.
How to Tell if a Teen Is Using THC Edibles
It can be challenging to detect marijuana edible use because they can look like, smell like, and even taste like traditional sweets. As a result, it can be hard to spot addictive behavior. One key sign is the presence of strong, unexplained emotions. Sometimes when coming off the high of marijuana edibles, individuals will display intense symptoms of anxiety or agitation. In addition to this, teens may have unexplained instances of euphoria. Other times, teens may try to hide this behavior well from parents and isolate themselves from their loved ones.
Find Treatment Today
If you suspect that your teen is using edibles, they might not be able to stop taking the drug on their own. At Foothills at Red Oak Recovery, we can provide help. This includes treatment for a range of disorders. Some of our programs include:
- Family therapy programs
- Equine therapy programs
- Academic support programs
- Holistic healing solutions
- Co-occurring issues treatment
Seek Treatment at Foothills at Red Oak Recovery
Edibles may be becoming more common or you may be able to recognize the signs of your teen using THC edibles. There are risks to using these products that most teens do not recognize. If your teen is battling an addiction to marijuana edibles or any drug, turn to our team at Foothills at Red Oak Recovery for help. Call us at 866.300.5275 or connect with us online for support.
