MARIJUANA AND E-CIGARETTES:
FACTS TEENS CAN USE TO MAKE HEALTHY CHOICES
Think about It
Spreading the word is an important part of drug prevention. Take a look at the many options
for spreading the word about drug prevention. Which ones appeal to you the most? Which
do you think you’d be particularly effective in carrying out?
It Could Happen to You
You’re at a party with a few friends and, at one point; you don’t see anyone you came with.
You go into the bathroom, and all of them are there, smoking marijuana that a classmate
gave them. They automatically expect you to join them, but you don’t want to—and now you
don’t know how you’re going to get home because the guy you rode with is smoking. You
sure don’t want to get into a car with him if he’s high.
What Would You Do?
What could you say to these friends when they offer you marijuana? What are some ways to
say “no?” And, if they are your friends, what could you also say to them to help them realize
that marijuana, alcohol, tobacco and other drugs are a bad idea? How could you get home
safely? Take a few minutes and make a plan for what to do in this type of situation, so that
you are prepared if it ever happens.
Helping a friend
Use is not the same as abuse or dependency. Dependency is when a person uses alcohol
and/or other drugs uncontrollably, despite the fact that the substance use is causing
problems. When people have a substance use disorder, their behavior can change
dramatically. They may act out of character, which can be confusing and upsetting to friends
and family members. If you’ve noticed any warning signs, investigate as soon as possible.
Helping basics
Be honest with yourself and with your friend
Know your limitations. Make sure you have the time and energy to give your friend before
you agree to help. If you’re not able to help at all, for any reason, say so. You may have a
conflict in values, be too close to the situation yourself, or be overwhelmed with your own
problems. Help your friend find another resource.
Don’t take it on alone
You may or may not feel qualified to help your friend with all of his or her problems. Learn
about resources such as Teen Link (see resources below), counselors, health educators or
healthcare providers. Get names and phone numbers that your friend can use to find help
from qualified professionals. If your school has a teen health center, offer to go with your
friend to check out their resources, which should be absolutely confidential. Find out about
services such as Crisis Text Line,
/
, where a person can text START
to 741-741.
Keep in touch
Keep in regular contact and encourage your friend to continue talking with you and to
reach out to other friends for a wider support network.
Remember what’s important. Forget marijuana.
This time of your life is important. Looking forward to the day you will graduate from high
school? Are you preparing for college? Looking for a good job? Seeking more independence
and stability? Pursuing a path in music or the arts? Want to take time to travel and explore?
Whatever your dreams and goals, keep in mind that what you do today may affect
you tomorrow.
Using marijuana, alcohol and other drugs can negatively impact your dreams, future
and what’s important to you. Learn more at
Will marijuana get in the way of your dreams?
• College
• Freedom
• Career
• Arts
• Music
• Health
• Wealth
•
Can marijuana steal anything from your future?
• A driver’s license
• A clean record with the law
• Health
• IQ
• Ability to do things you love (sports, school,
clubs, activities)
• College
•
What’s important to you? (make a mental list)
• Extreme sports
• Athletics
• Career path
• Health
• Wealth
• Freedom
• School
• Friends
• Family
*
Travel
• Being myself
• Being accepted for who I am
• Being a leader in my community
•
LIVE LIFE
ABOVE THE
INFLUENCE OF DRUGS
Life...
Own it...
Make it the
best it can be...
Visit the following websites for ways you can live above the influence and implement/practice refusal skills:
• Remember what’s important and forget marijuana:
• Live above the influence:
Also refer to the section about influences:
/
• Refusal/resistance skills:
• Share what you have to say:
/
Resources and information for youth, parents, educators and other community members:
• Alcohol & Drug Abuse Institute’s Learn About Marijuana website:
• Teen Link:
, call to speak with a teen from 6–10 p.m. at 866.TEENLINK
(866.833.6546), and the teen chat line from 6–9:30 p.m.
• Washington Recovery Help Line:
or 866-789-1511
• 2-1-1 Community Resources:
/
• Gay City LBTQ Resources and Referrals: 206.323.LGBT,
•
Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board:
/
• Safe Place:
• National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), Resources for Teens:
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s Behavioral Health Treatment Locator:
/
• Seattle Children’s:
/
• Foundation for a Drug-Free World:
The King County Youth Marijuana Prevention and Education Program (lead agencies Public Health—Seattle & King County, King County Department of Community and Human
Services, and Seattle Children’s) wants to extend a special thank you and acknowledgment to those who assisted with the development of this publication including: Asian
Pacific Islander Communities Advocating Together (APICAT), Gay City, City of Mercer Island Youth and Family Services’ Mercer Island Communities That Care Project, Science
and Management of Addictions (SAMA), State of Washington Department of Health and University of Washington School of Social Work/Social Development Research Group.
To learn more about The
Seattle Times’ Newspapers
In Education program for
educators and students,
e-mail
or visit nie.seattletimes.com
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