NCJ Number
196653
Date Published
October 2002
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This document provides drug information geared toward youth.
Abstract
The popular myths and misconceptions about marijuana are discussed. The message is that, although the drug is popularly viewed as benign, marijuana puts kids at risk. It is harmful to still-developing bodies and minds. It affects the brain and can impair mental health, increasing depression and anxiety. Children that use marijuana on a regular basis show a decrease in academic achievement. Short-term marijuana use can cause problems with memory, learning, cognitive development, and problem solving. Those children that use marijuana weekly are more likely to get into trouble with the law, struggle in school, have delinquent friends, engage in sex, and place themselves in dangerous situations. Sixty percent of teens currently in drug treatment are there because of marijuana. A series of drug prevention advertisements have recently been unveiled targeting American Indian audiences. The focus is on the positive influence of parents and elders in the American Indian community and the critical role they play in drug prevention. The positive consequences of avoiding illicit drug use are the focus of the message. A specialized tool kit regarding youth drug prevention and information offers a variety of materials to distribute anti-drug messages and information to employers, employee assistance program professionals, and unions. The connection between acts of terror and illicit drugs is discussed, along with how this link is relevant to the daily lives of all Americans. Retailers, such as T.J. Maxx and Marshalls, promoted an anti-drug theme during back-to-school season this year. “In the Zone: Living Drug Free” is a set of drug-prevention workbooks developed by the Girl Scouts of the USA offering creative activities to teach kids to reject illicit drugs. Two Interfaith groups, Faith Partners and One Church-One Addict, have been instrumental in getting anti-drug messages out to congregations throughout the United States. Media Campaign Flash is a periodic email messaging service featuring the latest initiatives and information on the anti-drug campaign.