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According to a report from the federal ONDCP (Office on National Drug Control Policy), many teens use marijuana to self-medicate for depressive symptoms, but the drug use may be compounding the problem. A recent study found that female teenagers who use marijuana are more likely to develop depression that those who do not. In addition, teens suffering from depression are more likely to engage in other high-risk behaviors like cigarette smoking and heavy alcohol use.

Dr. Drew Pinsky, addiction expert and host of VH1's television series "Celebrity Rehab" was interviewed for a recent article on the study. Dr. Pinsky said, "Don't be fooled into thinking that pot is harmless. ... Marijuana is an addictive drug. Teens who are already depressed and use marijuana may increase their odds of suffering from even more serious mental health problems."

Nora D. Volkow, M. D., Director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse weighed in on the issue, saying "There is also some evidence that in vulnerable teens-because of genetic factors-the abuse of marijuana can trigger a schizophreniform [a serious mental] disorder."

(Source: living.oneindia.in)

Labels: addiction, teen-marijuana-abuse, teen-depression

Posted By: jgarcia