Although it is not new that young people use alcohol and recreational drugs, the legalization of cannabis by the Canadian government has contributed to the trivialization of this psychotropic substance. It should not be forgotten that it acts on the balance of the brain and nervous system. Thus, despite the fact that its sale is illegal, in Quebec, for those under 21 years of age, many adolescents and young adults take it, more or less frequently. The daily use of cannabis must be taken seriously: the harmful effects on the management of everyday tasks as well as on brain development and the potential consequences on mental health are then exacerbated.
Regular cannabis use, a commonplace practice
According to data from the Government of Quebec, adolescents (15 to 17 years of age) and young adults (18 to 24 years of age) are among the highest users of cannabis. There are several reasons why these young people may try cannabis and then consume it on a regular basis:
- Curiosity: It is particularly attractive for a young person to try new experiences and to experience unusual sensations. Curiosity can lead them to try cannabis for the first time or to vary the means of consumption;
- Mimicry or the desire to belong to a group: many young people start smoking “pot” to follow in the footsteps of their friends or because they have seen others around them do it. Not only does this set an example, but it can increase their sense of belonging to a group (feeling like they are responding to codes, sharing something);
- Recreational: Many cannabis users use cannabis first or mainly at special events and parties with friends;
- For the effect: many seek the pleasure and buzz associated with cannabis;
- Because it seems trivial and safe: legalization has brought a form of trivialization of the product. Since it is now legal, one might mistakenly believe that it is safe or that the associated risks only concern others;
- To reduce stress and to make difficulties easier to face: given the calming effect of this psychotropic drug, some young people use it because they feel that it reduces their stress. They then believe that they can thus better face life’s trials, more or less great, of life.
The dangers of using cannabis as a crutch
While the majority of cannabis users take it on an occasional basis (ranging from a few times a year to a few times a month), some, especially young people, take it daily. In many cases, this is a way to escape reality or to make it more manageable. It then becomes a form of crutch for young cannabis users. This attitude should be taken seriously: it may indicate prior difficulties in dealing with stress, anxiety states (especially performance) and more complex situations. Moreover, it can also trigger mental illnesses (depression, psychosis, generalized anxiety disorder, etc.) in addition to being harmful to a developing brain. This is why it is important to talk about cannabis use with your youth and, if necessary, try to reduce its frequency. Especially if they have a predisposition to mental illness (heredity, previous seizures, anxiety, etc.).
Professional support such as that offered by the psychologists at Clinique GO™ can be useful to help young people for whom this is a problem to find strategies to reduce or even stop their drug use. Psychological follow-up can also help control the problems that led to this situation (stress, anxiety, difficulty coping with problems) or those that result from it (depression, anxiety disorder, etc.). So don’t hesitate to contact us if you are concerned about the cannabis use of a young person you know!
Approuvé par Francis Desjardins
