Marijuana Abuse

As the most socially acceptable drug aside from alcohol, it can be very difficult to know when you or someone you care about has a problem with marijuana. In fact, as many teenagers experiment with smoking marijuana, they can become quite good at hiding their use. Marijuana abuse can manifest in many ways, but the goal of the person smoking it is usually the same. If you see someone you love trying any method they can to avoid or reduce mental and emotional pain, or you see someone searching for a creative outlet desperately, these may be people to watch for marijuana use.

There is a common myth that marijuana is not dangerous, nor addictive. In reality, it is both physically and mentally addictive and there were nearly 250,000 hospital visits attributed to marijuana abuse in the last year. It is also believed to be a socially acceptable “pure” drug, when it is actually almost always laced with other drugs such as cocaine and PCP, as well as common household cleaning supplied such as Comet – things not intended for human ingestion. Marijuana is the number one most used drug of teenagers today, and adult use is extremely common as well.

Recognizing the signs of marijuana abuse is the first step in working your way into the solution. There are both physical and behavioral signs to look out for not only in your teenager, but whomever you may suspect that might be using marijuana. Signs and symptoms will vary by the situation – factors include the strength of the marijuana and what it is laced with, the mindset of the smoker, previous marijuana use and where and when it is smoked.

Physical symptoms:

  • Appetite change: Loss of appetite, increase in appetite, change in eating behaviors, unexplained weight gain.
  • Walking pattern changes, poor or deteriorating physical coordination.
  • Sleep pattern changes: Inability to sleep at the normal times, awake/asleep at unusual times, increased laziness.
  • Red, glassy eyes, pupils larger or smaller that usual on a regular basis, blank stare.
  • Sweet, burnt scent: Lighters lying around the house or room, incence burning (to cover the smell of marijuana).
  • Runny nose, loud cough.
  • Clumsiness, running into things.
  • Slurred speech, inappropriately loud voice and laughter.

Behavioral symptoms:

  • Loss of interest, lack of motivation: What previously was important to the drug user, or that they would become passionate about, no longer effects them the same way. This includes in school and in the workplace.
  • Increased anxiety, especially when away from the substance the body starts to rely on: such as while on vacation.
  • Change in overall attitude or even personality with no discernable reason.
  • Increased paranoia.
  • Secretive or suspicious activity or behavior. Need for more money, stealing from family and others, seeming to have a lot of new money-driven vetures. New friends, either friends the addicted person does not want to talk about, or are known drug users. Often loses touch with old friends who do not share the habit.
  • Drop in performance at school and at work – sometimes this will be present in grades or feedback.
  • Change in home life, loss of interest in family activities or events.
  • Moodiness, irritability, anxiety, increased silliness or giddiness, sudden sensitivity and reactive or irrational behavior.

Each year, over 100,000 people seek treatment for marijuana abuse or addiction. The first step is talking about this drug with friends, family and children. By the age of twelve, the possibility that your child will be exposed to this drug is very high – start talking to them today. Early detection using the above listed signs and symptoms can also be extremely helpful. You can stop the marijuana abuse before it gets to be a full blown addiction, but it takes help. That is what Center for Discovery is here for – we can guide you through this sometimes scary, but life changing, time in your life.

At Center for Discovery, we understand that your teenager may be struggling not only with marijuana abuse, but also the other overwhelming emotions and issues that come about at this fragile time in their lives. We can provide teens – and their families – with tools for navigating through this tough time, substance free and happy.

In the following pages you will read information pertaining to our substance abuse program, treatment components, why we treat adolescent only and in a residential setting, substance abuse red flags, levels of care, and the Discovery Substance Abuse Program admissions process. You are also welcome to take a virtual picture tour of our facilities and browse through our online brochure. It is our hope that this information will help you to obtain a better understanding of our adolescent substance abuse residential program, as well as become more informed on eating disorders, including medical complications. There is also a testimonial section from past residents and their families. If you have further inquiries we are available to you 24 hours a day/ 7 days a week. Please contact our confidential Intake staff at or you may fill out the online form on the Contact Us page.