Chapter 11 - Understanding and Encouragement

Summary

Most people who use marijuana enjoy the experience and are going about their lives effectively. But there are others who crash and burn, or at least smolder, especially those in early adolescence. The largest community focused on concern for a loved one’s harmful involvement with alcohol and other drugs is found in Al-Anon Family Groups, which focus on maintaining understanding of the drug-induced neurologically-based salience of marijuana for their loved one and feeling compassion for their addiction. Al-Anon embodies the principle that we are powerless to force an addict to think differently, though we can educate ourselves about addiction, encourage them toward health, present factual information and reflect reality for them. We can learn nonjudgmental ways to respond to their denial, myths and rationalizations. Parental authority also stems from parental integrity – living a life that embodies what you hope children will learn. When adolescents refuse to stop using marijuana despite their parents’ firm insistence, a process of contracting for privileges and consequences can be useful.