Essay Example on Parents Smoking in the Presence of Children

A lot in Life Part 1

There are several key issues related to the current scenario. First, Lexi used marijuana and cigarettes when she went to the party. The consumption of marijuana in young people has been increasing in recent years, and not only that, it is beginning to start at an earlier age. The population that has contact with drugs is getting younger and younger. Once a person starts using marijuana, he or she may get addicted to it. Lexi may end up being addicted, which means that she may have trouble quitting the drug even when it has a negative impact on her life. Research suggests that about 30% of people who use marijuana have some level of marijuana use disorder even when they are not yet addicted (Milton, Woods, Dugdill, Porcellato, & Springett, 2007). Marijuana is linked to poor performance in school, lower income and a poorer quality of life. Marijuana has negative effects on attention, motivation, memory, and learning, which can persist after the immediate effects of the drug disappear, especially in people who consume it regularly (Leeuw, Engels, & Scholte, 2010).

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The second issue is that Lexi's parents, especially the dad, have been hit hard by the discovery that Lexi may be smoking and using marijuana. One of the most difficult situations that can break one's heart as a parent is discovering that his or her child is using drugs (Ozcebe & Akcay, 2017). The addiction to addictive substances tends to develop in adolescence and is a situation that affects more and more young people. Adolescents are vulnerable and are susceptible to any negative influence that leads to drug use. Marijuana is the most frequently consumed illegal drug by adolescents (Trtchounian, Williams, & Talbot, 2010). In fact, a number greater than 40% admit that they have tested it, at least on one occasion. In addition, the consumption of this drug in adolescents can cause problems of physical development but, also, mental and emotional (Chen, Liao, & Chen, 2014). All these favor the scholastic failure with the consequent diminution of the self-esteem as well as labor, academic and social capabilities of the adolescent.

The third issue is that Lexi's dad does not know how he will confront her. When speaking with Lexi, he must make sure she has a clear understanding of the use of drugs, establish family norms and make sure she understands, also let her know that in the event of a violation of the rules, she should enforce and maintain the disciplinary rules decided by the family. Normally, when they start to consume, the adolescents repeat because it disinhibits them, relaxes them, allows them to relate socially with others and, in addition, gives them a false sense of being more fun and having more fun (Gilman et al. 2009; Hayatbakhsh et al. 2008). If Lexi's parents do not confront the issue, she may end up repeating the practice.

Fourth, Lexi's dad was addicted to smoking cigarettes. Although he stopped the habit, he began at a very early age. The younger the person, the easier it will be to enter an addition. For teens, it is easier to become addicted to any type of drug, not just marijuana. However, young people have doubts and concerns about wanting to consume them. That is why it is important that parents work more on the children's character in terms of prevention, protection, work self-esteem issues, assertiveness, and helping them not to fall when there is group pressure. Cannabis is usually the gateway to the consumption of "harder" drugs, there comes a day when everything is very boring without drugs and the effect of the usual dose is not as before, much increases it and one, the person may decide to try something else powerful. Lexi's parents also have to deal with the fact that many teenagers, including Lexi's classmates, believe that marijuana is a soft drug. However, there are no soft drugs, all affect cognitive functions and have a psychic attachment. In addition, they are usually the first step towards harder drugs. The recreational use of cannabis has expanded over the years, especially among young people. Socially considered a soft drug with few side effects, it is often consumed by adolescents 12 or 13 years of age. Young people and adolescents, not yet fully developed, have a much higher risk when the use cigarettes or marijuana because in addition to the effects of the substance itself (which are already greater due to their greater susceptibility to neurotransmitters such as dopamine) can alter their development process.

Lastly, Lexi's parents are aware that the effect of drug usage may generate not only short-term or long-term effects. The problem is compounded with the fact that the parents are not aware of the best course of action. The state of mind and the relaxing and even narcotic effect that induces the use of marijuana causes the level of attention to decrease. This does not happen only while the effects last, but also in the long term the attentional capacity can be reduced. It is common for marijuana to cause a certain level of incoordination between mind and body, also reducing the ability to react to stimuli.

A lot in Life Part 2, Plan of Action

For many adults, talking to their children about drugs can be intimidating. This is the same problem that Lexi's parents are facing. However, this is a health problem and the parents have to work with their child to help them stop the habit. The first thing to do when a parent realizes that his or her child uses drugs is to avoid being alarmed, to panic, and what is more serious to deny it. Courage, resentment, guilt, and feeling that one has failed as a parent are some of the common reactions. It can happen that the adolescent is the victim of manipulation by friends or strangers. The child may want to experiment out of curiosity or as an expression of rebellion and in ignorance of the risk that it entails. If the child starts using drugs, the parents have to address that situation expeditiously and without hesitation. Early care is paramount.

The first course of action that Lexi's parents should take is to find out why Lexi is smoking. There are kids who only smoke recreationally. After all, marijuana is easy to come by and cheap. A child may have been at a party, someone took out a cigarette and he or she decided to join. In that case, the use is only because the opportunity presents itself, it is more a social activity than anything. However, if the child has started smoking just because it allows him/her to feel better about him/herself or as a strategy to deal with problems, the parents will need to get more involved. In this case, it is worth taking into account family therapy, because the use of marijuana could be the symptom of a bigger problem.

Secondly, Lexi's parents should remind her that marijuana is illegal has negative effects and that a criminal record may affect her future. Although this does not work with all the kids, many teenagers know that a single raid can ruin their chances of getting college scholarships. Lexi's parents should discuss the health risks of using marijuana or cigarettes. Although there is still no certainty about the addictive properties of marijuana, scientists know that smoking a marijuana cigar does as much harm as four ordinary cigarettes. Pulmonary problems can occur, and there are even people who have developed lung cancer from smoking marijuana. In addition to being bad for the lungs, smoking can cloud judgment and affect the ability to make good decisions. Although the consequences of smoking - such as cancer, heart attack, and stroke - are real, the child may not be aware of them. Instead of lecturing Lexi about the dangers of smoking, Lexi's parents should ask her what she thinks are the negative aspects of smoking.

Thirdly, the parents should make it clear that they do not agree with the behavior. This is very important and if Lexi is caught using marijuana or cigarettes again, there must be consequences. However, they should not raise their voice or scream at Lexi. They should address the issue calmly and with confidence. Many parents find that the most effective way to deal with their use is to simply start removing privileges. In other cases, limiting the adolescent's access to activities outside the home can be effective. Preventing him/her from going to parties can diminish his/her consumption, simply because he/she will not be with friends who smoke marijuana. It is very important how parents approach the problem with their children. Adolescence is a difficult age and being sensitive is very important. Lexi's parents should avoid confrontation and escape from dramas and alarmism.

It is important not to threaten her with something that she will not fulfill or will only fulfill momentarily. Many adolescents continue to consume drugs and create problems at home because they know that their loved ones will not meet their threats or will only do so for a short period of time. It is important to put limits on their destructive capacity and make them respect the home, its material goods, its rules, and traditions.

Fourth (however, this should only be the last resort), Lexi's parents should resort to professional help. If they have tried talking to Lexi, reasoning with her, and taken away her privileges but she still smokes, they will require an external intervention. It is best to start with a family doctor and ask for help. In some cases, a treatment program without hospitalization can be recommended. Fortunately, most teens who smoke marijuana do not progress to harder drugs. However, if Lexi's parents begin to notice personality changes or hostile attitude, they should seek medical intervention for her immediately. There are companies that do drug tests to the adolescent when the parents request it. If Lexi's parents think it is necessary, they should ask their doctor for a list of local laboratories that perform this service.

The family and the environment is an important support for those who want to stop using drugs, but they are not always enough. They may not have the knowledge or capacity to cope with a situation or how it is or that they will overflow because of the difficulty that results.

In that case, parents should not be afraid of losing help. There are detoxification clinics, professionals who can help with dependence and also support groups, formed by people who have gone through the same situation, which can complement family support. It is important for Lexi to realize the danger, the use of "curiosity" or "experimental" drugs brings risks of addiction. It is an important message. Lexi's parents should remember that orders, threats, and ultimatums are unlikely to work. Instead of getting angry, they should ask Lexi why she smoked or used marijuana. Maybe she was trying to adapt to school or get their attention. Sometimes teenagers smoke with the intention of feeling adults.

Example of local community agencies that could provide help in dealing with the problem includes the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). NIDA can be contacted through email (drugfacts@nida.nih.gov)and through phone contact. SAMHSA can be contacted through email (recoverymonth@samhsa.hhs.gov). Treatment costs of marijuana addiction in NIDA include $126 per week while treatment costs of marijuana addiction in SAMHSA include $7,415 per admission. SAMHSA is more expensive. Most of the recommendations in the plan of action are cost effective and it is advisable to consult the family doctor first.

References

Chen, Y., Liao, Y., & Chen, P. (2014). Family's Anti-Smoking Response toward Parents Smoking in the Presence of Children Scale. PsycTESTS Dataset. doi:10.1037/t58953-000

Faletau, J., Glover, M., Nosa, V., & Pienaar, F. (2013). Looks like smoking, is it smoking? Children's perceptions of c...