Youth opting for marijuana over alcohol
Here's a revised version of the article:
Marijuana: The First Choice for Icelandic Teens
These days, marijuana is the go-to drug for many youngsters in Iceland, with a considerable number attempting it even before alcohol, says Rúna Águístsdóttir, a seasoned substance abuse counselor at Foreldrahús.
"These kids are into the cannabis craze, it's as common as water here," Rúna shared in a recent interview, pointing out the concerning prevalence of marijuana among adolescents. She emphasized that the dangers associated with this drug are frequently underestimated.
"A lot of folks don't even consider pot a drug," she said, adding that she's seen firsthand the havoc it can wreak.
With over four decades of experience under her belt, Rúna primarily deals with minors and their families at Foreldrahús, often intervening well before they're legally old enough to partake in any substance. She estimates that the center assists nearly 1,000 young individuals and their families each year, largely due to marijuana-related issues.
Unheeded Warnings
Rúna laments that parents often downplay marijuana use, considering it safer compared to substances like amphetamines. However, she advises against this casual attitude, explaining that early use can lead to addiction and developmental delays, particularly when initiation occurs before age 16.
"Parents don't realize that weed can be lethal for teens," she said, citing studies that show that the younger the initiation, the higher the addiction risk.
Yet, she reassures that there is hope. Many teenagers who develop cannabis dependence can recover with early intervention, and most tend not to escalate to heavier drug use.
The Lost Years
Despite this, Rúna warns of the detrimental impact she calls the "lost years." This critical period, from ages 14 to 18, can cause irreversible damage if marijuana use is frequent during this time. The aftermath includes difficulties in education, stunted social development, and strained peer relationships.
"They may ultimately quit, but by then, they've missed out on their formative years, have been held back educationally, and lost valuable social opportunities," she cautions.
Rúna urges heightened awareness from parents and schools, advocating for early detection and intervention to prevent long-term damage.
Enrichment Data:
Although specific data on Rúna Águístsdóttir's views on the risks of early marijuana use among Icelandic teenagers couldn't be found, it is well-established that the risks of early marijuana use - such as increased mental health concerns, cognitive impairment, and physical health complications - are significant issues that adults and policymakers should address.
- Rúna Águístsdóttir, a substance abuse counselor at Foreldrahús, warns that early use of marijuana before age 16 can lead to addiction and developmental delays, especially in Icelandic teenagers.
- Despite the common perception of marijuana as a safer alternative to substances like amphetamines, Rúna emphasizes that its early use can have detrimental effects on a teenager's health-and-wellness, mental-health, education, and social development.
- Citing studies, Rúna underscores the importance of raising awareness among parents and schools about the setbacks of early marijuana use, as it can lead to irreversible losses during the critical period from ages 14 to 18.
- Although Rúna admits that many teenagers who develop cannabis dependence can recover with early intervention, she urges heightened attention to the issue, as quitting may only come after missing out on vital years, educational opportunities, and social advancements.
