Adolescents opting for marijuana over alcohol as their preferred substance.
Toking Teens: Iceland's Marijuana Problem Unveiled
In the chilly land of Iceland, cannabis has found a warm welcome among its youngest residents, with many teenagers trying it before even touching alcohol. According to Rúna Águós tsdoóttir, a seasoned substance counselor at Foreldrahus, a center that assists families navigating substance issues, cannabis reigns supreme among the preferred vices of young Icelanders.
"Weed is numero uno, deux, and trois!" Rúna exclaimed in a recent interview, highlighting its prevalence among the teenage crowd. She has witnessed how the drug, often underestimated by its users, can leave individuals in a state of illness.
With over four decades of experience under her belt, Rúna primarily works with minors and their families, often dealing with cases years before the youngsters are legally allowed to indulge in any substances. Foreldrahus welcomes nearly a thousand young individuals and their families annually, the majority seeking help for cannabis-related problems.
Rúna's concerns are echoed by the lack of awareness many parents exhibit regarding the risks associated with marijuana. They tend to dismiss it as less harmful than substances like amphetamines. However, Rúna cautions that early use of marijuana can pave the way to addiction and developmental setbacks, particularly when the use begins before age 16.
Parents remain blissfully unaware of the hazards marijuana poses for teenagers, Rúna asserted. According to research, the younger someone starts, the higher the chances of becoming addicted. Despite this, she emphasizes that there's always hope. Many young individuals who become dependency-prone to cannabis can break free with early interventions, and most do not progress to heavier drug use.
However, Rúna also warns of a critical period—ages 14 to 18—often referred to as "the lost years." During this time, regular drug use can disrupt education, stall social development, and leave youth struggling to connect with their peers.
"These youngsters might stop using eventually, but by then, they've missed out on valuable years, falling behind at school, lagging socially, and forfeiting crucial life experiences," she said. She advocates for increased parental and school involvement, calling for early identification and intervention to prevent lasting harm.
The statistics paint a stark picture, with cannabis use carrying substantial risks of addiction, developmental issues, mental health problems, cognitive impairments, and social consequences. Awareness and proactive measures focusing on family environments and early intervention are crucial to mitigate the adverse outcomes resulting from marijuana use among Icelandic teens.
"Rúna's concerns extend beyond just the physical health of teenagers; she is also worried about the impact of marijuana on their mental health, a vital aspect of overall health-and-wellness. In fact, early use of marijuana has been associated with an increased risk of mental health issues, according to her."
"Moreover, Rúna advocates for a greater emphasis on science, particularly research into the long-term effects of marijuana on young brains, as this knowledge could significantly inform policy decisions regarding health-and-wellness and mental-health initiatives for Iceland's youth."
