Blog Post 7- Addiction
When it comes to addiction, many children do not realize what a serious issue it actually is. They may not view themselves as having an addiction and this is the reason why many kids fall into this trap. The recent development of the JUUL device, has taken over middle and high schools across the nation, and many kids got their hands on a device. A JUUL is an e-cigarette device that was intentionally developed to help adults quit smoking cigarettes. The film, "Vaping in Schools" shows how popular this trend has become and how easy it is for students to conceal various vape devices. One thing that stood out to me in this film was that when interviewed, a student, Emma, said " Kids like that it is sneaky and that they are getting away with it." The convenience of this device is what draws young kids in, along with enticing flavors. What they do not realize is that they are poisoning their bodies and ruining their lungs.
As more and more kids get addicted to the JUUL, some may enjoy the feeling so much that they may be in search for a stronger high. This is when some may seek to begin using marijuana. In the lesson plan I chose to review, "The Real Risks of Marijuana"
https://teens.drugabuse.gov/sites/default/files/NIDA_YR18_INS1_downloadall_508.pdf
I learned so much valuable and useful information on the serious effects that this drug has on the brain. The article explained that what teens do during their developmental years has serious longterm effects on the brain. If teens spend most of their youth participating in activities that are harmful to their brain development such as drinking and smoking, they are more likely to struggle with substance abuse, memory issues, and learning problems later on in life. Another issue I noticed as well was that if a kid begins using nicotine at a young age, and then begin using marijuana in search for a stronger high, they will be more inclined to pick up stronger drugs in hopes for that initial intense high.
I really enjoyed reading this lesson plan because it discussed true and accurate information for all age groups. If children are continuously exposed to the truth about marijuana they may be more inclined to stay away from it and encourage their friends to do the same. I feel that when discussing serious topics such as this, it is important to not "dumb down" or even simplify the content for a younger audience. With topics that are as critical as drug use, the more informed children are about the topic, the better off they will be in the future. The lesson plan broke down the questions a teacher could ask to different age groups. Although I think this is a good idea to ask simpler questions to younger children, (grades 6-8) I believe it is important to expose this age group to the more complicated questions that I noticed was written in for the 11th and 12th graders to use. In reality, most of these harmful behaviors are picked up at ages much younger than expected.The principal from the article "The Student Vaping Crisis" stated that "he would rather convince a student not to start vaping, then try and convince them to stop." If exposed early enough, kids may have more of an awareness at a younger age and then use this knowledge to make the right decision.
Another issue that was discussed in the lesson plan was that marijuana is slowly becoming more accessible due to the slow legalization that occurring in each state. The idea that using marijuana is "safe" now because it is legal is also another mindset that is becoming a common misconception. Many adults who are lenient with their children's marijuana usage try to compare it when they were young, and that it was not that "strong". Marijuana is nearly three times as more potent today than it was 30 years ago. This, along with easier access, creates a dangerous situation for children who are toying around with this harmful drug.
It is important to understand that addiction can happen to anybody, and there are always resources available if you or a loved one is struggling. Parents who are figuring out how to get their kids to stop smoking. It is important for parents to understand that this is extremely difficult, and kids can experience symptoms such as headaches, irritability, trouble sleeping and concentrating, and even depression. Some things that they can do to be proactive can be to throw away all drug/vaping paraphernalia, educate their child on the harmful health effects, and to provide comfort when their child is sick or struggling. ( Gordon, 2019)
In conclusion, it is very important to be fully aware that all forms of smoking has on not only a child's body, but their brain development as well. The usage of e-cigarettes and marijuana use are linked to mental health issues such as anxiety. These factors play a role in the way a child preforms in school, and how they interact with teachers and peers. It is a common belief among children that vaping will help with their anxiety, but in reality it is only heightening it. Having a full understanding of how the use of these drugs play a role on development is important to consider when determining the mental health situation of a student. If a student is struggling with anxiety and is seeking treatment for anxiety but still continues to vape, the treatment will not be as beneficial to the student. In conclusion, it is critical for students to understand the full impact that their actions now will have on their body in the future. For teachers, it is our duty to convey this message to our students so they have the best shot possible at a healthy life and a successful academic career.
References
Alcohol and Drug Addiction Happens in the Best of Families (2012). U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Link
Gordon, Lonna. (2019) Vaping: What You Need to Know. https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/e-cigarettes.htmlLesson Plan and Activity Finder. (n.d.). National Institute on Drug Abuse. https://teens.drugabuse.gov/teachers/lessonplans?sort=created%3Adesc&language=en
Superville, R.A. & Prothero, A. (2019, August 27). The student vaping crisis: How schools are fighting back. Education Week. Link
Vaping in Schools: 'Juuling' is Popular Among Teens Despite Health Risks. (2018). PBS News Hour. Retrieved on October 29, 2020
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