There’s been ample research over the last decade showing the negative effects of drugs and alcohol on attention, memory, and learning. It’s now known that the effects last for days or weeks after the acute effects of using (the actual “high”) wear off.
In the end, a teen who smokes marijuana daily may be functioning at a reduced intellectual level most or all of the time.
It’s well known that alcohol and marijuana use are common among teens in the United States. It’s estimated that almost 9 million youths (ages 12-20) report consuming alcohol within the past month, while just over 6% of eighth-grade students and almost 15% of 10th graders currently use marijuana.
Recently published research reinforces these findings and creates even more of a case for the need to keep youth and teens away from drug and alcohol use. The study, led by Elizabeth D’Amico, senior behavioral scientist at the RAND Corporation, was recently published in the journal Addiction.
If you or someone you know, needs assistance in withdrawing from drugs or alcohol or treatment for addiction please contact the New Bridge Foundation®’s admissions department at (866) 772-8491 for a free assessment.
