Grassing up
Question
My cousin is only 16 and she she's started smoking cannabis, should I tell her parents?
Answer
It can be hard to know what to do when someone you care about is taking drugs. The choice to stop must be made by your cousin herself but there are things you can do to help.
You could start out by talking to your cousin about whether or not she wants to cut down or stop using drugs. Increase your own knowledge first so that you can give her information about the effects on her health and mind. For example, smoking cannabis can affect short term memory and concentration and makes some users paranoid and anxious. You could also make her aware of the law relating to cannabis, including the dangers of being charged with intent to supply.
Another useful approach might be to ask your cousin why she is taking cannabis. For example, is it part of her social scene? If so, she might need to consider lifestyle changes if she really does want to quit.
Quitting cannabis won't result in physical withdrawal symptoms, although your cousin might miss the nicotine in the spliff. Some users experience psychological problems giving up, especially if smoking weed has become part of their regular routine.
For more information, confidential advice and support your cousin could contact Frank on 0800 77 66 00 for free and confidential advice and support.
Updated: 12/04/2010
Question answered by Addaction
