The family of an adolescent who smokes marijuana asks if it leads to the abuse of other drugs. What is the best response by the nurse?

The family of an adolescent who smokes marijuana asks if it leads to the abuse of other drugs. What is the best response by the nurse?

• A. "Use of marijuana is a stage your child will go through."
• B. "Many people use marijuana and don't use other street drugs."
• C. "Use of marijuana can lead to abuse of more potent substances."
• D. "It's difficult to answer that question as I don't know your child."

Answer: (C)

The statement that "Use of marijuana can lead to abuse of more potent substances" highlights a recognized concern in substance use and addiction. Research indicates that individuals who use marijuana during adolescence may be at a higher risk for experimenting with and developing problems related to other substances, including alcohol, prescription medications, and illicit drugs. This can be attributed to various factors such as changes in brain development during adolescence, social influences, and the normalization of drug use. The concern is particularly significant because the adolescent brain is still developing, and exposure to marijuana and other substances during this sensitive period can lead to lowered inhibition and increased propensity towards risk-taking behaviors, potentially leading to the use of more addictive drugs. Therefore, this response provides a factual and researched-based perspective, which is essential for informing the family about the potential risks associated with their child's marijuana use. The other options do not address the query as effectively or may downplay the seriousness of the issue. Some suggest that marijuana use is a normal phase or that it can occur without progressing to other drugs, which may not convey the full picture of the risks involved in substance use patterns among adolescents. By giving an accurate and contextualized response, the nurse offers informed guidance to the family regarding their concerns.

The statement that "Use of marijuana can lead to abuse of more potent substances" highlights a recognized concern in substance use and addiction. Research indicates that individuals who use marijuana during adolescence may be at a higher risk for experimenting with and developing problems related to other substances, including alcohol, prescription medications, and illicit drugs. This can be attributed to various factors such as changes in brain development during adolescence, social influences, and the normalization of drug use.

The concern is particularly significant because the adolescent brain is still developing, and exposure to marijuana and other substances during this sensitive period can lead to lowered inhibition and increased propensity towards risk-taking behaviors, potentially leading to the use of more addictive drugs. Therefore, this response provides a factual and researched-based perspective, which is essential for informing the family about the potential risks associated with their child's marijuana use.

The other options do not address the query as effectively or may downplay the seriousness of the issue. Some suggest that marijuana use is a normal phase or that it can occur without progressing to other drugs, which may not convey the full picture of the risks involved in substance use patterns among adolescents. By giving an accurate and contextualized response, the nurse offers informed guidance to the family regarding their concerns.