Teenagers who use drugs frequently are about 51 percent more likely to seek treatment for mental health problems between the ages of 18 and 25.
What you should know
Adolescents who use marijuana before the age of 15 are at significantly greater risk of mental and physical health problems later in life, a study has found.
These adolescents, especially those between the ages of 19 and 25, are more likely to seek medical treatment at hospitals and health facilities. The study was led by psychologist Massimiliano Orri of McGill University in Canada.
The study analyzed data from nearly 1,500 children who were followed from birth to adolescence. The study looked at their family circumstances, social relationships, behavior, and health, as well as their marijuana use between the ages of 12 and 17.
According to the study, about 60 percent of adolescents had not used marijuana during adolescence. Of the remaining 40 percent, half had started using marijuana later in life. They were found to be using it less than once a month by the age of 17. 'About 20 percent had started using marijuana before the age of 15, and by the age of 17, they were using it at least once a month,' the study said.
Teenagers who started using marijuana before the age of 15 and used it frequently were about 51 percent more likely to seek treatment for mental health problems between the ages of 18 and 25. This result was taken into account, taking into account other influencing factors such as lack of family supervision, family stress, peer relationships, and experiences of abuse. Respiratory problems, accidents, and unintentional injuries were especially common. Experts say that this habit may become the main way to cope with problems for teenagers who have started relying on marijuana to control anxiety, stress, or mood.
Mental health experts have been recommending that marijuana use be avoided until at least the age of 25. According to them, this can play an important role in reducing future mental, physical, and behavioral risks.
