NCJ Number
197877
Date Published
2002
Length
18 pages
Annotation
This document provides information to Korean American parents on juvenile marijuana use.
Abstract
Many Korean American parents view substance abuse and its prevention as a sign of weakness that can bring shame to the family and possible rejection from the community. Factual drug information and parenting suggestions can help break down the barriers of communication and denial. In the United States, one out of every five kids in eighth grade has already tried marijuana. Asian American and Pacific Islander teenagers that smoke cigarettes are more likely to drink alcohol. Those that smoke and drink are more likely to use marijuana. And those that do all three are more likely to use other illicit drugs. Forty percent of teens living in the United States say they expect to use a drug in the future. Long-term studies show that among all youth, use of other illicit drugs almost never occurs unless they have first used marijuana. Reports indicate that children that learn about the risks of using marijuana from their parents are half as likely to use it. Marijuana is the most commonly used illegal drug among teenagers age 12 to 17 and can be a gateway to other illicit drugs. There are many factors that contribute to Korean American youth being at risk for experimenting with drugs, such as immigration, acculturation, and family conflict. Immigrant children may be at an even higher risk due to their desire to fit into the American culture. Setting a firm zero tolerance rule will help children find their way around the various pressures to use drugs. Marijuana can be harmful in many ways and can result in poor short-term memory, problems with perception and reaction time, trouble handling complex tasks, reduced inhibitions, difficulty concentrating, hallucinations, and long-term effects such as addiction and damage to the lungs and brain. Most users roll loose marijuana into a cigarette or smoke it in a pipe. Some users combine marijuana with other drugs. Some physical signs of marijuana use are dizziness and loss of coordination, bloodshot eyes, and sleepiness. Some ways to keep children drug-free are to ask questions, listen, talk, and set rules.