The guest of the 10th episode of Ayık Kafa podcast is Addiction Psychiatrist Dr. Marc J. Fishman. Dr. Fishman works in three different fields: As a faculty member in the Psychiatry Department of Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, as the clinical director of Maryland Treatment Centers, and as a deputy editor for the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM).
In the podcast titled “Danger of marijuana on Adolescent brain”, Dr. Fishman, who specializes particularly in adolescent addiction, emphasizes that marijuana use is a topic that requires attention as much as alcohol or other drugs. He mentions that the biggest misconception is the perception that marijuana use is less harmful.
Dr. Fishman, “Marijuana use is perceived as not a big deal, yet this is a significant problem especially for young people -and of course, adults,” and emphasizes that the risk of addiction in adolescents is much higher than in adults. He also highlights that while the rate of experiencing problems related to marijuana use in adults is 20%, this rate doubles or even triples in adolescents.
Dr. Fishman also discusses the connection between addiction and psychological disorders such as depression. He points out that many parents say they tried marijuana in their youth and didn't see any harm, but he explains that this doesn't mean their children will have the same experience. He gives the example: "Let's say you used to drive without wearing a seatbelt when you were young. Just as you would teach your child why that's wrong, you can approach marijuana use in the same way.”
He mentions that THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), found in the cannabis plant and capable of causing addiction and psychosis, is now much different and more dangerous than it was 30 years ago. He emphasizes that its potency has increased by 10-20 times.
He particularly emphasizes the importance of abstaining from marijuana use under the age of 21. He also states that parents and experts should use a more constructive and explanatory tone when informing adolescents about this issue, rather than a "finger-wagging" attitude.
Dr. Fishman also addresses Dr. Esra Çavuşoğlu's question; "How can parents or close relatives observe signs of psychosis in a young person? What should they pay attention to?" with examples.
This video contains important information on how to prevent marijuana use during adolescence, especially for those who have adolescent children or relatives.
00:00 -
02:25 Introduction.
02:25 -
11:15 The myths and the truths about cannabis use.
11:15 -
15:31 The harm of cannabis use on brain development in adolescents.
15:31 -
17:50 The increased proportion of cannabis addiction.
17:50 -
19:55 The effect of cannabis use on psychology in adolescents.
19:55 -
25:09 The effect of increased potency in cannabis on health.
25:09 -
31:39 The connection between cannabis use and psychiatric disorders.
31:39 -
43:14 Suggestions for parents and caregivers on how to approach their kids with cannabis use disorder and what to look for in the behaviours.
43:14 -
45:41 Conclusion.
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Dr. Marc J. Fishman:
www.marylandtreatment.org