Customer Reviews

Marijuana What's a Parent to Believe (Informed Parent)

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This was recommended by my counselor. My son grabbed it and read the medical detail and we now really actually know what is going on. Its worth every penny. Its not for those who aren't interested in scientific studies because its very well
supported. I now know quite a lot and would never suggest that Marijuana is
an appropriate drug for anyone who needs to study or learn.

The author has extensive experience with young marijuana users and can pinpoint causes of using, those at risk, and how marijuana is harmful, especially to young users. As a parent whose child became addicted very early without my even knowing it, what the author said perfectly matched my experience. When marijuana becomes an addiction, it becomes a lifestyle and an obsession and chokes out growth that the adolescent needs in order to reach maturity. It may takes years to repair the damage caused by the tunnel vision of marijuana obsession if the user does manage to tear himself away from using. The best strategy is prevention or at least to prevent use as long as possible, but most parents will say that they had no idea their child would try marijuana at such a young age. The signs can be subtle and not easily detected at first. I would recommend this book to any parent as many kids will try pot, but especially to parents who want to understand what is happening to their children when they abuse marijuana.

Dr. Cermak's wealth of well researched and evidence-based information covers normal adolescent development and the interplay with substance use. Interventions and treatment i.e. family therapy, cannot be successful without understanding and addressing the unique developmental tasks of the adolescent (pgs. 169-183). Adolescents are not always gracious as they gain maturity. But understanding the physiological, societal and educational stresses aids parents to be compassionate supporters of their child's developmental pathway versus labeling their behaviors (including drug use) as "pathological, hopeless, slackers etc". and creating a barrier in their relationship.
Dr. Cermak answers all questions about substances, their impact on the developing brain, alternatives for treatment, and outcomes.
It is difficult to envision how this much critical and documented information concerning adolescent development AND substance use managed to be presented in one elegantly written book.

Marilyn Thatcher, Ph.D.

This book literally saved my daughter. Once I picked it up and started reading I realized she was in big trouble. This book opened my eyes and it compelled me to address the situation. Without having read it I'm really not sure where we would be now. Read this book if you even think your teen is using. It will prevent the situation from escalating.
I am forever grateful to the author.

This is a very honest, objective, and balanced book for parents of teens, or anyone who wants useful information on marijuana use in our society.

Seriously, there are many more legalized substances out there that do a lot more damage than marijuana ever could. All in all, it's probably on of the safest options for a recreational drug. As long as there are human beings who want an easy way away from their problems, there will be a need for such substances as alcohol, cigarettes, (moving on to the illegal drugs) X, cocaine, LSD, acid, etc. However, marijuana (if consumed, not smoked) is much safer than any of the afore mentioned substances. I've smoked pot; I love it. It's not something I'd do on a regular basis, but it's like taking a shot or having a couple of cigarettes. If regulated, it would be perfectly fine. So what if it's somewhat harmful; there is much worse out there that is already legal. Get with the program, people.