POLICE ASSOCIATION OF NOVA SCOTIA 121 • Just like cigarettes, marijuana smoke is full of tar and chemicals (more than 400 kinds) and there's no question that this can't be good for our lungs, throat and esophagus. One particular cancer-causing agent called "Benzo (alpha) Pyrene" can be even more concentrated in marijuana smoke than it is in tobacco smoke. • Many substances - alcohol in particular - can lower inhibitions and cloud your judgement. This means you might do things you would otherwise not do, because of the effects of the drugs on your brain. And it can be scary, in addition to being embarrassing. You might engage in risky sex (which can lead to unwanted pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases) or you might even take additional drugs that you normally wouldn't go near. • Regular and long-term use of alcohol and marijuana interferes with your ability to concentrate, and it makes it harder to learn new things and remember what you already know - and the likely consequence would be poor performance at school and work. • Marijuana use can trigger psychotic episodes in people that have a high risk for schizophrenia, a psychotic disorder where a person has trouble determining reality, and experiences illogical thinking patterns, delusions and hallucinations. The risk is more likely for people with families that have a history of the disorder. • Loss of self-control is a fairly common result of problematic substance use in general. When people are drunk or high, they can do things way out of the ordinary so this is certainly something worth thinking about. • Chronic use of alcohol, for example, can result in serious health problems including nervous system diseases, psychological disorders like anxiety and depression, cancer of the mouth, tongue, esophagus, stomach, and liver - just to name a few. What increases or decreases your risk of developing problems? Research has identified certain life factors that influence a person's likelihood of developing a substance abuse problem. These factors involve friends, family and activities - and where you live - so if you want to avoid or change risky situations, or deal with an existing problem, the factors below will help you understand what might be influencing you. Factors associated with an increased risk Individual Factors • Ease of access to alcohol, cigarettes and other substances. • Age of first use of alcohol, tobacco and other substances (starting before age 14 tends to result in bigger problems later). Peer Factors (people your age) • Peer risk-taking behaviour. • Peer influence on your decision making. Family Factors • Family history of substance abuse. • Family smoking behaviour. • Parental approval of substance use. • Family conflict. School Factors • Not involved with school activities. • Poor grades. • Early signs of leaving school (like cutting classes). Community Factors • Neighbourhood disorganization (litter, older buildings, few facilities or services). • Few pro-social activities (like community social activities). (...continued) (continued...)
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