Ecstasy / Question
Published: September 24, 2002
Dear TeenHealthFX,
Hey. I am 15 and I have been smoking and doing weed and xtc and I'm since I was 14. How can I stop? Is it too late? All my friends think that I am a real dick, and I am in the main dealing business so it is not like I can get away from it. I have tried everything ? please help me!
Signed: How Can I Stop The Weed And Xtc?
Dear How Can I Stop The Weed And Xtc?,
TeenHealthFX is glad to hear that you want to quit. Addiction, whether to cigarettes and/or drugs is a serious and difficult situation to deal with - but admitting that you have a problem and seeking help is an important step in getting well. With the proper support and medical help, you can stop. Please do not think for one second that it is too late for you. It is not going to be easy, but it is never, ever too late for anyone to get off of cigarettes and drugs.
You have already encountered some of the negative consequences of addiction - that your friends think you are "a dick." It sounds as if you may be doing things you normally would not be doing that your friends are getting angry with you. Other things that sometimes happen when people use drugs are driving a car while or having unsafe sex while under the influence.
Many teens start out using marijuana - this can lead into more frequent and "harder" drug use - which leads to greater problems. Ecstasy too has extremely harmful side effects.
Cigarettes kill more people than alcohol, cocaine, crack, heroin, homicide, suicide, car accidents, fires and AIDS combined. Magic mushrooms also have dangerous side effects.
The other large risk that you are taking is dealing drugs. As you know, dealing is illegal and if caught you could end up with considerable jail time. Also, at least in New Jersey, if someone gets hurt or dies using a drug that you sold them, you could be charged and held accountable for their injuries or death.
TeenHealthFX wants you to realize that you may not be able to get clean on your own; in fact, you may need some professional assistance. But do not feel discouraged! There are numerous programs available specifically for teens. The first step, and often the hardest, is talking to your parents. They need to know the situation - not only to assist you in getting the proper help, but also to assist you in your recovery. If you are unable to speak with your parents initially, find another trusted adult. This can be a teacher or coach, a school guidance counselor or nurse, even your doctor or minister. Whoever you choose to speak with, please do so immediately.
Help is available - if you live in Northern New Jersey, you can contact the Adolescent/Young Adult Center for Health at (973) 971.6475 or the Atlantic Behavioral Health ACCESS Center at (888) 247.1400. Outside of New Jersey, check out some of these resources for a referral and help: Alcoholics Anonymous, Marijuana Anonymous, Drug-Free Resource Net.
TeenHealthFX realizes that the road to recovery is not easy but you can do it! Getting professional help as well as support from family and friends is key. You do not have to do it alone.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
Statistics show that giving a teen a credit card does not teach them to be financially responsible or to encourage self-restraint, but actually promotes a “spend now and deal with the consequences later” mindset.
