Dear Annie: Our teen son has been smoking pot and driving high

To Annie, please:

Our 19-year-old son has been consuming marijuana for approximately a year, as my wife and I recently discovered. Until last week, we had suspicions but lacked evidence. He claims that it keeps him focused, helps him have a healthy appetite, and relieves his anxiety—something we were unaware he had. Despite his insistence that it is not addictive, he is unwilling to give it up. He said that he typically smokes it in a secluded location before driving himself to his destination. We are devastated by this on a lot of levels!

No. 1: We would prefer that he choose a different, safer method to manage his anxiety (maybe a therapist?);

No. 2: In our state, he is not legally old enough to possess marijuana.

No. 3: Although he claims not to drive when intoxicated, it sounds like he has. What if someone was harmed by him?

No. 4: A few years ago, his friend’s sister took marijuana to treat her anxiousness. When that didn’t work, she turned to harder illicit narcotics, overdosed, and passed away. We had lengthy conversations with our kids about drugs at the time, and we believed they were mature enough to stay out of it.

We are unsure about what to do. We are currently changing our health insurance, so we are unable to see a therapist or doctor until they are covered by our new plan. What ought we to do? I would really like to report his supply to the police, but he refuses to reveal the man’s identity. Any recommendations? Concerned about our son

To Worried:

Your son will receive a DUI if he is stopped while under the influence of marijuana. Additionally, depending on state regulations, his juvenile status might result in high fines or even jail time. Many teenagers believe that driving while intoxicated is not a problem, so make sure he understands the repercussions.

His self-medication with marijuana is a very different issue. Instead of using drugs to cover up his underlying anxiety problems, he has to treat them. Until you locate a decent therapist for your son, get in touch with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

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