Handling of users

Hash and weed are used in almost everyone’s environment. It is thus possible that someone who is ‘flipping out’ will be encountered at some point. There is no reason to panic. Try to calm the person down in a quiet environment. Reassurance and having the person eat or drink something also usually work. When the person continues to be disoriented or anxious, a doctor should be consulted.

Cannabis should certainly be discussed in education, youth services and families with children. Flatly prohibiting use is not very productive. The chances of using and attempting to keep this a secret are greater, and avoidance of any discussion on the matter may occur as a result. Occasional use can also turn into problematic use without being seen then.

The following points are of importance.

• Good information on hash and weed. The text presented here provides the latest and most important information.
• An open talk without prejudice and convictions could give us the necessary information (kind of the drug, duration and way of use, reasons for using). It’s good to know that the system use of cannabis could lead to difficulties in the execution of routine tasks. There are signs for the problematic use as: reducing of the school performance, change in the social environment (change of the habitual circle of friends or lack of friends) etc. In these cases a sincere conversation is to be lead, in which you could clear out if there are some underlying reasons about the use. The preparation for such a conversation is very important and if you don’t feel ready for it, you could ask for help or look for a professional opinion.
• Clear boundaries should be set. The credibility of a parent or any other authority figure is greater when this person sticks to what has been agreed upon.
• The experimentation of a young person will not quickly derail into heavier use when the young person is not bored, has the capacity to think independently and say ‘no’ and can handle setbacks.
• Keep the lines of communication open; panic and threats often backfire and elicit the opposite of the desired effect.
• Do not be too embarrassed to ask for advice and seek help when needed.