Alternatives for Cannabis
There are often various reasons for teenagers smoking cannabis. A lot of adolescents use it to get high, some do it because of peer pressure, curiosity or even because they have a lot of free time. Listed below are some alternatives to use if you ever feel the urge to try cannabis or if you already have, then smoking it again, which are useful to remember as they are healthier options.
Smoking Cannabis to Get a High
Getting high is one of the main reasons teenagers smoke cannabis for. Here are some alternatives that give you a natural, healthy high through your body releasing certain endorphins in response to various foods or even exercise.
- Go for a run - Running and exercise causes your body to release endorphins, giving you a natural 'high' feeling. To achieve this, you must do moderate to intense exercise for 30 - 60 minutes (it is different for everybody). This is a healthier way of getting a 'buzz' and is a much better option than smoking cannabis.
- Eat certain foods - Certain foods like chocolate, bananas and chilli release endorphins that make you feel good when you eat them and a natural way of getting a high/buzz. For recipes, go to the Print Outs tab and keep the recipe cards in your kitchen.
Smoking Cannabis Because of Peer Pressure
Peer pressure is a large factor of teenage cannabis usage. Adolescents often find themselves being pressured into doing drugs like cannabis in order to be 'cool' and 'popular. Listed below are not alternatives as such, but are ways of overcoming peer pressure and therefore not getting into bad habits like smoking cannabis and doing drugs.
Below is a video of a boy talking about his experiences with peer pressure and drug usage and how he managed to overcome it by changing the people he was friends with.
- Develop assertive skills - Being assertive means standing up for your rights and what you believe is correct. By developing assertive skills, this will allow you to stand up for yourself and your health by saying no to people who are trying to pressure you into smoking cannabis. These skills are generally taught through experience so the next time somebody tries to pressure you into a decision you're not entirely comfortable with, practice saying no!
- Distance yourself from bad influences - This can mean changing your group of friends or getting to know new people which may sound scary but in the end, your health is at risk if you're constantly being pressured into making risky choices for your health like doing drugs, making a little discomfort at first, worth it.
Below is a video of a boy talking about his experiences with peer pressure and drug usage and how he managed to overcome it by changing the people he was friends with.
Smoking Cannabis to Relax
Relaxation is often a key reason why teenagers smoke cannabis. There are much healthier options out there like going to a spa, meditation, yoga or even having a bath.
- Meditation/yoga - Meditation and yoga is a good and healthy way to relax not only your mind, but also your body. Join a class or roll out your own mat at home, either way, it is a good way to relax and calm down without turning to drugs for help.
- Bath/spa - Sometimes all you need to relax is a warm bath or a trip to the spa. These options are safe, enjoyable and overall are better for you than using cannabis to relax.
- Listen to relaxing music - Listening to relaxing music will help get rid of stress and anxiety, banishing the need to use drugs like cannabis. Below is an example of the type of music to listen to.