Expectant (pregnant mothers)

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Although Saint Lucia does not yet have local research on the effects of cannabis use among youth, global studies from countries where cannabis has been legalized show similar concerning trends.

We are observing patterns that mirror these global findings: declining academic performance, a growing preference among some youth to spend time “on the block” rather than engaging in work, increased aggression on the roads, heightened anger, and cases of psychosis emerging in young people.

  Some young people may experience acute psychosis after using cannabis, and these symptoms can return if they resume use following recovery. 

 Regular cannabis use has also been linked to a higher risk of suicide attempts, depression, anxiety, and gastrointestinal issues. 

In addition, heavy use can negatively impact attention, working memory, judgment, academic performance, and emotional regulation, making it harder for youth to function well in school and daily life.

https://www.dea.gov/sites/default/files/2020-06/Marijuana-Cannabis-2020_0.pdf

It’s important to begin this conversation as soon as your child is first exposed to cannabis—whether they see it on television, encounter it on social media, notice a strange smell, observe someone smoking, or come across a video online.

 Because we can’t always know what our children are exposed to, it’s best to start these discussions as early as primary school.  At that age, ask your child what they know about cannabis—what it is, why people use it, how they access it, and why it may be harmful for young people. Fill in the gaps in their knowledge with appropriate information.

Effect of Cannabis on the adolescent brain

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bgxbl8S262I

Steps to Guide the Conversation

1. Watch the video above  independently, then watch it again together with your child.
2. Ask your child about their goals and the kind of life they want for themselves.
3. Discuss whether they think using cannabis supports those goals or could get in the way.
4. Explore  their thoughts about the video: 
   • Did they notice any signs in friends or classmates who smoke?
   • How do they think someone might approach them to try cannabis?
   • What would they say if that happened?

Tips for a Meaningful Conversation

• Use a non‑judgmental approach to help your child feel safe expressing      what’s on their mind.
• Expect some embarrassment—they may laugh, avoid eye contact, or hesitate to speak.
• Reassure them that if they aren’t ready to talk now, you will revisit the      conversation at another time.

Children are often exposed to cannabis in everyday life, and the information they receive from peers, social media, or the community may be inaccurate. By building a trusting relationship where your child feels comfortable asking questions, you can ensure they receive correct, reliable information and are better equipped to make healthy decisions.

Of course, this means that you need to educate yourself on cannabis, based on scientific studies and observing its effects on most persons around you.

If you observe changes such as declining grades, the smell of marijuana on your child’s clothing, increased withdrawal, or significant irritability, these may be signs of various challenges—including possible cannabis use.

Talk with your child to understand their willingness and ability to stop using cannabis. If they are unable to stop on their own or refuse to do so, it’s important to take them to a doctor who can assess for underlying mental health concerns and provide the appropriate referrals.

Alcohol is deeply woven into daily life across our society—rum shops are common, and it’s not unusual to see individuals in distressing states lining up for more drinks. In many communities, people stagger home, shout inside their houses, and families—especially partners and children—often bear the brunt of alcohol‑related harm.

Despite these realities, alcohol is still a substance friends often encourage each other to use, sometimes even mocking those who choose not to drink.

Men, women, and young people frequently gather in rum shops after school or work, particularly on Friday evenings. Many individuals who are unemployed spend whatever money they receive on alcohol instead of food, repeating this cycle daily.

Social events also reveal the effects of alcohol misuse—people drinking heavily, smoking, laughing, arguing, or vomiting. Both drivers and pedestrians face life‑threatening risks, while families must cope with the anger, aggression, and emotional fallout that follow, even when the drinker remembers little of what happened. The bills remain, life continues—but now with added stress and strain.

Some people turn to alcohol or smoking because they feel sad, bored, or directionless, gradually reducing their quality of life, health, and productivity.

Children are sometimes involved in selling alcohol, and many adults enter the alcohol business simply because it is profitable, often overlooking the broader harm these practices inflict on society—harm that eventually affects everyone in some way.

Alcohol can significantly harm the developing brain—beginning as early as pregnancy. When a mother consumes alcohol during pregnancy, the growing fetus may suffer lasting effects, including intellectual disabilities and behavioural challenges

The areas of the brain responsible for learning, memory, judgment, planning, and self‑control are especially vulnerable. Because the brain continues to develop throughout adolescence, alcohol use during the teenage years can interfere with healthy growth and functioning.

How This Affects Children and Teens

The impact of alcohol on the developing brain can show up in various ways, including:

• Motor‑vehicle accidents
• Aggressive behaviour
• Depression
• Poor school performance
• Poor work performance
• Higher likelihood of unemployment in adulthood

 
https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/alcohol-and-adolescent-brain 

Many more people struggle to quit alcohol than those who are able to simply stop on their own. This is because alcohol activates the brain’s reward system, releasing dopamine and creating a pleasurable sensation. Over time, the brain adapts, leading the person to need increasing amounts to feel the same effect. Alcohol also affects areas of the brain responsible for judgment and decision‑making, making it even harder to stop.

It is far easier to avoid starting than to struggle with quitting after harmful patterns have developed. Still, children need accurate information early on so they can make informed choices and understand the consequences before they are faced with the decision to try it.

It is easier not to indulge, than to have the pains of trying to stop after many mistakes have already been made along the way. However, children need to be given the information to make better decisions and understand the consequences before they decide to start.

See this video to understand addiction:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZ5LH634W8s&t=75s

• Drinking heavily or getting drunk in front of your child can normalize this behaviour. Many individuals with alcohol use disorder grew up in homes      where alcohol was frequently used.
• Telling your child it’s acceptable to drink or allowing them to “have a little”  sends the message that alcohol use is harmless.
• Speaking excitedly about alcohol around your child—for example, when chatting  with friends—can make drinking seem appealing or desirable.
• Mocking others for being unable to “hold their liquor” encourages the idea      that drinking large amounts is admirable. In reality, people who can consume large quantities without appearing drunk are at higher risk for serious physical and mental health effects because they expose their      bodies to more alcohol.

• Begin conversations about alcohol as soon as your child is exposed to it in any form—whether they see an intoxicated person, pass by a bar, or notice it in a TV show.
• Ask them what they think about alcohol and what they believe the consequences of drinking might be. Encourage them to share their observations and questions openly.
• You can also watch educational videos together about the negative effects of alcohol use in teenagers and discuss what they learned.
• Finally, talk through what they can do if friends encourage them to drink, and help them plan how to respond in those situations.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LUoX4Z9EfGY&t=28s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tpiipCCFUPk&t=29s