A note from Dr. Lynn Fox, Drug Awareness Program Chair

Dear Elk Members and Families,

November is the beginning of the holiday season, which means family activities and celebration. But for many, the holidays are the most difficult time of the year because one or more family members are addicted to alcohol, marijuana, opioids or other drugs. Too often the celebration becomes a disappointment when a family member shows up “under the influence,” and a joyful dinner ends in pain and emotional turmoil.

I hope the AALM resources shared this month help you understand important information about marijuana use. The links below offer help and research you can use now.

I would also like to thank the DAP Core Team members, who help our Lodge share drug awareness and prevention information and resources with the community.

Speak Up
Talk to your friends, your kids, their friends and elected officials. Correct the false information that is harming our kids, communities and society.

Current Facts About Marijuana Harm (from AALM)

  • Addiction: 1 in 6 kids who try marijuana will become addicted, and 50% of daily adolescent users will too. Source
  • Dropping out: Teens under 17 who use marijuana daily are 60% less likely to graduate from high school. Source
  • Moving on to other drugs: Teen users are 8 times more likely to use other illicit drugs later in life. Source
  • Psychosis: Users have twice the risk of a psychotic break, and daily users have 4 times the risk. Source
  • Schizophrenia: Users are 6 times as likely to develop schizophrenia. Source
  • Suicide: Teen users are 7 times more likely to attempt suicide than non-using peers. Source
  • Addiction starts young: 90% of adults with addiction started using something (marijuana, alcohol, nicotine) before age 18. Source

Prevention Begins Before Birth and Lasts a Lifetime
Understanding protective factors, and how to build strong, healthy youth and families, can help prevent adverse childhood experiences and early substance use. Watch and share this 3-minute video from the Drug Free America Foundation:

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Support for Families
Mar-Anon is for friends and families whose lives are affected by a loved one’s marijuana use.

Questions? Contact Dr. Lynn Fox, DAP Chair, at FoxLynn@me.com
More resources: Elks1108.org/DAP · Elks.org/DAP

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