Risk Reduction Strategies for Adolescent Cannabis Use Considering COVID-19 Stressors

Abstract

The past 2 years has been a challenge as society made huge adaptations to keep people safe from COVID-19 and struggled to continue life on a day-to-day basis. Working with families, young adults, and adolescents, nurses are often faced with caring for individuals who recreationally use cannabis and believe use is harmless. Adolescents as a group tend to appraise information from a different lens than adults. In an evolving world, where cannabis is legalized for medicinal and recreational use, it is important to shift the paradigm of how we approach cannabis use in adolescents. This article will focus on COVID-19's impact on cannabis use in adolescents and apply the transtheoretical model of change to promote safer choices while supporting adolescent autonomy. In addition, we will incorporate behavioral health strategies to reduce risks of cannabis use by equipping adolescents with guidelines, boundaries, and tools.

Which factors are associated with cannabis use among adolescents in Andalusia? An application of the I‐Change model

“…This characteristic would facilitate the success and adherence of cannabis prevention interventions. Despite the advantages of nursing leadership in cannabis prevention, there are very few studies on the nursing implications of cannabis prevention in adolescents (Halladay et al, 2020; Mayfield & Fogger, 2022).…”

“…Despite the advantages of nursing leadership in cannabis prevention, there are very few studies on the nursing implications of cannabis prevention in adolescents (Halladay et al, 2020;Mayfield & Fogger, 2022).…”

“…Regarding to the implications of nurse practice, international studies show that nurses can play an important role on cannabis use prevention in some countries (Mayfield & Fogger, 2022; Merianos et al, 2017). Yet, this varies per country and how prevention is organized in the countries.…”

“…They are trained to value people as biopsychosocial beings. This professional competence is highly related with the success of a behavior change (Mayfield & Fogger, 2022). Nurses have good competences about health promotion, they are trained in emotional intelligence and social skills, and they have access to schools and adolescents.…”

Increased adolescent game usage and health-related risk behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic

“…The effects of the pandemic are occurring at a crucial stage in adolescents’ physical, cognitive, and mental development (Trucco et al, 2022 ). Moreover, adolescent health-related risk behaviors have become apparent as they became unable to use public spaces and engage in physical activity or social interactions due to COVID-19 lockdowns (Mayfield & Fogger, 2022 ; Roche et al, 2020 ; Waselewski et al, 2020 ). As COVID-19-induced social isolation led to a more sedentary lifestyle, teenagers turned to online environments for social interaction, such as online gaming.…”