Thank you for taking the time to write us about this issue. It's great that you're reaching out for help, and we're glad to be a part of that process.

It's good that you want to quit using marijuana. As you see, it can be addictive, and the risks of getting caught are certainly great. There's also the risk of using any illegal substance. Since marijuana isn't regulated or examined by any government body, there's no way to be certain of what you're getting. Drug dealers are out to make money, after all, and they can only do that by getting their customers hooked. There are many cases of drug dealers lacing marijuana with more addictive substances, which is incredibly dangerous.

There are also several studies that demonstrate that addictive behaviors in teenagers can be much more tenacious and dangerous, so taking steps to stop smoking now before your brain chemistry permanently changes is a really great choice.

So it's great that you want to put a stop to it, and there is plenty of support waiting for you. If you write us back with your city and state, we could give you referrals for Narcotics Anonymous meetings where you could get support in your struggle to quit, or other local resources. If you feel like you can't start that path on your own, then you should tell your parents or a counselor at school about what you're facing.

That might be intimidating, but opening that discussion yourself will show that you're approaching the situation seriously and with maturity, and that you're ready to change. That makes a huge difference. If you're still worried about that, you can tell the counselor and they can bring your parents in for a meeting and help you mediate that discussion with them.

And if you ever need to talk, or you want somebody to talk to your parents on your behalf at home, you can call our counselors on the Hotline. The number is 1-800-448-3000, and all calls are free. You can tell our counselors a bit more about your struggles with the drug, and then pass the phone off to your parents to talk with them, if you like.

It really is phenomenal that you're looking for help right now, and we want you to continue that. Addiction is a powerful thing, and it takes outside support to overcome it. You deserve to get past this, to get marijuana off your mind, and to find a satisfying life without the drug.