4/20: Time to celebrate drug-free

VISTA COMMUNITY CLINIC

| Saturday, April 12, 2008 7:20 PM PDT ∞

Since 2004, the North Coastal Prevention Coalition has been countering the "unofficial" marijuana smoking holiday of April 20, commonly referred to as "4/20," by partnering with local high schools to promote healthy alternative activities.

This year, coalition members decided they didn't want to "counter" a marijuana smoking holiday ---- they were going to create a new holiday! April 20 doesn't have to be associated with pot smoking or have to be any kind of an "unofficial" anything. Instead, local educators, law enforcement officers and health advocates are planning an "official" celebration of their own, and encourage you to join them.

In partnership with the City of Oceanside and other notable sponsors, the North Coastal Prevention Coalition is hosting the annual 2008 "420 Remix: A Celebration of Sober and Drug Free Life Choices" event from 2 to 6 p.m. April 20 at the Oceanside Beach Band shell. Teens and their parents are encouraged to spend the afternoon cheering on bands in a "Battle of the Bands" contest, climbing a rock wall, and visiting educational booths ---- all free!

In preparation, April 20 was declared "Sober and Drug Free Life Choices Day" throughout the county by the San Diego County Board of Supervisors recently. This resolution was co-sponsored by supervisors Bill Horn and Pam Slater-Price. The White House Office of National Drug Control Policy also supports this effort toward a national movement for communities to celebrate sober lifestyle choices.

The reasons are clear: Marijuana, trivialized by many as a harmless substance, is the most widely used illicit drug among youth in San Diego County. Nearly 70 percent of youth admitted to treatment programs in San Diego report marijuana as their drug of choice, and nearly 75 percent report they began using marijuana before they were 15 (San Diego CalOMS). More teens smoke marijuana than cigarettes, with more than 15 percent of high school juniors reporting use in the past 30 days (CA Healthy Kids Survey, 2007).

Using marijuana may lead to loss of interest in school, work, relationships and other activities. More San Diego County youth are in drug treatment for marijuana use than any other drug. Using marijuana can be especially dangerous while driving.

The American Academy of Family Physicians reports that because marijuana is a lot stronger now than it used to be, people are also more likely to abuse it and become dependent on it than they were in the past.

Common side effects of using marijuana include: memory loss, impaired coordination, sleepiness, anxiety, paranoia, altered time perception, tremors, nausea, headache, breathing problems, increased appetite, reduced blood flow to the brain, and changes in the reproductive organs.

Like tobacco, marijuana contains many chemicals that can harm the lungs and cause cancer. The amount of tar inhaled by marijuana smokers and the level of carbon monoxide absorbed are three to five times greater than among tobacco smokers.

So this April 20, let's "clear the air" of the myths surrounding marijuana use and join in the Celebration of Sober and Drug Free Life Choices. Let's make the day our healthy holiday.

Victoria Carlborg is the media/prevention specialist with the Tri-City Prevention Collaborative and Vista Community Clinic. Contact her at (760) 407-1220, Ext. 143 or at victoria@vistacommunityclinic.org.

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