How to help your friends when weed seems like the only way to cope.
![We Are](https://www.youthnow.me/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/text_who-needs-help.png)
Stress shows up for everyone.
Stress can look like:
![](https://www.youthnow.me/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/arrow-red.png)
Acting differently than they normally do
![](https://www.youthnow.me/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/arrow-red.png)
Overly emotional/unstable emotions
![](https://www.youthnow.me/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/arrow-red.png)
Drama/ intensity
![](https://www.youthnow.me/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/arrow-red.png)
Loud/controlling
![](https://www.youthnow.me/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/arrow-red.png)
Clingy/needy
![](https://www.youthnow.me/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/arrow-red.png)
Too quiet/shut down, very sleepy
![](https://www.youthnow.me/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/arrow-red.png)
Frustrated
![](https://www.youthnow.me/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/arrow-red.png)
Anxious
![Stress Brain](https://www.youthnow.me/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/icon-stress.png)
People sometimes turn to drugs to cope.
![How can I help?](https://www.youthnow.me/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/text-help.png)
You Can:
![](https://www.youthnow.me/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/arrow-red.png)
Sit with them at lunch
![](https://www.youthnow.me/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/arrow-yellow.png)
Say hi
![](https://www.youthnow.me/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/arrow-teal.png)
Let them know you’re there for them
![](https://www.youthnow.me/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/arrow-green.png)
Smile!
![](https://www.youthnow.me/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/arrow-red.png)
Comfort them
There are
lots of ways to cope with
STRESS.
Weed doesn’t have to
be your way.
![What to Say](https://www.youthnow.me/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/text-what-to-say.png)
(Start by asking and LISTENING.)
![](https://www.youthnow.me/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/arrow-red.png)
Is there something going on?
![](https://www.youthnow.me/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/arrow-red.png)
I notice you’ve been different.
![](https://www.youthnow.me/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/arrow-red.png)
Are you ok?
![](https://www.youthnow.me/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/arrow-red.png)
Is there something wrong?
![](https://www.youthnow.me/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/arrow-red.png)
I noticed a big change in how you’re acting.
Put yourself in their shoes.
![What You Can Do](https://www.youthnow.me/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/text-what-you-can-do.png)
![Brain Break](https://www.youthnow.me/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/friend2friend-games.png)
Take a brain break together
Video games, sports, or other sober activities can help mellow you out and make you feel good.
![Be There](https://www.youthnow.me/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/friend2friend-bethere.png)
Be there for them
We all need our people.
![Get Active](https://www.youthnow.me/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/friend2friend-sports.png)
Do something active
Go outside, play sports, go for a walk, get endorphins!
![Find the Funny](https://www.youthnow.me/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/emoji-silly.png)
Find the funny
Laughter kills stress, Be goofy, be weird, whatever lightens them up.
![Be Brave](https://www.youthnow.me/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/friend2friend-bebrave.png)
Know when to tell an adult to make sure you both stay safe.
Take Care of Yourself!
Seeing a friend struggle is hard, make sure you get support too.
Remember, you can’t make their decisions for them
Respect their boundaries, and yours too
Remember you can’t change other people
![Who Can Help?](https://www.youthnow.me/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/friend2friend-help.png)
School Counselor • Teacher • Coach • Siblings • Relative (yours or theirs)
Teen Link:
1-866-Teenlink
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360-397-2428
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