The marijuana many parents remember is not the marijuana their teenagers are using today.

John Lieberman, CEO of Visions Adolescent Treatment in Malibu, joins Pam Feinberg-Rivkin for an honest conversation about how dramatically teen marijuana use has changed. With higher-potency THC, vape pens, concentrates, gummies, and products that can be used without the familiar smell, substance use can be much harder for parents to recognize. John explains the behavioral and emotional changes families may see, including anxiety, paranoia, isolation, and in some cases THC-induced psychosis, while challenging the assumption that cannabis is harmless simply because it has become more accepted.

The conversation also looks at the pressures surrounding adolescents beyond substance use. Social media, cyberbullying, loneliness, academic expectations, and constant comparison can leave young people increasingly vulnerable. John and Pam explore warning signs, treatment decisions, and why looking at how a teenager is functioning at home, at school, with friends, and within the family can reveal more than focusing on one symptom alone.

For parents, treatment can bring its own grief, fear, and shame, but John emphasizes that healing is possible when the entire family participates in change. A struggling child can become the catalyst that helps generations of a family begin doing things differently.

Looking for a practical takeaway from this conversation?
Download our complimentary companion resource, Looking Beyond the Behavior, designed to help parents and caregivers shift from asking "What's wrong with my child?" to "What might my child be communicating?" The guide explores how looking at children's emotional, behavioral, and physical health through a holistic lens can open the door to greater understanding, connection, and support.

Contact Pam Feinberg-Rivkin:
Facebook: @FeinbergCare
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LinkedIn: Feinberg Consulting Inc
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