During a HEADSS exam, a patient reveals using marijuana weekly and heavy alcohol use. What is the most accurate information to provide her?

Choosing to provide information about marijuana's potential to cause dependence and withdrawal is particularly relevant in the context of a HEADSS exam, which focuses on various areas of an adolescent's life, including substance use. This option directly addresses the risks associated with regular use of marijuana, especially when combined with heavy alcohol consumption. Educating patients about the potential for developing a dependence can help them understand the seriousness of their substance use and its impact on their mental and physical health.

Marijuana can lead to problematic use patterns, and understanding the possibility of withdrawal symptoms can be crucial for someone who uses it on a weekly basis. By framing the discussion around dependence, it opens the door for further conversation about the effects of their usage patterns and supports informed decision-making regarding their health.

Other options, such as the perception that marijuana use improves focus, may not be accurate and can contribute to misinformation. The teratogenicity of marijuana, while important, is specifically relevant to pregnancy and may not directly address the immediate concerns of the patient in this case. The mention of lower concentrations of tetrahydrocannabinol also shifts focus away from the potential risks of dependence and withdrawal, which are more critical for someone who reports regular use. Thus, the choice to discuss dependence and withdrawal is