The image of NBA superstar LeBron James has always seemed a little “too perfect” - perhaps crafted by the handlers who have a stake in his massive marketing empire.   So it was fascinating to see him to admit to being a “pot smoking jerk” in high school in the pages of his new autobiography, Shooting Stars.

James’ admission is refreshing, and seems to confirm claims that most of the basketball players in the NBA have used marijuana sporadically (or regularly) and various points during their lives.  The concern is the potential message it sends to young athletes.   “Hey, I can smoke some weed now and STILL end up like LeBron James!”

It is important that LeBron James follow up this honest moment with some advice for his millions of young admirers about the dangers of marijuana addiction.   Sure, it is not heroin or crystal meth, but the lack of motivation that chronic THC use produces can hamper a young person’s future at a time when they are at an emotional and personal crossroads.

For now, LeBron will continue being LeBron - prepping to attempt a run at the 2010 NBA title and rolling up for another million dollar endorsement.   Let’s hope that young kids who smoke pot have every opportunity to do the same.

If you need marijuana addiction treatment help, contact a drug rehab center in your area.  The caring professionals at these facilities can help you overcome the physical and psychological addiction to drugs - and pave the way for a bright future.

It is easy to judge the parents of children who are using drugs - but the reality is that even the most attentive, well-meaning parents may be unaware of the child’s marijuana use unless they know what to look for.

The follow is a list of hallmark signs and symptoms of teen marijuana use - that taken together acts as a watch list for vigilant parents who want to address their child’s marijuana use or marijuana addiction before it opens the door to even more serious problems.

Parental Watch List for Teen Marijuana Use

• Hanging out with a new group of friends (who may unfamiliar to the family)
• Sudden drop in grades or poor attendance at school
• Use of perfume or room deodorant to hide smell of marijuana smoke in their room
• Secretive behavior
• Finding drug paraphernalia such as pipes or rolling papers
• Borrowing money
• Using eye drops to mask bloodshot eyes
• Uses mouthwash or gum more than normal to cover up breath

As a parent, the most important tool at your command is common sense.  You know your child.   As such, you know when everything is OK and when that child may need help in the form of a drug treatment center.

Unless you’ve been living at the bottom of the pool for the past several weeks, you’ve probably heard that all-time Olympic record holder Michael Phelps was caught (via photo) smoking pot at a party.

The picture circulated around the web and was quickly picked up by a mainstream media that quickly vilified Phelps who, up to this point, was considered a squeaky-clean pitchman on Madison Avenue.

So where does this leave the swimmer?  How harshly should he be punished by society, and perhaps, the law?

Let’s take a look at the two sides to this story.

“Throw the book at him”

There are plenty of good reasons to act swiftly and severely against Phelps.  He is a hero and a role model to millions of young people.  If his pot smoking goes unpunished, the kids will begin to believe that smoking pot has no impact on one’s performance.  After all, if Phelps could be a pot head and win all those gold medals, then what’s the harm?

By bringing charges against Phelps it would provide a strong cautionary tale - and likely require Phelps to perform a great deal of community service.  This would include PSAs and public appearance where he could spread the word that marijuana is a harmful drug and can lead to much worse, including drug addiction.

“Give him a break”

There’s also a great deal of support for the contrary position.  We have reached a point in this country where marijuana abuse is seen as a fairly harmless activity.  Many advocates of legalizing the drug are calling upon the government to leave Phelps alone, saying that if he wants to engage in social pot smoking he should well be entitiled to do so.  Even members of law enforcement are saying that arresting Phelps for the photo is not the right call.

No matter which side of the argument you’re on, the fact remains that Phelps’ legacy is damaged forever.  This will never undermine his athletic achievements, of course, but as a public figure, that single grainy image of Phelps with mouth-to-bong has changed how we will view him for many years.

Whatever happens in the coming weeks and months, we must take this opportunity to talk to our children about drug use.  Marijuana is a gateway drug that can lead to heroin addiction, alcohol abuse or a number of other more serious issues that may require addiction treatment.

HBO Documentary explores the penalties for international drug trafficking

Ganja Q

ueen, the harrowing new documentary from HBO Films, is the true story of Schappelle Corby, an Australian woman jailed in Indonesia for allegedly attempting to smuggle marijuana out of the country. The movie is groundbreaking in that it manages to smuggle cameras into the Indonesia prison where the woman is being held, and depicts the horrifying conditions the prisoners live with while incarcerated.

Although questions regarding Schapelle’s guilt or innocence are the backbone of the film, it also offers a cautionary tale for drug users and would-be drug smugglers thinking about trafficking abroad. Many international governments, especially those in the third world, don’t play around when it comes to cocaine, heroin and marijuana, and those Westerners who think that their country will protect them when arrested for a drug violation are often sadly mistaken.

Ganja Queen represents a story similar to that of Midnight Express with a message that is just as powerful now as it was then.

Ganja Queen premieres on HBO on June 30 at 9pm.

For residential drug treatment that helps treat the mind, body and spirit, visit Michael’s House today.