Teens
- A Conversation with Teens About Marijuana, Say Researchers, Can Cut Usage Patterns
A simple conversation may help encourage teens to stay away from marijuana, says recent research highlighted in a Medical News Today article. Read More…
- Children Who Are Unhappy at Home and in School More Likely to Drink, Have Sex
A new study has found that children who are dissatisfied with their school or home situation are more likely to engage in sexual activity and underage drinking. Mark Bellis, professor at John Moores University in Liverpool, said that when these children start drinking alcohol at an early age, they also start engaging in sexual behavior earlier than their peers.
- Alcohol and Marijuana Use Linked to STIs Among Young People
A new study by researchers at the Yale School of Medicine has found that marijuana and alcohol use among adolescents and young adults are strongly associated with sex, which often leads to the diagnosis of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Lead author Jeanette Tetrualt, assistant professor at the Yale School of Medicine, said that the results of the study suggest that primary care doctors should screen adolescents and young adults for substance abuse.
- Indian Survey Reveals Drug Problem Around Schools
In the United States, police officers make it their job to know what drug activity is happening within their territories. This is especially true around schools and other educational institutions. It is not a perfect system, but one that is aimed at keeping kids safe from the temptation of drugs and the violence that often accompanies their presence.
- Spice: A Dangerous, Marijuana-Like Substance
In the last month, Anthony Scalzo, M.D., professor of toxicology at Saint Louis University, has seen nearly 30 cases involving teenagers who were experiencing hallucinations, severe agitation, elevated heart rate and blood pressure, vomiting and, in some cases, tremors and seizures. All of these teens had smoked a dangerous, yet legal substance known as K2 or "spice." According to Scalzo, K2, an unregulated mixture of dried herbs, is growing in popularity because it is legal, purported to give a high similar to marijuana, and believed to be natural and therefore safe.
- Communities That Care Saves Teens from Substance Abuse and Violence
The rate of drug and alcohol abuse among adolescents in the town of Camden, Maine—a town that has a teen suicide rate 50% higher than the national average due to a substance abuse crisis among adolescents—has dropped dramatically in recent years. Along with other communities across the nation, Camden’s officials have changed their approach in addressing acts of delinquency and substance abuse among adolescents.
- Combination of Genes and Environment Impact Adolescent Drinking
A new study found that adolescent alcohol use and behavior problems are influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental factors, Science Daily reports.