Celebrity flings, alleged infidelities, twitter fights and now narcotics; are One Direction on the brink of becoming a sleazy rock ‘n’ roll band? In May, One Direction hit the headlines when two members, Zayn Malik and Louis Tomlinson, were filmed allegedly smoking marijuana in the back of a car on the Latin America leg of their world tour. While possession of a small amount of marijuana is not … [Read more...]
Alcohol Abuse and College Students
Alcohol abuse is a growing problem among young adults, especially in college environments. Underage drinking and binge drinking are prevalent on college campuses and many young adults are impacted by the effects of excessive drinking, whether or not they actively engage in it. The negative consequences that arise from excessive drinking impact not only the consumers of alcohol but those around … [Read more...]
Substance Abuse at School Tied to Higher Risk of Depression
As substance abuse increases in adolescents and young adults, the places where drugs and alcohol are used could indicate more dramatic problems. According to a recent study, teens caught using drugs and alcohol at school are exhibiting signs of a cry for much needed help. Students that abuse substances in these settings are found to be at increased odds of depression, intimate partner violence … [Read more...]
Using Alcohol and Marijuana Together Increases Risk of Unsafe Driving
Marijuana and alcohol are two of the most commonly abused substances among young adults. When used together, the consequences of abuse can be more detrimental. According to a recent study published in the May issue of the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs, teens who use marijuana and alcohol together are at an increased risk to drive while under the influence. Teens that use these two … [Read more...]
Organized Sports Help Teens Avoid Risky Behaviors
A recent study published in the journal Academic Pediatrics examined the positive influence of organized sports participation on teens. Dartmouth researchers discovered that teens who participate in an activity several times a week were less likely to to try smoking or drinking, suggesting that the way adolescents spend their time directly impacts the risk factors for experimentation. Whether … [Read more...]
Powdered Alcohol May Be Arriving Soon
A new product called Palcohol received a great deal of attention last week when media outlets reported the freeze-dried alcohol in powdered form received approval from the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax Trade Bureau. More recently, a spokesman from the company released a statement that the approval was “issued in error”, but that hasn’t caused the conversation to die down. Palcohol is expected to hit … [Read more...]
Smoking Alcohol: A Dangerous New Fad
A new form of of drinking, known as “smoking alcohol”, has been gaining in popularity among young adults and adolescents. Using dry ice or homemade vaporizers, young adults are experimenting with alcohol in a new way that delivers the effects of alcohol almost instantaneously and puts many at risk to experience other potentially damaging side effects. The fad has even gone so far as to appeal to … [Read more...]
The Dangers of Mixing Energy Drinks and Stimulants
Energy drinks are popularly consumed by young adults and often mixed with alcohol to increase the effects of both substances. The combination of caffeine and alcohol produces higher concentrations of alcohol in the bloodstream, resulting in higher rates of intoxication in shorter periods of time, leading some to consume more than alcohol than others. The mixture can cause a number of side … [Read more...]
Casual Marijuana Use Changes the Brain
New research into casual marijuana use during adolescence indicates that even limited usage can cause structural changes in the brain. The study, published in The Journal of Neuroscience, examined the long-term impact of low and moderate usage of marijuana on the brain. Researchers specifically identified two regions of the brain that differ in size and shape between those who do not use … [Read more...]