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...]
Occasional Drug Use in College-Aged Youth Show Brain Differences
Drug use in young adults has grown exponentially in recent years. While substance abuse continues to rise, drug use in those who classify themselves as occasional users of stimulants, such as cocaine, and certain prescription drugs, has proven to produce effects on the brain that may lead to deepening addiction later in life. The study published in the March 26 issue of the Journal of … [Read more...]
Symptoms of drug use – is your child using drugs?
Drug & Alcohol Use - Telltale Signs Today Sober College launched its Telltale signs of drug use tool. Simply provide some information about relevant symptoms demonstrated by your child and the tool will assess whether they are likely using drugs or alcohol. This blog post contains a more detailed breakdown of symptoms associated with alcohol and some of the main recreational drug … [Read more...]
Marijuana vs Synthetic Marijuana
Marijuana is one of the most frequently abused substances among young adults. Many believe that marijuana's side effects are not harmful and that the substance is not addictive nor dangerous. This misconception has led many young adults to experiment without considering the consequences of their actions. Marijuana is abused through a number of methods including smoking a hand-rolled … [Read more...]
The Known & Unknown Dangers of E-Cigarettes
E-cigarettes have been manufactured and marketed as alternative to cigarette smoking, providing a similar experience without the harmful chemicals. While the introduction of the e-cigarette has caused a decline in cigarette sales and usage, e-cigarette usage has doubled in adolescents. Concern has developed around these statistics as many view e-cigarettes as a harmless alternative; however, a … [Read more...]
Factors of Teen Mental Illness
There are a variety of factors that can influence the development of mental health disorders. In exploring what promotes the development of psychiatric symptoms, European researchers have found that high media use, low physical activity and reduced sleep can influence the development of depression and other mental health disorders in adolescents. Adolescents that fall into this group make up an … [Read more...]
Psychology of Smoking: Why Women Experience Greater Difficulty in Quitting
Quitting smoking can be a difficult feat for anyone to overcome. In more recent years, researchers have begun to explore the psychology of smoking focusing, in particular, on the differences in men and women. Dr. Sherry McKee, a researcher exploring gender differences in smoking, has found women typically experience greater difficulty in quitting smoking due to a number of factors. Dr. McKee … [Read more...]
The Risks with Mixing Energy Drinks & Alcohol
Mixing energy drinks and alcohol has gained in popularity, but recent studies show that the mixture can cause more harm than drinking alcohol alone. The study, published in the current issue of Journal of Adolescent Health, revealed that college students who mixed energy drinks and alcohol tended to drink more heavily and become more intoxicated. The mixture increases the likelihood of … [Read more...]