A site for parents and teens who want to be better informed about
drug abuse and addiction as it affects young people today.
Research & News
Early Marijuana Use and Amount of Marijuana Use May Affect Cognitive Function
Posted on November 21, 2010
Many research studies are adding to the growing body of evidence suggesting that young people who use marijuana are at risk of cognitive damage. A new study shows that those who start using marijuana at an early age and those who use the greatest amount of the drug may be the most impaired when it comes to cognition.
Study Shows Teens Susceptible to Damage from Early Drug and Alcohol Use
Posted on November 16, 2010
It is not uncommon for an adolescent to view alcohol consumption as a rite of passage into adulthood. The problem is that many of these underage drinkers do not understand the damage that alcohol – and other drugs – can do to the still-developing body.
Rural Teens More Likely to Abuse Prescription Drugs Than Urban Teens
Posted on November 1, 2010
Teens who live in rural areas are more likely to abuse prescription drugs than their urban-dwelling peers, according to a new study that will be published in the Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine. About one in eight U.S. adolescents report abusing prescription opioids such as Valium or OxyContin, according to background information in the article. The authors write that those who start using prescription drugs earlier in life have a greater chance of developing drug dependency later in life.
Study Shows that Most People Lie About Drug Use, Even to Researchers
Posted on October 26, 2010
A new study shows that teens and parents often lie about their drug use, even when they know they’ll be tested for drug use or if they are told their responses are confidential. Lead author Dr. Virginia Delaney-Black, a professor of pediatrics at Children’s Hospital of Michigan, said that the findings are important for pediatricians and clinicians to understand.
Alcohol and Tobacco Might Cause Delay of Puberty in Girls
Posted on October 18, 2010
Young females who begin using alcohol and tobacco at an early age increase their risk for several adverse physical consequences. For instance, females who begin initiate alcohol use at a young age are more likely to continue to drink into adulthood and expose their bodies to alcohol for a longer period of time. Long-term alcohol and tobacco use may put individuals at a higher risk for heart disease and some cancers.
Heroin the Teen Drug of Choice in Chicago
Posted on October 13, 2010
While prescription drug addiction is steadily on the rise and teens continue to experiment with huffing and methamphetamines, heroin is growing in popularity among teens and young adults in DuPage County, according to a recent Elmhurst Patch report.
Teen Arrested for Breaking Into Prescription Center
Posted on October 4, 2010
A drug addiction will drive an individual to do desperate things to try and secure the next fix. The problem with this ongoing cycle is that without help, it can be never ending and the addict can find themselves on the wrong side of the law.
Parents in Maine Believe Kids Aren’t Drinking
Posted on September 24, 2010
Parents of high school students are in a position of authority with their children, but they may not be aware of their behavior. Despite research showing that parental involvement in students’ education about alcohol choices helps reduce dangerous drinking behaviors among teens, most parents do not have a realistic picture of the choices their child is making.
Adolescents and Violent Behaviors
Posted on September 15, 2010
Youth violence is a problem that carries many facets of consequences for adolescents and their families. There are physical, emotional, and economic problems that result from instances of adolescent violence. Efforts to reduce youth violence begin with understanding the various aspects of the problem.
Survey of Police Officers and Teachers Finds Marijuana and Alcohol Most Threatening to Students
Posted on September 13, 2010
A national Teen Substance Abuse survey shows that police officers and high school teachers believe that marijuana and alcohol are the most serious problems facing teens.
