The first study was from Beckman Institute at the University of Illinois. Dr. Justin Rhodes and his colleagues found that adolescent mice were less sensitive to the effects of cocaine and methamphetamine than adults. The adults showed more increases in locomotion, but the drugs had little to no effect on the "teenagers." Dr. Rhodes was unsure why this occurred.

Dr. Rhodes said that a young person’s first experiment with cocaine and methamphetamines may be extremely mild, which in turn would increase the likelihood of his or her using drugs again.

"If you have a strong reaction to something, then you are less likely to do it again," Dr. Rhodes said.

This study appears in the journal Neuroscience.

The second study was from the University of Valencia. Dr. Jose Minarro found that mice given ecstasy and cocaine during adolescence developed a vulnerability to them in adulthood. The control group of mice that had not been exposed to drugs in adolescence had less vulnerability.

"Adolescence is a critical stage during which time drug consumption affects plastic cerebral processes in ways that cause changes that persist right through adulthood," according to Dr. Minarro in a report published in the journal Addiction Biology.

Previous research has found that marijuana users have trouble changing behavioral responses in the context of certain situations, which is known as cognitive flexibility. The current study, led by Staci Gruber, PhD, at McLean Hospital and Harvard Medical School, looked at participants’ performance on a test of cognitive flexibility called the Wisconsin Card Sorting Task.

Participants were shown four cards that differ in color, symbol, and value. Based on the rules they pick up on from displayed cards, they had to sort a deck of cards. They weren’t told what the rules are; instead they were told whether their sorting was correct or incorrect. The rules were changed without warning during the test, and the participants had to respond accordingly. The way in which they responded is a strong indicator of cognitive flexibility.

The study also found that regular marijuana users made repeated errors, even after being told they were answering incorrectly. Heavy users also had more trouble maintaining a set of rules, which suggests that they had trouble focusing on the task. Those who started using marijuana before age 16 and those who used the most marijuana were the most impaired.

Gruber said that the study adds to the growing evidence that marijuana directly affects cognitive function, and that both the age at which a person starts using marijuana and the amount of marijuana used can significantly affect cognition. With the prevalence of marijuana, the study highlights the importance of curbing marijuana use, especially among adolescents.

Source: Science Daily, Human Study Shows Greater Cognitive Deficits in Marijuana Users Who Start Young, November 17, 2010

The full facts and figures on American teens substance use is startling. According to trends from 2008 data, an average of 508,329 adolescents aged 12–17 consumed alcohol on any given day. For the complete year, an estimated 8 million teens drank alcohol. On any given day, an average of 1,021,853 adolescents aged 12–17 smoked cigarettes—and a total of 4 million tobacco-consuming teens for that year. On any given day, an average of 563,182 teens used marijuana, 36,572 used inhalants, 24,737 used hallucinogens, 16,622 used cocaine, and 2,866 used heroin. A total of 5 million adolescents aged 12–17 are believed to have used an illicit substance for that year.

The SAMHSA report states that almost one-third of American teenagers consumed alcohol, one-fifth used an illicit substance, and one-sixth smoked cigarettes during 2008. Although adolescent alcohol, tobacco, and illicit drug use has seen a decline since 2004, the number of adolescent admissions to substance abuse treatment facilities and the number of adolescent emergency department admissions have remained relatively the same for the past four years.

These steady numbers of treatment services amid a decline in illicit substance use is due to the rise in legal drug misuse and abuse—such as opioid prescription drugs—among this age group. While the preferred types of drugs used by teenagers may have shifted, adolescent drug abuse still remains a prominent national health concern. SAMHSA hopes that the report’s comprehensive statistics will make families, educators, and public service professionals more cognizant of the extent of current adolescent risk behaviors and how best to coordinate preventative strategies for the growing generation.

From the report, parents can understand just exactly how many teenagers are engaging in risky behavior regarding substance abuse. In addition, the report also indicates the number of adolescents who will use an illicit substance for the first time. On any given day during 2008, an average of 7,540 adolescents consumed alcohol for the first time, 3,845 smoked cigarettes for the first time, 2,466 abused a prescription drug for the first time, and 4,365 used any illicit substance for the first time. Overall, 10.2% of teenagers aged 12–17 drank alcohol for the first time in 2008, and 6.0% used an illicit substance for the first time.

To combat these averages and help lower risk, more prevention and treatment programs for adolescents should be implemented or existing programs and resources should be improved. In 2008, the report estimates that 141,683 adolescents were admitted to substance abuse treatment programs. In an average day of 2008, 76,484 teenagers aged 12–17 received outpatient treatment, 9,219 received non-hospital residential treatment, and 762 received hospital inpatient treatment. The majority of adolescent treatment facility admissions were referred by the criminal justice system. The most commonly treated substance of abuse among adolescents was marijuana (with an average of 263 admissions per day) and alcohol (with an average of 76 admissions per day).

Most jarringly, the report estimates that almost 25 million admissions to emergency departments were adolescents aged 12–17 that year, with 169,600 visits pertaining to drug-related emergencies. Alcohol remained the most common substance related to adolescent emergencies, followed by marijuana and prescription drugs. Unintentional injury remains the leading cause of death among American teenagers—including misuse or abuse of licit and illicit substances. Most disturbing about the rate of American teenage deaths is that the overwhelming majority of them are considered preventable. Drug overdose has never been higher before in the U.S. than it is today. Regarding the entire U.S. population, 26,400 accidental overdose deaths took place in 2006. This figure, which is more than five-fold the overdose death rate of 1990, is primarily due to the surge in prescription drug abuse among the American population.

For the younger age groups in the U.S., accidental overdose has become the second leading cause of unintentional death, following motor vehicle fatalities. Substance abuse among adolescents is not only a common fatal risk behavior, but it costs the nation billions of dollars every year in direct and indirect costs—with the financial burden falling on American families of all socioeconomic backgrounds.

The number of teens in grades 9-12 who used alcohol in the past month is up to nearly 40 percent, past-year Ecstasy has increased a drastic 67 percent, and teen marijuana use in the past year has also spiked roughly 20 percent.

Underlying these increases are negative shifts in teen attitudes about the acceptability of drug use and drinking. Now 75 percent of teens agree that their “friends usually get high at parties.”

Abuse of prescription and over-the-counter drugs has remained steady with 1 in 5 teens in grades 9-12 reporting abusing these drugs at least once. More than half (56%) of all teens believe prescription drugs are easier to get than illegal drugs.

The PATS study also shows a corresponding drop in parental involvement and action with only 47 percent of parents of teens who use “wanting” to take action or not taking action at all.

Partnership for a Drug-Free NC’s C.E.O., Bert Wood, responded by saying, “We know use increases when the perceived risk decreases. Some may reason an increase after a 12-year decline is merely a pendulum swing, but we think it is unacceptable. The statistics are alarming and the charge to ‘step up’ prevention efforts is now even greater. Clearly families, faith communities, education professionals, law enforcement, and media groups must do even more.”

For the full findings of the 2009 Parents Attitude Tracking Study, visit drugfreenc.org.

Action Committee Against Narcotics Chairman Professor Daniel Shek said there were 8,916 drug users reported in the first six months of the year, 1.7% more than the same period last year. The number of drug users under 21 years old rose from 2,106 to 2,175. Shek said he is particularly concerned about drug users aged 12 to 15, the number of which has grown 25% from 204 to 256.

The number of newly reported female abusers under 21 increased 19.3% from 409 to 488. There were 47 drug users under 21 found in schools during the first half of the year, exceeding the 46 found for all of last year.

Shek said more young people have been identified because the popular drug ketamine is cheap and more users are willing to turn themselves in. He said there are more female users as it is easy for them to get free drugs, and some have the misconception that they can lose weight by taking amphetamines.

Committee members endorsed the trial scheme on school drug testing in Tai Po at their quarterly meeting today. It was agreed that a consultant will be hired to study the trial, due to start in December. The consultant will suggest long-term anti-drug strategies. A report is expected by August 2010.

Commissioner for Narcotics Sally Wong said the government is looking to increase sites for community drug rehabilitation. Non-governmental organizations will also soon be invited to express interest in providing the service.

1. “It helps me feel the music.” – You’ll hear this one from ravers, club-goers, adolescents and young adults who claim that doing drugs is the only way to truly appreciate the music at these locations. Another danger is that you may be feeling the music when someone slips a date rape drug into your drink, which will mean you’ll be subject to unwanted sexual advances that you’ll be powerless to resist and won’t even remember afterward.

2. “I dance better when I’m on drugs.” – Actually, the more drugs you consume, the less coordinated your body becomes, to the point of total lack of coordination and/or control. Certain drugs when consumed elevate your body temperature to the point of hyperthermia – dehydration, excessive loss of body water. You can go into convulsions, have a seizure, or fall into a coma.

3. “I know what I’m doing.” – Classic lame excuse, usually spoken by someone who feels they’re in control – when they’re clearly not, especially under the influence of powerful street drugs that impair judgment. No one really ever buys this lame excuse, so don’t even try to use it. If you really know what you’re doing, you won’t do drugs in the first place.

4. “It mellows me out.” – To a point and for a while, maybe, but drugs consumed are very often accompanied by other drugs (laced with other drugs, taken in conjunction with other drugs, etc.) and/or alcohol. Pretty soon, the user is far beyond mellow and into a whole new sphere of behavior, none of which is acceptable or healthy.

5. “What’s the big deal? I can handle it.” – The big deal is that you never know what’s actually in that ecstasy tablet you swallow, that dose of LSD you just popped, the PCP you just accepted, or any other drug you take. Every person’s body is also different in the way it can or cannot tolerate a drug without side effects or negative consequences, ranging from mild to life threatening.

6. “I’ve done this lots of times.” – That doesn’t make it right and it doesn’t make it okay for your body. You also become overconfident in your body’s ability to tolerate the drug, and you may be tempted to believe you can do more drugs and more often. Unfortunately, you never know if this may be the time that you overdose or do some serious and irreparable harm to your body and/or your mind.

7. “I won’t get into trouble.” – Who convinced you of this lame excuse — your friends that handed you the drugs, the dealer the you bought them from, someone else you know? The trouble you can get into can ruin your life, your health, your reputation and relationships. It can also land you in jail. If you use street drugs, they’re illegal. If you use prescription drugs for nonmedical uses, you’re similarly asking for trouble. And trouble will find you.

8. “Everyone’s doing it.” – Don’t be a sheep, going along with the herd. Just because others are doing bad things is a big blaring sign that you should walk the other way. Maybe you’re in the wrong circle of friends. Real friends don’t encourage you to do something so blatantly harmful. Stand up for yourself and steer clear of drugs.

9. “I’m not driving.” – Hallelujah – at least that’s one plus. But doing those drugs you’re contemplating can just as easily make you feel overconfident of your abilities. While you’re under the influence of drugs, you’re not thinking clearly, and you may snatch the keys and take off – with disastrous consequences for you, your passengers and others on the road and walkways.

10. “I don’t have school tomorrow.” – As if this is a legitimate reason to party hearty and do drugs. Don’t think anyone will fall for it. The fact that you entertain the thought that because you may be able to sleep in makes it okay to do drugs is just another sign that your mental processes are skewed. If a friend hears you say this, or if you say it to a friend, someone should have a clear enough head to turn down any drugs offered – this time and every time.