Use of marijuana in combination with alcohol by drivers is especially dangerous, according to a new study. Drivers who used alcohol, marijuana, or both were significantly more likely to be responsible for causing fatal two-vehicle crashes compared to drivers who were involved in the same crashes but used neither of the substances. Read more
E-cigarettes potentially as harmful as tobacco cigarettes, study shows
New research found that e-cigarettes loaded with a nicotine-based liquid are potentially as harmful as unfiltered cigarettes when it comes to causing DNA damage. The researchers also found that vapor from non-nicotine e-cigarettes caused as much DNA damage as filtered cigarettes, possibly due to the many chemical additives present in e-cigarette vapors. Cellular mutations caused […]
Impulsivity, sensation seeking increase risk of alcohol and drug use among youths
Adolescence can be a challenging time for both young people and their parents. Adolescents often face temptations to experiment with various substances and, unfortunately, this is the time when problem substance use typically begins. Vulnerability likely stems from at least two changes that occur during adolescence: although there are rapid increases in sensation seeking during […]
Mental illness genetically linked to drug use and misuse
There are many reports of drug use leading to mental health problems, and we all know of someone having a few too many drinks to cope with a bad day. Many people who are diagnosed with a mental health disorder indulge in drugs, and vice versa. As severity of both increase, problems arise and they […]
Early marijuana use associated with abnormal brain function, lower IQ
In a new study, scientists have discovered that early marijuana use may result in abnormal brain function and lower IQ. Read more
Cannabis reduces creativity, but user generally not aware
Regular users of cannabis are less aware of their own mistakes, and they are not good at creative thinking, concludes new research on the effects of cannabis. Read more
Sleep habits, adolescent drug and alcohol use linked, shows research
A possible link between pre-adolescent sleep habits and early substance abuse has been identified by researchers. The study found that both sleep duration and sleep quality during late childhood predict alcohol and cannabis use later in adolescence. Read more
New treatment for depressed smokers trying to quit
Why is quitting smoking particularly difficult for depressed people? Researchers are now testing a new smoking cessation treatment combining medication and behavioral activation therapy targeted at this population. Read more
Physical activity may offset some of alcohol’s lethal harms
Exercising, at even basic recommended weekly physical activity levels (at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity), may offset some of the harmful effects of drinking alcohol, suggests new research. This first-of-its-kind study found that for alcohol drinkers, physical activity may decrease the risks of dying both from cancer and from ‘all-cause mortality’ that is, deaths […]
Drinking to belong: Students and low self-esteem
It’s that time of year again, when students old and new are heading to university. Certain behaviors might be expected in the coming months, drinking in particular. Drinking is widespread among student populations, whether for social enrichment or the need to conform. However, many college students experience the darker side of binge drinking; violence, unsafe […]