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
Mixing booze, pot is a serious threat to traffic safety
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 by DNA damage can lead to cancer. Read more
Workshop: “Using Expressive Arts in Social Work Practice …” – DAUPHIN, March 23, 24, 30 & 31
Expressive Arts Workshop Poster
Dates: Thursdays & Fridays, March 23 & 24, March 30 & 31, 2017
Times: 11:00 am to 3:00 pm
Location: Youth Centre, Dauphin Friendship Centre
Fee: $50.00 (for all 4 days)
This workshop is for social workers and other professional helpers who are interested in the integration of expressive arts into their helping practice for self-care, growth, change and transformation. The focus is on experiential applications of photography, visual arts, drumming, singing, drama, movement, dance, and other creative processes.
For more information and to register, please contact:
Deana.Halonen@umanitoba.ca / (204)-474-9239 or
Tuula.Heinonen@umanitoba.ca
Shared Leadership: The Pathway to Mental Health & Well-Being Conference – Feb. 10, 2017
“Shared Leadership: The Pathway to Mental Health and Well-being” is the theme of the 2017 Safe Schools Manitoba conference. Student mental health and well-being are priorities for educators, but there is increasing recognition that schools alone cannot meet all the needs of students. A collaborative approach is needed. The conference will bring together representatives from the K-12 and post-secondary systems, provincial education associations, government, regional health authorities, community agencies, business, and most importantly, students.
The conference will be held on Friday, February 10, 2017 at the Victoria Inn Hotel and Convention Centre (1808 Wellington Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba).
The conference program, with overviews of all keynote and breakout sessions, is now available online. Registration now open!
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 early- to mid-adolescence, gradual improvements in impulse control become evident only during later adolescence. This study examines how these processes develop in high-risk youths. Read more
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 become more difficult to treat. But why substance involvement and psychiatric disorders often co-occur is not well understood. Read more
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