Addiction Research
Early Alcohol and Tobacco Use May Delay Puberty in Girls
Both alcohol and tobacco use are known to produce several adverse effects, including psychological, physiological, emotional, and physical health hazards. These side effects have been extensively investigated among teenagers and adults, and are acutely apparent in older age, after long-term use, or following binge episodes. Yet alcohol and tobacco’s adverse reactions upon younger adolescents, especially on their physical development, are not fully known. Alcohol use has already been found to impede puberty growth rats, but the same evidence has not been established among humans, particularly young girls.
Ongoing National Study Shows Dangerous Trends in Teen Attitudes Toward Drugs
In the fight against drug abuse among young adults, information about students’ attitudes and experiences is vital. Since 1975, Monitoring the Future – an ongoing research study – has surveyed 50,000 young adults each year to find out their opinions on topics ranging from gender to ecology and new trends in drug or alcohol use. The 2009 survey findings show interesting results in the realm of substance abuse, such as an increase in marijuana use, a decline in use of hallucinogenic drugs and potentially worrisome trends in teen attitudes toward some drugs.
Funded under competitive grants from the National Institute on Drug Abuse, Monitoring the Future is based at the University of Michigan inside the Institute for Social Research. Surveys are sent to 8th, 10th and 12th graders across the U.S. Questions measuring experiences with drugs and alcohol focus on students’ age of first use, their attitudes toward use, how available they perceive the drugs to be and connections between peer groups and drug use.
The goal is to learn which factors, such as social changes and an individual’s transitions during development, may contribute to certain behaviors over time. Follow-up surveys are also sent to 12th graders upon leaving high school in an attempt to track young adult behaviors further.
Parents Enhance Education about Drugs and Alcohol
When a teen is confronted with a situation in which he is being offered alcohol, drugs or cigarettes, they sometimes experience a “deer in the headlights” reaction. While having been warned that these substances are a part of the high school social environment, many don’t know what to do when faced with pressure to try an illegal substance.
Substance Using Peers Increases Genetic Likelihood to Abuse
Many parents throughout the world cringe when their children make friends with individuals who make choices outside of the belief of the parents. Such choices often include drugs and alcohol and can influence activities in other children.
Alcohol Use and Sleep Disorders in Teens
A new study from the Netherlands found that many adolescents suffer from sleep problems, and some may start abusing alcohol in an attempt to self-medicate.
Pattern of Alcohol Use Disorder from Adolescence to Adulthood
Many individuals who struggle with an alcohol use disorder developed their addiction during adolescent years. While many challenges arise during adolescence from an addiction to alcohol, the consequences can extend into the adult years.
Assessing Mental State in DUI Offenders May Reduce Repeat Offenses
With the known risks in place for driving under the influence, it can be hard to understand why individuals continue to make the choice to get behind the wheel of a car while intoxicated. According to a new study, this reason may have more to do with mental health than bad choices.
Sports Stars Not Really Acting as Role Models in Terms of Alcohol Consumption
While sports heroes are often touted as role models for young people, recent research has found that their bad habits actually have no little or no effect on the drinking habits of this segment of the population.
Protein Test Proven Effective in Detecting Alcohol Use
While there are certain signs that a healthcare professional may look for in individuals to determine whether or not they have an alcohol abuse problem, an easier detection would be a test that can make this determination biologically. According to a recent Science Daily post, such a test is closer than ever before.
Sleep Deficiency in Childhood Can Lead to Drug and Alcohol Abuse
According to a study by Idaho State University’s psychology department, childhood sleep deficiency can lead to drug and alcohol abuse among young adults.
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