Marijuana use is relatively common in the U.S., especially among older teenagers and young adults. As with other substances of abuse, a number of underlying motivations can potentially explain initial and ongoing intake of this drug. In a study published in […]
What Motivates Young People to Smoke Marijuana? Read More »
It’s a firmly established fact that people who drink significant amounts of alcohol before having sex substantially increase their odds of participating in risky sexual practices and developing a sexually transmitted infection. However, researchers know relatively little about the factors
Which Factors Increase the Odds of Drinking Before Sex? Read More »
Addiction has long been limited to the abuse of chemical substances that leads to physical and emotional dependence. While still debated by some experts, many now agree that there are many similarities between traditional substance addictions, and what are called
The Connection Between Process and Substance Addictions Read More »
Alcohol consumption triggers both pleasurable brain effects (in the form of euphoria) and unpleasant brain effects (in the form of a negative reaction to other symptoms of intoxication). Any person who develops the symptoms of alcohol abuse and/or alcoholism must
How Do Alcoholics Respond to Conflicting Brain Effects of Drinking? Read More »
Caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant found in coffee, tea, energy drinks, soda and various over-the-counter medications. As a thoroughly legal substance, caffeine has a benign reputation, and very few people think of it as a drug.
FDA Issues Warning on Pure Caffeine After Teen Overdose Read More »
Very few kids make it through their school years without passing through some period of feeling sad and blue. But clinical, also known as major, depression is more than childhood or adolescent angst. It is more than feeling down because
For Depressed Kids, Combination Therapy Is More Effective Than Antidepressants Alone Read More »
When it comes to alcohol consumption, you may not be surprised to learn that men are bigger drinkers than women. Yet, men face serious risks related to heavy drinking; risks that shouldn’t be ignored.
Men and Heavy Drinking: The Risks Read More »
Family 1: The Authoritarian Style In this family, everything is black and white. The father rules with an iron fist and the mother supports him in all ways. The kids learn early on not to argue with their parents, and
Four Families, Four Parenting Styles: Which Lead to Adolescent Drug Abuse? Read More »
Parents worried about the cloud of smoke hanging over their teens’ heads can breathe a little easier. Teen smoking is at its lowest level in years, according to a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Turnabout in Teen Behavior: Smoking Less, Texting While Driving More Read More »
Researchers and public health officials know that peer pressure to consume alcohol can lead to increased participation in various types of dangerous drinking practices. However, such pressure could have the opposite effect if a person’s peer group promotes moderate alcohol
Drinking With Others Reduces Risky Behaviors in Teens Read More »