Adolescent Issues
Adolescent Binge Drinking Linked to Gene Variation and Emotional Drinking
A new study by researchers at Radboud University in the Netherlands examines why some adolescents binge drink frequently and whether there is a possible association with genetics. Although many adolescents drink alcohol, drinking large amounts of alcohol frequently (binge drinking) may indicate a deeper problem.
Learn more about Adolescent Binge Drinking Linked to Gene Variation and Emotional Drinking
Can You Monitor a Teen’s Behavior Too Much?
While it can seem nearly as impossible as herding cats, keeping tabs on teens is a worthwhile parental responsibility. But it’s difficult at best to maintain a balance between being too lax and too intrusive. What it all boils down to is this: Can you monitor your teen’s behavior too much?
Learn more about Can You Monitor a Teen’s Behavior Too Much?
Above the Influence Campaign Helps Reduce Teen Marijuana Use
New research shows that the federal anti-drug campaign “Above the Influence” seems to have reduced teenage marijuana use. In a study of more than 3,000 students from 20 communities in the United States, the researchers found that by the end of 8th grade, 12 percent of those who didn’t see the campaign started smoking marijuana compared to 8 percent of students who were familiar with the campaign.
Learn more about Above the Influence Campaign Helps Reduce Teen Marijuana Use
More Teens Abusing Marijuana, Prescription Drugs, Ecstasy
Marijuana use is up among American teenagers; in fact, one in 16 high school seniors told researchers that they smoke it every day. A new survey of 46,000 teens called Monitoring the Future found that they are experimenting more with the club drug ecstasy, and increasingly using cigarettes. However, their use of alcohol is at the lowest level in the 30 years of the annual survey.
Learn more about More Teens Abusing Marijuana, Prescription Drugs, Ecstasy
Decision-Making Affected by Binge Drinking
Teens that binge drink can experience a wealth of negative consequences. They may suffer academically, experience difficulty in relationships with family and friends, and they may receive punishments at home if they violate their parents’ rules about alcohol consumption. In addition to these more immediate results, new research suggests that teens may also experience problems later in life with decision-making.
Teens’ Excessive Texting Linked to Substance Abuse, Sex
New research from the Case Western Reserve School of Medicine Master of Public Health program has found that excessive texting among teens is linked to risky health behaviors, including drinking, drug use, and sexual activity. Scott Frank, MD, MS, lead author of the study and director of the Master of Public Health program at Case Western, presented the study’s findings at a meeting of the American Public Health Association in Denver, Colorado.
Learn more about Teens’ Excessive Texting Linked to Substance Abuse, Sex
Survey Finds More Kids Using Marijuana
The National Survey on Drug Use and Health found that from 2008 to 2009, there was a 9 percent increase in people ages 12 and over who currently use marijuana. The average age of first-time use decreased to 17, which means more people are starting to use marijuana at earlier ages.
Motivational Interviews in Emergency Rooms can Prevent Alcohol Problems, Violence in Teens
A new study has found that a one-on-one talk with a therapist can help reduce violence and drinking problems among teenagers. For three years, researchers from the University of Michigan Health System offered to talk to adolescents at the Hurley Medical Center Emergency Department in Flint, Michigan, who reported aggressive behavior or having consumed alcohol at least two or three times in the past year.
Sleep Problems in Children May Lead to Substance Abuse Issues Later On
A significant percentage of children have problems with sleep. In fact, many children and teens struggle with chronic insomnia, very similar to adult insomnia. New research lead by Maria M. Wong of Idaho State University is showing a connection between sleep difficulties in childhood and problems with drug and alcohol use in early adulthood.
Learn more about Sleep Problems in Children May Lead to Substance Abuse Issues Later On
College Binge Drinking & Hazing: An Emerging Epidemic
For American youngsters, moving away to college is a rite of passage the likes of which will never be experienced again in their lifetimes. Faced with sudden, unlimited freedom, college freshmen everywhere drink themselves into oblivion whenever they can afford to. Pregame tailgating, post-exam celebrations, happy hours, and fraternity and sorority mixers just wouldn’t be the same without alcohol. Weekends start on Thursday night, “chugging” is encouraged, and lifelong reputations for being able to “drink anyone under the table” are made or lost during this phase of adolescent development. Sadly, students think that drinking is the one and only way to socialize with friends and classmates.
Learn more about College Binge Drinking & Hazing: An Emerging Epidemic
Connect with an Elements Recovery Adviser
newsletter
