Why do teenage girls begin using crystal methamphetamine even when they are aware of the destructive consequences? A new three year study of teenage girls who have used or are using the street drug. Source: The Leading Edge
Addictions
New drug research suggests that teens may get addicted and relapse more easily than adults because developing brains are more powerfully motivated by drug-related cues. This conclusion has been reached by researchers who found that adolescent rats given cocaine – a powerfully addicting stimulant – were more likely than adults to prefer the place where they got it. [continue reading…]
This week’s fax from the Center for Substance Abuse Research at the University of Maryland focuses on”how addictive” different drugs of abuse may be. The fax reports rates of discontinuation, continued use without dependence and dependence for most major drugs of abuse. These data can help us to answer the question of “how addictive” are various recreational drugs.
Alcohol & Marijuana Have Highest Rates of Continued Use in the Year After Initiation; Heroin & Crack Cocaine Have Highest Rates of Dependence
Source: CESAR, University of Maryland
 Academic crunch-time can cause young adults to misuse some drugs
(Credit: Image courtesy of University of Michigan Health System)
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The performance pressures from end-of-semester exams and papers can take a toll on students, even leading them to turn to potentially harmful substances to keep them awake and alert. [continue reading…]
