In a study that provides a counter to the argument that marijuana is harmless, a research team led by Dr. Zuo-Feng Zhang of UCLA's Jonsson Cancer Center reports of the increased likelihood of getting head and neck cancers for marijuana smokers. Countering the Influence of Popular Music on Creating an Environment Conducive to Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drug Use A great tool from the Indiana Prevention Resource Center developed for teachers and other adult caregivers who work with youth as part of classroom or after school programs. This documents contains background information, research, and activities that explore the mixed messages sent by society at large, and particularly the media, about alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. One of the exercises looks at lyrics of music over time, while another takes an inventory of rock stars who have died from overdoses and asks youth to question whether or not their role models use drugs. The next generation of substance abuse research may focus on this intriguing hypothesis.
Study reveals dangerous connection between teen substance use and sex.
Keeping in mind that marijuana is the most frequently used illicit drug among youth, it's easy to see how marijuana can contribute to risky and harmful behavior. A new study from the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University shows that teens who drink or use drugs are likelier to have sex, initiate it at younger ages, and with multiple partners. These teens are at higher risk of sexually transmitted diseases, HIV, and pregnancy. The study supports the need for comprehensive substance abuse prevention programs that are gender-specific in their approach and both initiated and delivered at the community level. Marijuana-related emergency room usage continues to increase in many U.S. cities.