Marijuana Use by Teens More Detrimental than Previously Thought
New research from the McGill University Health Centre in Montreal, Qc. suggests that the effect of daily cannabis use on the teenage brain is worse than previously thought. Moreover, the long-term effects appear irreversible. Marijuana, the most used illicit drug, has long been considered a ‘soft’ drug—minimally damaging in comparison to most other, ‘hard’, drugs […]
Alcohol Addiction Found in Fruit Flies
According to a new study, fruit flies show both desperation and relapse when exposed to alcohol for a length of time. Researchers say their study may shed light on the genetic roots of alcohol addiction. Fruit flies, it may seem strange, are often used for genetic studies due both to their rapid reproductive rate, as […]
Dark Chocolate Found to Help Lower Stress
Just in time for the Holidays, yet another reason to eat chocolate! The “healing” properties of chocolate have long been suspected—the euphoric rush of endorphin triggered love-like feelings, the surge of satisfaction. For some, chocolate is even an aphrodisiac. Dark chocolate, with its high levels of antioxidants, has been purported to have a number of […]
Drug Addiction in Vancouver Epidemic
A new report released last month found that the hard drug problem in Vancouver is “epidemic”, according to a new article. The report from the BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS cites a ten-fold increase in the use of crack cocaine and a major increase in the use of crystal meth by Vancouver’s street youth […]
Alcohol Consumption & Alcohol-Related Deaths on the Rise in BC
According to a report released this week, British Columbians are consuming more alcohol, and dying more from alcohol-related health harms, than they were ten years ago. The report, “Alcohol Pricing, Public Health & the HST: Proposed Incentives for BC Drinkers to Make Healthy Choices” from the University of Victoria’s Centre for Addictions Research (CARBC), found […]
Prescription Drug Abuse Among US Teens Alarmingly High : NIDA
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse’s (NIDA) annual survey, Monitoring the Future Survey (MTF) of 2009, the number of high school students reporting prescription drug abuse in the US continues to be high, while the use of other illicit drugs decreases. Major usage trends among US teens include a significant decrease in methamphetamine […]
Alcohol and Your Brain
Have you ever wondered what Alcohol does to your brain?A recent blog entry at Psychology Today helps explain the known effects of alcohol on the brain, beyond intoxication.If you ever thought that drinking more than moderately wasn’t detrimental to your mind long-term, think again.According to research gathered by blog author Susan Tapert, about 50 percent […]
Cocaine Growing in Popularity in the UK
New statistics, released by the National Treatment Agency for Substance Misuse (NTA) in the UK show more young people are seeking treatment for cocaine addiction in the last four years. According to the National Health Service (NHS), Britain’s government health department, the number of 18 to 24 year olds who sought cocaine addiction treatment at […]
Painkillers Linked to More Deaths in Canada
New study concludes that narcotic prescription medicines are fatal when mixed with alcohol or sedatives, according to the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ). Moreover, prescription painkillers, opioids, have been linked with more deaths due to misuse or abuse. The number of deaths associated with opioids in Canada has nearly doubled in the last 13 years, […]