Doctors are raising red flags about Oregon youth cannabis risk after witnessing increasing numbers of young people developing severe mental health issues. High-potency marijuana products are placing teenagers in harm’s way, leading to psychosis and other psychiatric disorders. Dr David Rettew, who treats troubled adolescents in Lane County, speaks frankly about his observations. “I don’t want to be apocalyptic about...
Youth Prevention
New Digital Lessons to Combat Teen Vaping in Schools
Teen vaping is on the rise. Around the world, 16.8% of young people have already tried e-cigarettes, often starting as early as 14 years old. The risks? Nicotine addiction, lung damage, harmful chemicals, and even mental health concerns. Schools are on the frontline to tackle this issue, and now, a new programme called ‘OurFutures Vaping’ is aiming to revolutionise teen...
Laos Backpacker Hostel Linked to Methanol Deaths to Reopen
A backpacker hostel in Vang Vieng, Laos, originally implicated in the methanol deaths of six tourists last November, is reopening under a new name. The Nana Backpacker Hostel, notorious for the tragedy, now lists itself as Vang Vieng Central Backpacker Hostel, sparking outrage and disbelief among survivors and their families. Methanol poisonings caused by bootleg alcohol have long been a...
Drug Prevention for Children: A Comprehensive Guide for Parents and Communities in UK
Drug prevention for children has never been more critical, with approximately 971,000 young people aged 16-24 in England and Wales reporting controlled drug use in the previous year. While long-term trends show declining usage since the late 1990s, the need for effective prevention strategies remains paramount for protecting our children’s futures. The Foundation of Effective Drug Prevention Drug prevention aims...
Most Teens Who Vape in Ireland Had Never Smoked Cigarettes
If you don’t smoke, then don’t vape. This is a message that rings loud and clear as research reveals shocking trends in vaping among teens in Ireland. According to a survey conducted by the TobaccoFree Research Institute of Ireland at TU Dublin for the Department of Health, 76% of teenage e-cigarette users had never smoked traditional cigarettes before trying vapes....
Addressing Drug Abuse in Construction: A Mother’s Mission to Save
The construction industry faces an often-overlooked crisis. Beyond the physical demands and technical skills required, workers deal with unique mental health challenges that often push them towards substance abuse, particularly drugs and alcohol. Alarmingly, among private industries, the construction sector has the highest rates of drug abuse and suicide. Advocates like Heather Gutierrez, a Colorado mother with a deeply personal...
Alcohol Advertising Market Penetration in Malleable Minds – Not On!
Exposure to alcohol advertising has been a growing concern, with new research shedding light on its pervasive influence on vulnerable groups. One of the most troubling findings is how children are unwittingly exposed to alcohol advertising across multiple platforms, including television, social media, and even public spaces. This exposure has significant potential consequences, pushing the line between responsible marketing and...
Cannabis Use Linked to Increased Dementia Risk Within Five Years, Study Finds
Sunday is 420 day, a global event where enthusiasts celebrate their love for cannabis. Yet amidst the celebrations, emerging research casts a shadow on the presumed safety of marijuana. A new study published in JAMA Neurology highlights an alarming connection between cannabis use and dementia risk, revealing a 23% increased likelihood of developing dementia within five years for those hospitalised...
The Hidden Challenges of Alcohol and Drug Culture in Scottish Traditional Music
The traditional music of Scotland has long been celebrated for its vibrant, community-oriented nature. It connects generations, preserves cultural heritage, and brings people together in unique ways. However, there’s a less visible aspect of this world that poses risks, particularly for young musicians. Alcohol and drug culture, deeply embedded within the ecosystem of traditional music in Scotland, presents significant challenges....
Permissive Drug Policies: Impact on Youth and E.R. Visits – Cannabis Leads the Mess
Trends in Youth Substance Use in the US 2016 to 2021 Substance use among young people is continually evolving. Understanding these changes is crucial for creating better responses and interventions to address the challenges teens and young adults face. This article examines trends in youth substance use across the US from 2016 to 2021, including how the COVID-19 pandemic influenced...
Psychedelics Linked to Early Death, Study Finds
Psychedelics Linked to Early Death: Psychedelics are gaining popularity, often hailed in headlines as powerful tools for improving mental health. However, a recent Canadian study sheds light on a troubling association between bad psychedelic trips and an increased risk of early death. According to research published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, individuals who experience severe reactions to hallucinogenic drugs...
Financial Incentives for Pregnant Smokers Lead to Healthier Babies
Supporting pregnant women to stop smoking can make a real difference to their babies’ health. Recent research shows that financial incentives for pregnant smokers can help more women quit and result in healthier birth outcomes. This article will explain how these financial rewards work, how they affect birth weight, and what the science tells us about their impact on new-borns....
“Shocking” Rise in Scots Students Substance Abuse and Addiction Help Needs
Hundreds more Scots kids are turning up to school needing urgent addiction help, as new figures reveal a dramatic surge in substance misuse across classrooms. The number of pupils in Scottish schools requiring specialist support for drugs and alcohol has more than tripled over the past ten years, highlighting a growing crisis affecting young people and families throughout the country....
Parenting in the Era of Pro-Pot Propaganda
Parenting today means guiding children through a maze of pro-pot propaganda and surface-level harm reduction messages, all while facing real risks linked to family history. The parental influence on addiction, substance use, and health choices has never been more crucial. We will explore how parents can empower their children against addiction, drawing on research, real-world stats, and expert advice. Let’s...
Understanding Alcohol-Related Harms in Adolescents: New Network Analysis Research
Recent research published in Drug and Alcohol Dependence has shed new light on how alcohol-related issues in teenagers develop and interconnect during the formative years. This groundbreaking study utilised network analysis to examine the complex relationships between different consequences of teenage drinking experienced by young people in the United Kingdom. The Growing Concern of Alcohol Use Among Adolescents Alcohol consumption during adolescence...
Global Youth Declaration Sets New Agenda for Youth Drug Prevention
On 12 March 2025, the world witnessed a pivotal moment for youth drug prevention when the Global Youth Declaration on Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery took centre stage at the 68th Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) in Vienna. Developed collaboratively with over a thousand young people from sixty-four countries, this milestone not only embodies the urgent call for more meaningful youth...
Understanding Adult Tobacco Use Trends in the United States (2017–2023)
Tobacco use among adults in the United States has changed considerably in recent years. While adult cigarette smoking has declined to its lowest rate in six decades, other forms of tobacco use—including e-cigarettes—are growing more popular. This blog post unpacks the latest data on adult tobacco use, examines shifting tobacco product trends, and explains what these changes mean for public...
Drug-Induced Violence: A Mother’s Psychosis and the Hidden Toll on UK Families
Drug misuse doesn’t just claim lives; it shatters families, leaves communities in ruins, and creates ripples of trauma that may never fade. It’s not just a headline or a statistic. It’s a father mourning his children, a mother behind bars, a family torn apart, and a society turning its back on the hard truths. The story of Kara Alexander is...
Eindhoven Declaration: A Global Commitment to Child Protection from Drugs
A Stand for the Future Generation Every child has the right to a safe, nurturing environment free from harm. Therefore, the Eindhoven Declaration builds on this unassailable truth. Moreover, it serves as an urgent call to action, uniting nations, organisations, and individuals to protect children from the destructive reach of illicit drugs. By focusing on preventative measures, fostering community engagement,...
Cannabis and Young Minds: Mental Health Risks and Prevention
Recent studies have uncovered concerning links between the impact of cannabis on young brains and severe mental health challenges. These findings urge greater awareness and call for stronger prevention efforts. How Cannabis Alters Developing Brains A groundbreaking study led by Dr. Palaniyappan and her team examined how cannabis use disorder affects the brain. Using advanced imaging techniques, they identified increased...
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