New survey: pot use up, coke, meth down & alcohol poisoning
A new drug use survey shows a marked increase in drug use by 18-25 yr olds, especially marijuana, while cocaine and meth use has gone way down. Changing attitudes about pot may come form medical marijuana issues, and also whether alcohol/energy drinks may contribute to the alcohol overdoses.
From Highballs to Eyeballing
Eyeballing is the latest campus craze – taking in straight vodka by holding a bottle up to your eye. Having started in England, it is reportedly moving onto US campuses and to Las Vegas. Devotees say it is faster than drinking and more potent because it passes easily through the mucous membrane and enters the bloodstream directly through veins at the back of the eye. Also more on new designer drugs like K9 and Spice and their rapid increases.
Survey shows drug use by young people increasing
A new survey shows a marked increase in Ecstasy ER reports as well as increases in use of all drugs except cigarettes. The annual Partnership for a Drug-Free America looks at drug use amongst adolescents and adults. The other two major surveys how the same trends in the US.
Addiction through History
Current events in the Middle East remind us how drugs and addiction show up throughout history. Dr Inaba shares some highlights and background.
Alcoholism Genes? & the state of states monitoring of Rx
Children of alcoholics are four times more likely to become alcoholic; sons of alcoholics 9 times as likely … the list continues and is striking. At least 89 genes have been identified that affect the likelihood of alcohol abuse, and other compulsivity disorders. This is part of the research that has led to the new field of “pharmacogenomics”, the study of how an individual’s genetics affect the body’s response to drugs, which offer profound new treatment options, and open up huge privacy issues. Dr Inaba expands.
Mental Health, Stress & College
A look at mental health on college campuses – still stressful, recently increasingly violence. Some of the factors: psychiatric medication, self-medication using alcohol and street drugs; and the availability of treatment and its increased acceptance.