Harm Reduction and E-Cigarettes
We consider the growing popularity of e-cigarettes from the perspective of harm reduction – the nicotine addiction continues, but the e-cig doesnt have all the tars, resins and carbon monoxide of smoking tobacco. Also some thoughts on harm reduction through substitutions – like excessive exercise, obsessive 12-Step meetings, etc. PODCAST.
MJ & popular attitudes, government seesawing, purple drank
The continuing medical marijuana controversies appears to be increasing the public’s frustration with government of the people, but not by or for the people … Tobacco as the real gateway drug, and the hip-hop drug Purple Drank.
Smoking in the news
Smoking in public is facing ever-greater restrictions; individuals, and the tobacco industries are pushing back in court. Meanwhile varenicline (Chantix) has been found to have serious cardiovascular side effects. And the state of Oregon mandating no smoking or be disqualified from state-supported treatment programs.
Addiction and Aging Baby-Boomers
An addiction “boom” is happening to people in 50s and 60s – too young to be old, often caring for parents, or under-employed adult children often with their own families, and still working to try to make ends meet – is causing many baby-boomers to have more issues with addiction and substance abuse then perhaps earlier in their life.
Menthol cigarettes more addicting? and more part-time smokers
Recent studies look at menthol cigarettes — whether they are more addicting and more hazardous; also the rise in numbers of part-time smokers.
Increased use of Marijuana by teenagers reported
For over 30 yeras, Dr Lloyd Johnson at the University of Michigan Institute for Social Research has been studying drug use by adolescents. A new report finds an increase in marijuana use, and a decrease in tobacco and binge drinking. Dr Inaba comments on some of the implications.