First use, lasting impact: What predicts cocaine initiation among youth
Cocaine use among young people in Ireland is rising faster than anywhere else in Europe. As the drug becomes more accessible and its harms more visible, understanding who is most at risk is of particular importance. In this study, researchers followed thousands of Irish teens over time to help answer this question. WHAT PROBLEM DOES […]
Can a text-messaging intervention help young adults reduce cannabis use?
Young adults have the highest rates of cannabis use disorder but are the least likely to receive treatment. At the same time, their smartphone use is nearly universal. This study exploited this common use among young adults to test a text message-delivered intervention to reduce their cannabis use. WHAT PROBLEM DOES THIS STUDY ADDRESS? Cannabis […]
Teen use of alcohol and cannabis for sleep: Helpful or harmful?
When used as sleep aids, alcohol and cannabis use are associated with a range of health risks. For teens, however, the risks may be especially high. This study examined how commonly teens “self medicated” sleep difficulties with alcohol and cannabis, and how this related to later sleep difficulties and substance use problems. WHAT PROBLEM DOES […]
A campaign to address risks of non-medical use of prescription opioids improved young adults’ knowledge and attitudes
Young adults have the highest rates of non-medical prescription drug use, including opioid painkillers. Public health messaging designed to educate young adults on the potential harms could be a useful public health strategy to reduce risky use and opioid use disorder. This study tested whether a mass media intervention designed specifically for young adults could […]
The dangers of drinking games in teens: Can online alcohol interventions help?
Adolescents who use alcohol commonly participate in so called “drinking games,” which substantially increase risk for negative consequences, as dangerous amounts of alcohol can be consumed. Given the link between drinking game participation and high-risk drinking behaviors, developing more specific interventions is key. This study tested whether an electronically delivered personalized feedback intervention could reduce […]
New lessons learned: School-based ADHD intervention during adolescence does not improve substance use during young adulthood
Young people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have increased risk of earlier, risky substance use and for later developing substance use disorder compared to their peers without ADHD. Yet, timely ADHD treatment can help reduce risk for later substance use problems. This study examined whether a school-based ADHD intervention for adolescents improved alcohol and […]
Should I stay or should I go: Investigating characteristics of youth likely to complete treatment
Many youths with substance use disorder that start treatment do not finish. This study examined what characteristics of young patients relate to completing treatment in both community-based and residential treatment. WHAT PROBLEM DOES THIS STUDY ADDRESS? Substance use is the biggest risk factor for disease and disability among teens and young adults. There are, however, […]
College students less likely than general population to receive treatment
Alcohol and other drug use disorders are more common in college students and, for some, can lead to long-term problems. Yet, motivation for treatment is typically low in this group. This study examined prevalence rates and factors associated with treatment seeking. WHAT PROBLEM DOES THIS STUDY ADDRESS? College students consume alcohol and other drugs at […]
Do the benefits of providing motivational incentives used in contingency management to stop youth cannabis use persist after they’re gone?
Contingency management is a helpful intervention for treatment-seeking adults with cannabis use problems in which participants receive immediate incentives (e.g., money) for demonstration of a given behavior (e.g., abstinence). This study investigated if a short-term cannabis contingency management intervention for young people not currently seeking treatment led to reduced cannabis use in the weeks after […]
Can adolescents be “in recovery”? Findings from a large state-wide study
One in ten American adults have resolved a significant substance use problem, and half of them identify as being in recovery, yet much less is known about adolescents in this regard. This study investigated the recovery status of adolescents. WHAT PROBLEM DOES THIS STUDY ADDRESS? The impact of alcohol and other substance use on adolescents […]