Research
International study finds young teenage pot users risk IQ loss
This widely publicised study found that younger teenagers who regularly use marijuana could face a significant drop in their IQ. Over 1,000 New Zealand children were tested at 13 and then 38 years of age and regularly interviewed. Those classed as dependent suffered an average 8 point drop in IQ, even if they later quit. Those who became dependent after 18 years did not suffer the same decline. Although the findings are not definitive they highlight the importance of this field of research.
Links:
Teen pot use linked to later declines in IQ - Associated Press
Persistent cannabis users show neuropsychological decline from childhood to midlife - Abstract via PNAS
Research
Worrying picture of American teen attitudes to substance abuse at school and role of social media
As American children return to school after the summer break this disturbing study reports that nearly 9 out of 10 high school students say some classmates abuse drugs at school, and 50% know a drug supplier at their school. 75% of students also say that seeing pictures of teens partying with alcohol or marijuana on popular social networking sites encourages other teens to want to do the same. Parents can significantly influence behaviour.
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Statistics
Tobacco use worldwide: alarming picture from huge international study
This large global representative study found that although use is falling in some richer areas, tobacco companies continue to sell more products in developing countries and other mass markets. For example, 60% of men and 22% of women used tobacco in Russia, while in China it is 53% of men and 2% of women. (Only 19% of American adults now smoke) It appears that tobacco companies are targeting young people and women. They also continue to push sales in areas with weaker tobacco control such as Egypt after the recent revolution. The majority of the world's smokers are still male but the age of first use for women in some countries is approaching that for men.
Links:
Tobacco use in 3 billion individuals from 16 countries: an analysis of nationally representative cross-sectional household surveys - The Lancet (Full text available via free subscription)
Largest-ever tobacco study finds 'urgent need' for policy change - CNN
News
Popular summer festival drug: 'Molly'
This article from CNN covers the growing popularity of 'molly', particularly for American 16-24 year olds attending summer music festivals. Allegedly this is a purer powder or crystal form of the key component of ecstasy, MDMA, but the drug is not consistent and can have a range of serious health risks. Molly is short for 'molecule' but some researchers believe the name can cover a variety of related drug creations. It can be eaten, inhaled or 'parachuted'. (Parachuting refers to wrapping a crushed substance in tissue before swallowing in order to speed up the response)
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Policy
A 'World first'? New Zealand considers the testing and sale of recreational highs
This interesting 'world first' is under development in New Zealand. Proposed legislation aims to end the uncontrolled sale of untested legal-highs. The Government will be, 'reversing the onus of proof'. Manufacturers of products such as synthetic marijuana would pay to have substances proved as 'low risk'. The idea is controversial of course. For example, it might well soon lead to legal sale of some hallucinogens. Also many products may be judged as less risky than alcohol.
Links:
Next Government will overhaul Misuse of Drugs Act - NZ Government
NZ bans all legal highs unless proven safe - Drugs Forum
Booze is worse - legal-high warning - The New Zealand Herald
Research
Lesbians and bisexual women more likely to smoke, binge drink and take drugs
Lesbians and bisexual women binge drink and use drugs at higher rates than women in the general population, according to this long-term study from Western Australia. For example, rates of smoking were found to be twice as high as for women in the general population and rates of illicit drug use several times higher. In the six months prior to the survey nearly half the women had used an illicit drug and binge drinking was reported by nearly a third of respondents.
Links:
Women in contact with the Perth gay and lesbian community: Report of the Women’s Western Australian Sexual Health (WWASH) Survey 2010 - Curtin University
Lesbians more likely to binge drink, take drugs: study - The Sydney Morning Herald
Resources
CCSA resources for workers in prevention
Substance abuse prevention workers asked CCSA for additional knowledge and tools to help implement the comprehensive 'Portfolio of Canadian Standards for Youth Substance Abuse Prevention', previously launched in 2010. This new Monitoring and Evaluation Toolkit provides background, definitions of key concepts, exercises and links to other sources. The Toolkit is written as a workbook but can be used selectively.
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Mentor has not undertaken a thorough review of the resources mentioned as to their ultimate value and worth, however we welcome reader and user feedback.