Research
Parent-teenage arguments beneficial!
Researchers from the University of Virginia found that teenagers who were encouraged at home to express their point of view calmly and confidently were also able to do so with their friends. This meant they were 40% more likely to refuse drugs and alcohol from peers. Psychologist Joseph P. Allen said that arguments between parents and teenagers can have positive effects. 'We tell parents to think of those arguments not as nuisance, but as a critical training ground.' The key advice to parents is to listen.
Links:
Why A Teen Who Talks Back May Have A Bright Future. NPR Blog
Predictors of Susceptibility to Peer Influence Regarding Substance Use in Adolescence. Child Development (abstract)
News
Does online advertising boost under-age drinking?
David Jernigan, director of the Center on Alcohol Marketing and Youth at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, has been widely reported regarding online advertising to potential under-age drinkers. Some worrying examples emerged during a recent study of social media such as Facebook, YouTube and iphone apps. Jernigan claims that advertising codes are being ignored online and that social media sites are heavily used by children beneath legal drinking age limits.
Links:
- Alcohol companies reach youth online. The Standard Examiner
Research
Binge drinking infectious for young couples!
Canadian researchers found that young dating couples significantly influence each other’s drinking habits. “Pick your friends and lovers carefully because they influence you more than you think,” said co-author Dr.Sherry Stewart.
Links:
- Binge drinking - as contagious as the common cold?. Dal News, Dalhousie University
Research
Cost-effective response to student drinking?
This study picked up in 'Findings' found that the most cost effective response to college student problem drinking was motivational interviewing which included feedback to students comparing them with the norm, their expectations from drinking, and exercises weighing up pros and cons. Even one-off group sessions produced positive results, although the strongest impact followed individual interventions. The biggest changes were found in student feelings towards their ability to resist drinking in various circumstances.
Links:
Abstract. Psychology of Addictive Behaviors
Policy
Mephedrone ban extended to entire EU
Europe has responded to rising concern over the use of the synthetic drug mephedrone by subjecting it to ‘control measures and criminal penalties’ throughout the EU. The EMCDDA Scientific Committee concluded that, while there is limited scientific evidence on its overall health and social risks, and that further studies are needed, mephedrone can cause acute health problems and potentially lead to dependency.
Links:
- Mephedrone ban across the EU. Drugnet Europe
Research
Smoke marijuana for healthier lungs?
Researchers in a large US study were surprised to discover that low to moderate use of marijuana is less harmful to users’ lungs than exposure to tobacco. The team from the UCSF and the University of Alabama collected data from more than 5,000 U.S. adults for more than 20 years. Unlike effects from tobacco, lung air flow rate increased rather than decreased with increased exposure to marijuana, up to a certain level. Heavy marijuana use may well cause lung problems but the study had insufficient data on this. Researchers also underlined the fact that their work did not endorse marijuana use, which remains risky in many areas including addiction, mental health, memory and concentration. Furthermore, the study did not consider lung cancer or that moderate users might progress to heavier use. However, workers in the prevention field may well find these new research headlines reaching a wide audience.
Links:
Resources
Web-based intervention trialled with Swedish adolescents
It is estimated that approximately 20% of all Swedish children grow up with parents having alcohol problems. Web-ICAIP (Individual Coping and Alcohol Intervention Program) has shown promising results with older subjects and is now being assessed when used with adolescents. The programme aims to strengthen coping behaviour, improve mental health and reduce risky alcohol consumption. This open access BMC paper describes the programme and the randomized controlled trial.
Links:
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.
Resources
3rd edition of Project TND materials available
Project TND is a long established interactive classroom-based substance abuse prevention programme based on research at the University of Southern California. The project focuses on factors predicting substance abuse, violence-related behaviours and other problem behaviours among young people. The programme covers motivational factors such as attitudes and expectations, skills such as self-control, and decision making leading to health-promoting behaviours. Evaluation of the programme is also available.
Links:
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.