Prevention begins prior to birth and continues throughout the life course. Understanding protective factors and how to build strong healthy youth and families can help prevent youth from experiencing adverse childhood experiences and initiating into substance use.
A new study just published in JAMA Psychiatry found that children of women who used marijuana during pregnancy had an increased incidence of psychotic behaviors. The study looked at 11,489 children enrolled in the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study, the largest study of its type in the United States.
The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated challenges for millions of adults with substance use disorders. New obstacles for obtaining treatment exist as do increasing stressors, including isolation, unemployment, and illness.
Find out about protective factors and what adults can do to help prevent youth from using drugs, alcohol, and tobacco.
Dr. Sharif Mohr, epidemiologist for Drug Free America Foundation remarked, “It is the tragic height of irony that PTSD is an approved condition for medical marijuana recommendations in many states. More and more evidence continues to emerge that marijuana is actually adverse for people suffering from mental health disorders—especially PTSD. "
The marijuana strains commonly found today are much more potent than what baby boomers used in the 60’s and 70’s. Marijuana use carries unique risks for seniors because of the potential for serious interactions with many different medications including certain heart medicines.
