A new study using laboratory animals found that those were given steroids in adolescence were more aggressive as adults. One implication of this study is that teenagers who use steroids may do long-term harm to their bodies.

• Researchers at Michigan State University used two groups of male hamsters, giving one group steroids during adolescence and the other steroids in adulthood.
  
• Both groups showed more aggressive behaviors. However, the ones who got steroids during adolescence stopped using submissive behaviors altogether.
  
• The researchers could not find a single incidence of submissive behavior in these animals during adulthood.

The study appeared in the journal Behavioral Brain Research.

Labels: behaviors, brain_chemistry, steroids

A study from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology has documented a strong relationship between teen drinking and behavior problems:

• Researchers surveyed 9,000 people ages 13 to 19 years old.
• They found that 80 percent had tried drinking alcohol and 29 percent had been drunk more than 10 times in their lives.
• The boys who drank were more likely to have behavioral problems and the girls who drank reported both behavioral problems and depression.
• Forty-three percent of students who had behavioral problems also reported being drunk more than 10 times in their lives.

The authors emphasized that their findings do not mean that drinking causes behavioral problems, only that there is an increased likelihood that teens who drink also have behavioral problems.

Labels: behaviors, teenage_drinking

A 40-year study of 3,500 people found that those who misbehaved as teenagers were at greater risk for mental or personal problems as adults than were peers who didn't have behavior issues. Even mild behavior problems increased the risk.

Teachers assessed teenagers in 1,960 for conduct problems, including lying, truancy, daydreaming, restlessness, and disobedience. About 1,000 teens in the study had some conduct problems, though not necessarily severe ones. As adults, however, this group was more likely to divorce, abuse alcohol, quit high school, and experience other types of adversity.

Dr. Martin Iguchi, one of the lead researchers, said he believes the correlation may be due to undiagnosed mental illness, noting that people are at greatest risk for psychiatric problems between ages 14 and 26.

This study from the University of Alberta School of Public Health appeared in the British Medical Journal.

Labels: adults, behaviors, mental_health

Researchers from the University of Cambridge have found evidence that "erasing" drug-related memories may help recovered drug abusers avoid relapsing. The study showed reduced drug-seeking behaviors in rats by blocking a chemical brain receptor related to memory. Blocking the receptor during drug-related recall seemed to prevent relapse.

Memories exist in different states depending on whether they are being recalled or not. When memories are recalled, they become "unstable" or malleable and can be altered or erased during the process called reconsolidation. Because relapse by drug abusers is often prompted when they recall drug-associated memories, the scientists found that by blocking these memories they could prevent relapse.

Professor Barry Everitt, an author on the study, commented:

"The results suggest that efforts should be made to develop drugs that could be given in a controlled clinical or treatment environment in which addicts would have their most potent drug memories reactivated. Such treatments would be expected to diminish the effects of those memories in the future and help individuals resist relapse and maintain their abstinence."

(Sources: sciencedaily.com)

Labels: behaviors, memory, relapse

When children move into the adolescent years, their behavior can leave parents wondering "Who are you?" In an effort to help parents better understand their teenagers, the Partnership for a Drug-Free America has launched a new website.

"The site... was created in collaboration with the Treatment Research Institute in Philadelphia, top scientists and researchers on substance abuse and addiction, and Boston-based WGBH, leading in public broadcasting and educational multimedia."

Called "A Parent's Guide to the Teen Brain", the website explains how the brain develops and why teenagers are prone to risky behaviors like drug or alcohol experimentation. It also gives advice on how parents can use this information to connect with their children. Source: PR Web

Labels: behaviors, parents

Talk about teen substance abuse typically centers on extreme behavior - getting drunk at parties, habitual drug use, and so on. But even occasional use can create a dangerous habit.

"Most teenagers will tell you gulping down an occasional glass of beer along with a cigarette at a bar is fun, not substance abuse. That's where they are wrong. One glass of beer may not be addictive, but can lead to a chain of behavior that can leave you a physical and mental wreck. It can become a habit."

The habit becomes an even greater risk when parents aren't actively involved in their kids' lives. Read more at HindustanTimes.com.

NorthStar Center teaches teens and young adults how to have safe, sober fun. Learn more about their adolescent substance abuse treatment program at www.northstarcenter.com.

Labels: behaviors, parental_involvement, parties

Young teens that smoke, drink and use drugs by themselves develop more health and behavior problems than those who use socially, according to a new study by the Rand Corporation.

Solitary users are at more risk for poor physical health by age 23 and less likely to graduate from college.

Among children ages 13 and 14 years old, about 16% smoked cigarettes, 17% drank alcohol and 4% used marijuana when they were alone. The study, published in Psychology of Addictive Behaviors journal, indicates that such children are at risk for problems in later life.

Labels: behaviors, health_problems, solitude

Maury County, Tennessee is launching two separate anti-drug programs that both have the same focus - replacing negative substance abuse habits with positive behaviors. One of the programs, led by the Tennessee chapter of the Drug Free Clubs of America, will reward middle and high school students for remaining drug free.

"Volunteers in the program agree to take a periodical, random urine drug screening to ensure they live up to their pledge to remain drug-free. 'For volunteering to take these screenings, we give them a photo ID card they can use at all kinds of local and national businesses', said Holly Davis, Tennessee Representative of DFCA."

The other program, Centerstone's Project SELF is a six month program for students with substance abuse disorders. Read more at ColumbiaDailyHerald.com.

Labels: anti-drug_programs, behaviors, schools