A study in the April issue of the Journal of Child and Adolescent Substance Abuse reports that teenagers who use, or have used, crack or cocaine are at significant risk of contracting HIV. These teens report using condoms "rarely" or "never" during sex, putting then at high risk for HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases.

"Unprotected sex is the most common way that HIV is transmitted among teens, so if we can develop a clearer picture of why some kids engage in high-risk sexual behaviors, we will be better prepared to educate them about safe sex," says lead author Marina Tolou-Shams, PhD, of the Bradley Hasbro Childrens Research Center. [Source: Medical News Today]

The study surveyed about 280 teenagers who were participating in psychiatric programs. Dr. Toulou-Shams also believes the link between psychiatric disorders and HIV-risk behavior is important.

As a result of the study, researchers are recommending that medical professionals who treat adolescents talk to them consistently about their drug use and sexual activity, emphasizing the risks involved with both.

Labels: hiv, aids, sex, cocaine, crack

Posted By: Aspen/CRC 0 Comments

A new government survey found that the number of white teens who entered drug treatment for crack and cocaine abuse increased by 76 percent between 2001 and 2006. Black teen admissions for these substances did not change.

Teenagers' use of illegal drugs declined during the same period, while their abuse of prescription drugs increased.

The data from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration also indicated that more teenagers believe that using crack and cocaine is not a dangerous practice.

"The decrease in perceived risk suggests that adolescents are becoming less wary of trying cocaine," read the 2009 National Drug Threat Assessment report, "which may sustain demand for the drug in the near future."

Labels: cocaine, crack, treatment

Posted By: Aspen Education Group 0 Comments

Information gathered from Florida's 24 state medical examiners reveals a disturbing trend - cocaine-related deaths have been steadily rising in the past several years. Law enforcement officials, substance abuse specialists, and others agree that the drug is gaining popularity among a new generation that's unaware of the drug's dangers.

"What's attracting new users? Low prices, for one. Between 2001 and 2006, the price of a gram of cocaine averaged about 30% less than it was in 2000... In the minds of many, powder cocaine simply doesn't carry the same stigma as crack cocaine, and some mistakenly believe it is somehow safer."

Some experts agree that the true impact of cocaine use in this generation may not be fully realized for years. Deaths from overdoses are just one result of cocaine use. Those who use but don't overdose may be faced with serious health problems - like strokes and brain bleeds - when they're in their 40s and 50s. Source: Florida Trend

Labels: cocaine, crack, rise_in_use

Posted By: Aspen Education Group 0 Comments