Perceived Risks of Marijuana and Alcohol Use: Comparisons of Non-Users and Regular Users

Survey data on various risks attributed to drug use are analyzed through two-way comparisons of non-users and regular users of marijuana and alcohol. For both drugs, non-users perceive considerably greater risk in use than do regular users. For most kinds of drug-related risks, alcohol use is perceived as involving the same or greater degrees of risk than is marijuana use. The findings suggest that young people will not attach a great deal of credibility to propaganda emphasizing the risks of marijuana use.

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Personal Experience

PEDIATRICS ◽

10.1542/peds.74.5.906 ◽

1984 ◽

Vol 74 (5) ◽

pp. 906-906

Author(s):

RICHARD H. SCHWARTZ

Keyword(s):

Young People ◽

Drug Use ◽

Personal Experience ◽

Marijuana Use ◽

Medical Community ◽

Documented Information ◽

The Many ◽

Smoking Marijuana

I am pleased that Milman and Bennett continue to research and publicize the problems that frequent marijuana use by young people can cause. I am grateful to Dr Milman for her ceaseless efforts to educate the medical community about the many dangers to humans of all ages of smoking marijuana. As one who suffered greatly as a result of believing widely publicized but poorly documented information regarding the innocence of using cannabis, I hope that others will also be enlightened by Milman's findings, and by my own, showing the dangers of drug use by adolescents and the pain that such use can cause.

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Epidemiology of Alcohol Misuse and Illicit Drug Use Among Young People Aged 15–24 Years in Fishing Communities in Uganda

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph17072401 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 17 (7) ◽

pp. 2401 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Monica O. Kuteesa ◽

Helen A. Weiss ◽

Sarah Cook ◽

Janet Seeley ◽

Josephine N. Ssentongo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Alcohol Use ◽

Young People ◽

Drug Use ◽

Illicit Drugs ◽

Alcohol Misuse ◽

Illicit Drug ◽

Illicit Drug Use ◽

Older Age ◽

Fishing Communities ◽

Low Education

Background: We determined the prevalence of and risk factors for alcohol misuse and illicit drug use among young Ugandans in fishing communities, a recognised “key population” for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey among young people (15–24 years) in fishing communities in Koome, Uganda, in December 2017–July 2018. Using Audio-Assisted Self-Interviewing, we collected data on socio-demographic characteristics and alcohol use, including the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) and timeline follow-back calendar (TLFB). Blood samples were analysed for HIV, herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV2), and Phosphatidyl ethanol (PEth 16:0/18:1). Urine samples were analysed for illicit drugs. Results: Among 1281 participants (52.7% male, mean age 20 years), 659 (51.4%) reported ever drinking alcohol, 248 (19.4%) had 12-month-AUDIT ≥ 8, and 261 (20.5%) had whole-blood PEth 16:0/18:1 concentration ≥ 20 ng/mL, indicating significant consumption. In multivariable analyses, PEth 16:0/18:1 ≥ 20ng/mL, AUDIT ≥ 8 and binge drinking (≥6 standard drinks per drinking occasion in the previous month from TLFB) were all strongly associated with older age, low education, smoking, and HSV2. Illicit drug use prevalence was 5.2% and was associated with older age, low education, being single, and smoking. Conclusion: Levels of alcohol misuse were high among young people in fishing communities and associated with HSV2, a proxy for risky sexual behaviour. Alcohol and illicit drug harm reduction services and HIV prevention programs in Uganda should prioritise young fisherfolk.

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Effects of mental health and substance use disorder symptoms on the association between STDs and sexual identity: evidence from the 2017–2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health

Journal of Public Health ◽

10.1007/s10389-021-01683-y ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

David Adzrago ◽

Samuel H. Nyarko ◽

Nnenna Ananaba ◽

Christine Markham

Keyword(s):

Substance Use ◽

Alcohol Use ◽

Drug Use ◽

Depressive Episode ◽

Major Depressive Episode ◽

Illicit Drug ◽

Marijuana Use ◽

Illicit Drug Use ◽

Major Depressive ◽

And Gender

Abstract Background Sexually transmitted disease (STD) cases are rising in the USA, especially among sexual and gender minorities, despite the availability of numerous STD prevention programs. We examined the differences in STD prevalence among sexual and gender minority subgroups with major depressive episode symptoms and substance use dependence. Methods We combined 2017, 2018, and 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) public-use data on adults (N = 127,584) to conduct weighted multivariable logistic regression and margins analyses. Results Approximately 2.05% of the population reported having STDs. The population that had major depressive episode symptoms (AOR = 1.70, 95% CI = 1.46, 1.99), alcohol use dependence (AOR = 1.79, 95% CI = 1.49, 2.16), illicit drug use other than marijuana use dependence (AOR = 2.25, 95% CI = 1.73, 2.92), or marijuana use dependence (AOR = 1.90, 95% CI = 1.57, 2.31) had higher odds of contracting STDs compared to their counterparts. Lesbian/gay (AOR = 2.81, 95% CI = 2.24, 3.54) and bisexual (AOR = 1.95, 95% CI = 1.60, 2.37) individuals had higher odds of contracting STDs. Lesbians/gays with major depressive episode symptoms, alcohol use dependence, or illicit drug use other than marijuana use dependence had the highest probability of having STDs, compared to bisexuals and heterosexuals with major depressive episode symptoms, alcohol use, or illicit drug use other than marijuana use dependence. Bisexuals with marijuana use dependence had the highest probability of STD contraction compared to their lesbian/gay and heterosexual counterparts. Within each sexual identity subgroup, the probability of having STDs was higher for individuals with major depressive episode symptoms, or dependence on alcohol use, illicit drug use other than marijuana use, or marijuana use compared to their counterparts. Conclusion Major depressive episode symptoms, substance use dependence, and sexual and gender minority status had higher risks for STD diagnosis, particularly for sexual and gender minorities with major depressive episode symptoms or substance use dependence. Tailored interventions based on major depressive episode symptoms and substance use dependence may reduce the prevalence of STD, especially among sexual and gender minorities.

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Intentions to Use Violence Among Young Adolescents

PEDIATRICS ◽

10.1542/peds.98.6.1104 ◽

1996 ◽

Vol 98 (6) ◽

pp. 1104-1108

Author(s):

Robert H. DuRant ◽

Frank Treiber ◽

Elizabeth Goodman ◽

Elizabeth R. Woods

Keyword(s):

Alcohol Use ◽

Drug Use ◽

Tobacco Use ◽

Church Attendance ◽

Violent Behavior ◽

Exposure To Violence ◽

Marijuana Use ◽

Previous Exposure ◽

Young Adolescents ◽

Cocaine Use

Objective. Frequent violent behavior among adolescents has been found to be associated with previous exposure to violence, personal victimization, depression, hopelessness, and older age. Although young adolescents engage in less severe violent behavior than older adolescents, their perceived normative expectations to use violence to resolve conflicts may already be established by early adolescence. This study examined the influence of exposure to violence, depression, church attendance, multiple drug use, and demographic variables on young adolescents' intentions to use violence to resolve conflict. Methods. Young adolescents (N = 225, males = 49.4%, black = 88.7%, mean age = 12.9 ± 1 years) in two middle schools serving low-income and working-class communities were administered a previously tested anonymous questionnaire. They were also asked how they would resolve conflict in 15 different hypothetical situations. Each situation had 10 possible responses ranging from humor or avoidance to severe violence (eg, use of a gun). The Intentions to Use Violence in Hypothetical Situations Scale had a high internal reliability (α = .88) and was correlated (r = .46) at the expected level for this age group with a standardized use of violence and weapon-carrying scale. Results. The Intentions to Use Violence in Hypothetical Situations Scale was significantly correlated with age (r = .17), school grade (r = .14), lower church attendance (r = -.23), frequency of smoking (r = .24), alcohol use (r = .37), marijuana use (r = .36), crack cocaine use (r = .14), smokeless tobacco use (r = .20), injecting drug use (r = .16), depression (r = .12), and exposure to violence (r = .48). Based on multiple regression analysis, exposure to violence, marijuana use, frequency of church attendance, alcohol use, cocaine use, and tobacco use accounted for 36.6% of the variation in the Intentions to Use Violence in Hypothetical Situations Scale. Conclusion. Although the intention to use violence was associated with previous exposure to violence and current drug use, adolescents who attended religious services more often were less likely to report that they would use violence to resolve interpersonal conflict.

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Religion and Drug Use

Journal of Drug Education ◽

10.2190/gq2x-t16m-a2wr-eabl ◽

1992 ◽

Vol 22 (1) ◽

pp. 1-8 ◽

Cited By ~ 15

Author(s):

Ricky D. Hawks ◽

Stephen H. Bahr

Keyword(s):

Theoretical Model ◽

Alcohol Use ◽

Drug Use ◽

Secondary Analysis ◽

Marijuana Use ◽

Lower Percentage ◽

Significant Difference

This study is a secondary analysis of data gathered under the sponsorship of the Utah State Division of Alcoholism and Drugs in 1989. The researchers concluded that there is a difference in frequency of alcohol use, source of alcohol, and age of first alcohol use among LDS, Other Religions and No Religion subgroups. There is no significant difference found among the various religious subgroups for age of first marijuana use of quantity of alcohol use. For all religions except Jews, a lower percentage of Utahns used alcohol than their national counterparts. A theoretical model for LDS Drug use is presented.

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