Cocaine and marijuana use by medical students before and during medical school

Article Abstract:

In 1987, 300 second- and third-year medical students were sent a survey concerning alcohol and drug habits, and 263 students completed the anonymous questionnaire. The prevalence of tobacco use decreased from 11 percent before medical school to 4 percent during medical school. The incidence of smoking marijuana 10 times or more decreased from 21 percent before medical school to 9 percent during medical school. The percentage of students who smoked marijuana daily in high school or college was 6 percent, but only 1 percent in medical school. The prevalence of cocaine use was unchanged at 17 percent before and during medical school. Five percent of students reported that they used cocaine frequently or more than 10 times during medical school. Frequent cocaine use was associated with excessive alcohol intake, tobacco dependence, frequent marijuana use, and drug-related medical and behavioral problems. Less than 25 percent of medical schools have policies to identify drug-impaired students, and only 12 percent of medical schools have programs to treat impaired students. It is recommended that medical schools develop programs to identify alcohol- and drug-abuse problems in medical school candidates and students. Treatment of these problems in medical school students is encouraged. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Care and treatment, Diagnosis, Medical students, Surveys, Substance abuse, Cocaine abuse, Substance abuse treatment, Medical college applicants, Medical school applicants

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Beach Week

Article Abstract:

Drinking, smoking, and sex are common components of Beach Week festivities by adolescent girls. Beach Week is a common post-graduation event among high-school-aged teenagers on the East Coast. Researchers surveyed 59 girls after they spent time in a resort town for Beach Week. Although only 23% of girls were regular smokers, 54% smoked daily during Beach Week. Three-fourths of girls were drunk every day, and half had sex during their trip. Most sexual encounters were with steady boyfriends, but most girls were drunk during their sexual encounter.

United States, Demographic aspects, Teenage girls, Sexual behavior surveys

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Medicinal applications of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol and marijuana

Article Abstract:

Some forms of marijuana appear to have medical value but not necessarily its most basic form. Studies published between 1975 and 1996 on the benefits of smokable marijuana and one active compound in marijuana called delta-9-tetrahydrocannibinol (THC) are highlighted. Some patients with cancer or AIDS experiencing nausea or loss of appetite appear to benefit from treatment with THC. Studies do not support the necessity of prescribing smokable marijuana due to the availability of pure THC and alternative medications.

Health aspects, Evaluation, Dosage and administration, Medical marijuana, Medicinal plants, Medicine, Herbal, Herbal medicine

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