Suicide attempts among adolescent drug users

Article Abstract:

Suicide is the third leading cause of death in young adults between 15 and 24 years of age. The use of illicit drugs among adolescents has increased during the last two decades. A relationship has been observed between substance abuse and the risk of suicide, but the precise nature of this association is complex and not fully understood. An extensive questionnaire was given to 340 adolescent drug users; 298 responded. The survey included questions about family and behavioral history, suicidal behavior, and patterns of substance abuse. An abbreviated Beck Depression Inventory test was also administered to detect symptoms of depression. The results revealed that teenaged drug users were three times as likely to attempt suicide, compared with normal controls in the same age group and of the same sex. A strong association was observed between recent drug use and when a suicide attempt was made; 40 percent of these adolescents reported using drugs within eight hours of trying to take their life. Thirty percent of the respondents reported a previous suicide attempt; 23 percent of the families continued to keep firearms in the home after the child's suicidal episode. Some characteristics of adolescent drug users who may be at risk for suicide emerged from this survey: persistent feelings of depression, significant behavioral problems during childhood, prolonged perception of impaired self-concept, and serious problems in their parents, such as alcoholism or chronic depression. One very important factor that was implicated with the start of drug abuse and suicide attempts was chronic loneliness. Adolescent drug use is clearly a risk factor for suicidal behavior, but additional factors that differentiate those at increased risk need to be identified. The results of this study are useful as a basis for more specific research to recognize and treat adolescents who are at high risk for suicide. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Psychological aspects, Case studies, Risk factors, Suicide, Surveys, Drug abuse, Drugs and youth, Juvenile drug abuse

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Legalization of drugs of abuse and the pediatrician

Article Abstract:

Arguments in favor of the legalization of drugs of abuse are presented and evaluated. Several assumptions held by those who want to decriminalize these drugs can be called into question. Since pediatricians are likely to be asked their opinions concerning the matter, certain points must be considered. In general, arguments supporting legalization are made on the basis of civil libertarian, economic, or medical grounds. Legalization would not affect drugs' pharmacologic effects, but would have an impact on the groups currently most at risk from illegal drug use (youth, the poor, minority groups). Current indications are that drug use in the US is declining, and legalization might reverse these trends. The US and 114 other countries signed the United Nations Single Convention on National Drugs agreement, which makes narcotics, cocaine, and cannabis derivatives illegal. Arguments that prohibitionist laws are irrational or unenforceable are countered by the successful experience with such laws in Norway (alcohol), Japan, and Sweden (amphetamines in these countries). Those who advocate drug legalization do not have a unified position or program. Main points of contention relevant to drug legalization include the effects on drug trafficking; reductions in the number of people arrested for minor drug-related offenses; money saved in law-enforcement efforts; production of a huge tax revenue; reduction in drug-related medical complications; predicted lack of increase in the extent of drug use; and the societal adjustment that has been made to alcohol and tobacco. The author believes that drug legalization is a shortsighted legal solution cut to a very complex problem. Pediatricians should keep the arguments present in mind so that they can advise their patients appropriately. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Evaluation, Drugs, Laws, regulations and rules, Beliefs, opinions and attitudes, Narcotic laws, Pediatricians, editorial

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Short-term memory impairment in cannabis-dependent adolescents

Article Abstract:

Up to the early 1980s studies reported an inconsistent relationship between cannabis (marijuana) dependency and memory. Studies on short-term memory typically involved cannabis-dependent adults, usually in foreign countries. The strength of marijuana (concentration of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) available within the United States has been found to be increased by approximately 250 percent from the time of the original work on short-term memory effects. In this study 10 cannabis-dependent adolescents were compared to 17 similarly aged control teenagers. The characteristics of the young people included in the study were: 14 to 16 years of age, intelligence quotient (IQ) between 90 and 125, no history of learning disability, a history of alcohol intoxication less than once weekly, limited or no use of phencyclidine (angle dust), and no know neurologic impairment. A group of seven neuropsychologic tests were administered to all of the adolescents and repeated six weeks later. Compared with the control group, cannabis-dependent teenagers had a significant reduction in short-term memory. Abstention from the use of drugs for a period of six weeks resulted in some memory improvement in the cannabis-dependent group, but this was not statistically significant. Whether a longer period of abstention would result in greater recovery of short-term memory is unknown. The findings demonstrate a continuing effect of heavy marijuana use by adolescents on short-term memory. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Causes of, Physiological aspects, Brain, Cannabis, Hamamelidae, Memory, Disorders of, Memory disorders, Tetrahydrocannabinol

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