NCJ Number
201814
Date Published
2003
Length
64 pages
Annotation
This issue of "NIDA (National Institute on Drug Abuse) Notes" presents 32 articles on NIDA-sponsored research presented in previous issues of "NIDA Notes" (January/February 1995 to January 2003).
Abstract
Research reported in the January/February 1995 issue indicates that early childhood behavior and temperament predict later substance use; a survey in the same issue provides the first national data on drug use during pregnancy. The November/December 1995 issue contains a report that marijuana antagonist shows evidence of THC dependence in rats; and the January/February 1996 issue presents research which indicates marijuana impairs driving-related skills and workplace performance. Issues in 1996 and 1997 report that cognitive impairments linger in heavy marijuana users, and the smoking of any substance raises the risk of lung infections. Other articles in 1997 pertain to promising advances in understanding the genetic roots of addiction, new NIDA drug abuse education materials for middle school students, and the need for research to determine the medical potential of marijuana. Issues in 1999 contain articles on the following: the NIDA Science Education Campaign for Middle Schoolers; tracking trends in teen drug abuse over the years; research revelations of long-term and developmental impacts of drug abuse; ethnic identification and cultural ties can help prevent drug use; student perceptions of risk linked to marijuana use; and twin studies that help define the role of genes in vulnerability to drug abuse. Articles from 2000 issues pertain to the influence of marijuana on early pregnancy, withdrawal for long-term marijuana users, and gender differences in drug abuse traced to opportunities. Articles in 2001 issues report that adding vouchers to behavioral therapies improves marijuana treatment outcomes and that television public service announcements decrease marijuana use in targeted teens. Seven articles are presented from 2002 issues. These studies report that marijuana smokers experience significant withdrawal symptoms; a cannabinoid antagonist reduces marijuana's effects in humans; shortened family prevention programs produce long-lasting reductions in adolescent drug abuse; chronic marijuana abuse may increase the risk of stroke; cognitive deficits associated with heavy marijuana use appear to be reversible; and adolescent treatment programs reduce drug abuse and produce other improvements. The one article from the January 2003 issue reports that teen drug use declined in 2002.