Study: Heavy Marijuana Users Face Tough Withdrawal
Research by a group of scientists studying the effects of heavy marijuana use suggests that withdrawal from the use of marijuana is similar to what is experienced by people when they quit smoking cigarettes. Abstinence from each of these drugs appears to cause several common symptoms, such as irritability, anger and trouble sleeping - based on self reporting in a recent study of 12 heavy users of both marijuana and cigarettes. read more >> 

Authorities Make String of Underage Drinking Arrests from Facebook Photos
A group of suburban teenagers has been arrested for underage drinking, and authorities say they learned about the incident through the Web site Facebook. Nineteen students were identified in the photos. Eleven of them were student athletes and will be suspended from 20 percent of their seasons. read more >> 

Teens Get A Bad Rap
Millions of American teens are ringing in the new year as responsible, confident, successful and contributing members of their communities according to Teens Today research from Students Against Destructive Decisions. Indeed, adolescents seem to be less self-absorbed and more other-oriented than they are given credit for. read more >> 

Teen drinking, anger a bad mix
High school seniors who drink alcohol to cope with anger or other problems already show a risky pattern of alcohol use that could continue later in life, a study reports. 18% of teens said they drank for multiple reasons, including an inability to deal with frustration or anger. This group did show problematic behavior around alcohol. "There are a number of kids who start using alcohol early and use alcohol to deal with psychological problems," Sloboda says. But these same kids might stop risky drinking habits or stop drinking altogether if taught more effective ways to handle frustrations, she says. read more >> 

Teen Speaks with President about Drug-Use Prevention
Mallory Hamilton, a Liberty High School junior was one of just 12 drug-abuse prevention advocates chosen nationwide to speak with President George W. Bush in a roundtable discussion Dec. 10 about the dangers of teen drinking. “To get to tell my story to the president was really awesome,” Hamilton said. read more >> 

Sequoyah High’s Success Energizes Tribe
If not for basketball, Angel Goodrich and her school, Sequoyah High, would be as easy to overlook. A Kansas-bound senior with a quiet demeanor and quicksilver moves, Goodrich is the first Division I athletic scholarship recipient in school history. Goodrich’s individual acclaim, far from inducing envy or awe, has nudged those around her to aim higher. read more >> 

Drugs as big a problem as drinks for drivers, prevention groups say
Drugged driving is a common problem among young people. According to a 2006 National Institute on Drug Abuse survey, about 9.5 million people 12 and older drove under the influence of illicit drugs. People think about driving while under the influence of alcohol, but sometimes don't give a second thought to driving after using drugs. The Institute on Drug Abuse reported vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death for people ages 15 to 20. In the study conducted in Maryland, 13.5 percent of adolescent drivers reported driving under the influence of marijuana on three or more occasions. read more >> 

Teens and Addiction
Recent studies show the earlier a child begins using alcohol and drugs, the more likely he or she is to become addicted. The reason is their brains, says Sue Rusche, president and chief executive officer of National Families in Action, a drug prevention organization. “One of the last parts of the brain to mature is the ‘on second thought maybe that isn’t such a good idea,’ part.” Dr. Ringwalt says prevention programs are key, and targeting late elementary and middle school students is crucial. read more >> 

Driver in fatal crash used marijuana, prosecutors say
A Crystal Lake man tested positive for marijuana shortly after he hit a tree in a crash that fatally injured four passengers near Hampshire last month, prosecutors said Thursday. read more >> 

19-Year-Old Could Face Eight Years for Death of Child
A recent high-school graduate could face up to eight years in prison for the death of an 11-year-old bicyclist he struck with his car Friday. Bryan P. Decker, 19, of Terre Haute was in court Wednesday, along with his parents and his attorney, Bob Wright, where he learned that he is charged with one count of operating a vehicle with a schedule I or II controlled substance, specifically marijuana, in his blood, causing death, a class-C felony. read more >> 

Addict's story confronts teens at meth summit
The teens saw a clean and sober version of Cook and pictures on a large screen of a happy, active childhood. Then, they saw the detached, ashen-faced mug shots of a meth addict. read more >> 

High rates of teen drug abuse found in affluent areas
Richer areas, more than poorer ones, often see teen alcohol and drug use at higher levels. read more >> 

Long-Term Marijuana Use May Impair Lung Function
People who smoke marijuana for a long time face many of the same kinds of respiratory problems -- such as phlegm, coughing and wheezing -- as long-term cigarette smokers read more >> 

Powerful but Legal, Hallucinogenic Under Scrutiny
A little-known hallucinogenic leaf that is legal in most of the USA is the target of new calls for a ban after the suicide of a teenager who smoked it. Salvia, a relative of flowering sages enjoyed by many gardeners, is the most powerful natural hallucinogen known — almost as strong as LSD, experts say. read more >> 

Studies Link Psychosis, Teenage Marijuana Use
Evidence is mounting that for some adolescents whose genes put them at added risk, heavy marijuana use could increase the chances of developing severe mental illness -- psychosis or schizophrenia. read more >> 

Marijuana Brain Study
New research shows that adolescents who are heavy pot smokers have visual changes on their brains--showing diminished development in key areas, which are important for higher level thinking. read more >> 

Substance Abuse Program Inspires
High school is a rough time, for a million different reasons. But if students have people to lean on and be inspired by, they just might go on to inspire someone else. read more >> 

Albany High School Tests Students For Alcohol
Every Albany High School student attending a school dance, game or other event will be subject to an alcohol test, no ifs, and or buts. read more >> 

In Vermont, Local Teenagers Ready to Speak Out
The Voices Project aims to be a major production musical featuring teens as cast members talking about tough issues like suicide, depression, peer pressure and drug addiction. read more >> 

Palm Beach County Coalition Helps Turn Kids Into Peer Educators
Teens in Florida participate in leadership and character building programs. read more >> 

Arizona Town Plans for Rink
Community raises funds to build a roller rink and teen center to help kids burn up their unchanneled energy. read more >> 

Skateboarders Spread Positive Message
With some jumps, skids and other tricks, members of Untitled Skateboards focus on living a positive lifestyle without drugs. read more >> 

Cayuga County, NY Teens Help Trouble Youths
New program offers teens a chance to change their addictive behaviors, criminal histories and poor choices. read more >> 

Student's Plea to Fight Drug Abuse
Leaving the young people in our community to make wrong decisions might kill them, but community action might save lives. read more >> 

Alarming Meth Addiction Numbers for Area Teens
Meth and prescription drugs are a new area of concern for treatment professionals who deal with juveniles. read more >> 

'Meth Mouth' Rises
The toxic, acidic ingredients that make up crystal methamphetamine cause a condition known as "meth mouth," characterized by rampant tooth decay, gum disease and cracks in teeth. read more >> 

Steps Toward More Drug Testing in Schools
A Massachusetts proposal giving schools the option to test students for drugs is intended to crack down on drugs in a state with one of the nation's highest rates of teen substance abuse. read more >> 

Teens and Drugs: Focus on Wyoming
Norm was desperate for help. But, he wouldn't seek it until he literally died on the table in the Tyler Hospital Emergency Room. read more >> 

Chris Farley Foundation Teaches Teens of Dangers of Drugs, Alcohol
Wisconsin teens in grades five through nine, parents and even grandparents attended the event aimed at teaching teens how to make the right choices when it comes to drugs, alcohol, tobacco and peer pressure. read more >> 

Teen Maze Brings Tough Issues to Life
Arizona - Southwest Valley teens have the chance today to test out the feelings of pregnancy and intoxication - all without any harm. The aim of the program is to help teens understand the consequences of risky choices. read more >> 

Teenagers Promote the Dangers of Drugs
Hawaii teenagers took part in the 2005 Teen Video Awards Contest by creating PSA ads that address the dangers of substance abuse and promote health and fitness. read more >> 

Grand Rapids Students Want to Take Action
News reporters ask the students how they would solve the drug problem in their schools. read more >> 

Study Shows Drug Use High Among Arrestees
The Escondido North County Times reports, a study of 344 juveniles arrested in San Diego in 2003 revealed that more than half tested positive for drug use. read more >> 

Toxic Strength
The headlines about illegal steroids have focused on professional and Olympic athletes. But the most vulnerable users may be teenagers who are risking frightful side-effects and even death. read more >> 

Sam’s Story: A Teen's Road from Meth
When Sam first tried crystal meth with her Walnut Creek high school friends last year, she was scared. But she liked it. She did it again… read more >> 

Teen Drinking
Binge drinking is blamed for the deaths of three college students around the country in the last three months. read more >> 

Marijuana more potent, harmful
The marijuana kids smoke today is not the same pot their parents or grandparents used at Woodstock. read more >> 

Woman Shares Experience After Surviving “Special K” Coma
A young woman with ties to Georgia is a living example of the dangers of ketamine. Imagine a life where a short walk with the family pet is a major accomplishment. read more >> 

Teen Pitfalls – Boredom, Stress, and Extra Money
The risk that teens will smoke, drink, get drunk and use illegal drugs increases sharply if they are highly stressed, frequently bored or have substantial amounts of spending money. read more >> 

Teens Get the Straight Dope; Drug Offenders Speak
As part of a new drug education effort, local officials and the Malden High School principal invited a convicted drug dealer to school -- to speak to the kind of kids he used to consider customers. read more >> 

Zero Tolerance for Teens
High school students interviewed across the country are saying the same thing: "They're making schools like prisons." read more >> 

Meth Myths, Meth Realities
On the evening of January 20, 1999, Sgt. Todd Hoffman of the Wright County Sheriff's Department had an unnerving experience: He thought his face was melting. read more >>