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Teenagers who smoke pot on a daily basis may be more susceptible to depression and anxiety in adulthood because of damage inflicted on their developing brains. This finding comes from a new study conducted by McGill University in Canada.

Scientists at the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre utilized adolescent and adult lab rats to conduct the study. The researchers found that after 20 days of exposure to cannabinoids (the active ingredient in marijuana), only the adolescent rats were negatively affected.

The adolescent rats exhibited a decrease in brain serotonin levels. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that is known to be involved in emotional perception and that has been linked to depression. In addition, the adolescent rats showed increased levels of norepinephrine, which plays a key role in the fight-or-flight response. Increased levels of this chemical could contribute to heightened anxiety.

Gabriella Gobbi, one of the study's co-authors, commented on the findings: "Just because marijuana is a plant doesn't mean that it is harmless. Our study demonstrated that the cannabinoid, when consumed daily, can induce a permanent change in the brain."

(Source: www.canada.com)

Labels: marijuana, depression, anxiety, pot

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Certain children with "anxious temperaments" are more likely to engage in teen substance abuse. Early detection and intervention of anxiety disorders among children may prevent later drug and alcohol use among adolescents and teenagers, according to a study from the University of Wisconsin.

"Children with anxious temperaments suffer from extreme shyness, persistent worry and increased bodily responses to stress," said Professor Ned Kalin, lead author.

"It has long been known that these children are at increased risk of developing anxiety, depression and associated substance abuse disorders," Kalin continued. "We believe that young children who have higher activity in (certain) brain regions are more likely to develop anxiety and depression as adolescents and adults, and are almost more likely to develop drug and alcohol problems in an attempt to treat their distress."

This study appears in the journal Nature.

Labels: substance use, anxiety, prevention

Posted By: Aspen Education Group 1 Comment