Dalgarno Institute - Health Education Charity

Meth & Driving – An Angry Dangerous Mix? #DrugDriving Trait anger as a predictor of dangerous driving behaviour amongst people who use methamphetamine…“Methamphetamine is now the most common illicit substance detected among drivers injured or killed due to road trauma in Australia Drivers affected by (meth)amphetamine are five times more likely to be killed, and over 6-times more likely to be injured in a traffic crash; more than double the risk reported for common impairing drugs such as benzodiazepines Perhaps unsurprisingly, people who use methamphetamine are also overrepresented in road trauma incidents requiring emergency care. Amphetamine-intoxicated drivers are up to 19 times more likely to be deemed responsible (culpable) for a motor vehicle collision compared to non-drug users, and they are significantly more likely to die as a result Key Take-aways Methamphetamine is increasingly implicated in serious road-traffic incidents. Examining psychosocial factors may help identify predictors of dangerous driving behaviour. Licensed individuals who report predominant methamphetamine use were recruited. Trait Anger strongly and positively predicted dangerous driving behaviour in this cohort. Stable negative-emotional factors may increase harm through situational reactivity. (For complete research https://lnkd.in/gHD73xZs)

Happy Social Images and Booze are One of Big Alcohol’s Best Friends. Exposure to images of alcoholic beverages and social contexts on alcohol cravings, motivations, attitudes, approval, and behaviour - A cue reactivity experiment #alcoholawareness ·       Social drinking compared to beverage-only condition caused stronger alcohol cravings. ·       Visual cues depicting social drinking triggered alcohol-related outcomes. ·       Exposing people to alcoholic beverage cues can impact alcohol-related cravings and outcomes. (For more: https://lnkd.in/gQ_HitkR )

CBD Balances THC Out – Right? CBD does not temper THC’s effects on brain connectivity, may enhance disruption #cbd #cannabisculture and #BrainHealth In a recent study published in the journal Neuropsychopharmacology, researchers have found that cannabidiol (CBD) does not mitigate the disruptive effects of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) on brain connectivity. In fact, the study suggests that CBD might even exacerbate these effects in some cases. https://lnkd.in/g5A9S5jn

Terrifying New Synthetic Opioid Found in NYC: 100 Times Stronger Than Fentanyl ('Heads Up' - it'll find its way here) #opioidcrisis Overdose deaths linked to a synthetic opioid 100 times stronger than fentanyl have more than doubled in New York City, while a new lethal sedative has been detected for the first time in the city’s drug supply. These drugs, carfentanil and medetomidine, have created a significant public health crisis. https://lnkd.in/g6sK7add

The Hidden Environmental Dangers of Disposable Vape Pens #Vapes Rising Concerns Over Vaping and E-Cigarette Waste: While the health risks associated with vaping and e-cigarette use are widely known, the environmental and fire risks posed by disposable vape pens are often overlooked. https://lnkd.in/grZmzvNS) 

‘Meta’ Under Fire for Ads Promoting Illegal Drugs #preventdontpromote #DrugUse Meta Platforms is under scrutiny for running ads on Facebook and Instagram that direct users to online marketplaces for illegal drugs, including cocaine and prescription opioids. This practice has persisted despite the social media giant facing a federal investigation reported by The Wall Street Journal months ago. The company has continued to collect revenue from these ads, which clearly violate its policies against promoting the sale of illicit or recreational drugs. A review conducted by the Journal in July uncovered dozens of such ads, and an industry watchdog group found hundreds more over recent months. (source: https://lnkd.in/giUzDtxK )

The Battle Against Alcohol Lobbying in Policy Reform #alcoholawareness #bigalcohol #soberinspiration The suppression of evidence regarding alcohol’s harm in public policy, particularly in the context of gender-based violence prevention, has sparked significant concern. Caterina Giorgi, CEO of the Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education (FARE), provides a detailed account of the pervasive influence of alcohol companies and the systemic challenges faced in advocating for policy reform. This article delves into the intricate ways alcohol lobbyists manipulate policy decisions, the broad impacts on public health, and the urgent need for transparency and accountability. (For complete story https://lnkd.in/gPvcTzm3 )

New Studies Highlight Health Risks of Secondhand Marijuana Smoke #cannabisculture and its #secondhand impact Implications for Youth and Teenagers One significant concern is the impact of marijuana smoke at events where many young people are present. A separate study has shown troubling correlations regarding cannabis use among teens: • Increased Odds for Psychotic Episodes: Teens who use cannabis face 11 times higher odds of experiencing a psychotic episode compared to those who do not use the drug. • Uncertain Long-Term Effects: Karly Danos, a residential therapist at Lindner Center of Hope, highlighted that the study showed an association but not a direct cause and effect. The long-term impact of both direct and secondhand marijuana exposure on the teen brain remains uncertain. (for complete article https://lnkd.in/gfWb6SsT )

How Different Cannabis Compounds Affect Brain Connectivity in Adolescents and Adults #cannabisindustry and #cannabisculture not protecting #brainhealth A recent study published in Neuropsychopharmacology investigates the acute effects of different types of cannabis on resting-state brain networks in young adults and adolescents. The research focuses particularly on the impact of the two predominant phytocannabinoids in cannabis—Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD)—and their influence on brain connectivity. The study revealed significant reductions in within-network connectivity across several key brain networks when participants were under the influence of cannabis compared to placebo: https://lnkd.in/gkn6QHCn

Personal Factors in College Polysubstance Use Core #ResilienceBuilding factors have evaporated in recent decades as the 'short cut to cope' of substance use only further undermines #Resiliency www.worldresiliencyday.org College students engaging in polysubstance use face a myriad of personal factors influencing their behaviour. This alarming trend underscores the urgent need for robust preventive measures and stringent regulations. Legalising or normalising the use of multiple substances without considering these insights is a dangerously negligent approach. Psychological Drivers: The research identifies various psychological drivers that contribute to college students’ polysubstance use. Stress, anxiety, and peer pressure are significant factors pushing students towards the dangerous combination of multiple substances. Addressing these psychological issues with targeted interventions is essential to mitigate this risky behaviour. (more https://lnkd.in/gii3RVvu)