Lead Story: Marijuana and hallucinogen use among young adults reached all time-high in 2021

Lead Story: Marijuana and hallucinogen use among young adults reached all time-high in 2021

Substance use among young adults has reached worrying levels, with marijuana and hallucinogen use hitting record highs in 2021. This episode of ASAM's 'This Week in Addiction Medicine' dives into the latest findings from the Monitoring the Future study, which has been tracking substance use behaviors and attitudes since 1975. The data reveals that not only have marijuana and hallucinogen use surged, but nicotine vaping and binge drinking have also seen significant increases.

Alcohol remains the most commonly used substance, with binge drinking rebounding from its low during the early COVID-19 pandemic to new heights. But that's not all. The episode also covers groundbreaking research on psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy as a potential treatment for alcohol use disorder. Imagine a world where a psychedelic trip could help curb alcohol addiction - that's what this study suggests.

Additionally, the podcast explores how fatal overdose notification letters might influence benzodiazepine prescriptions, offering a fresh perspective on managing medication risks. Listeners will also learn about patient characteristics linked to opioid abstinence, the different ways the brain absorbs nicotine from electronic versus combustible cigarettes, and the standards of care for hospital patients with substance use disorders.

A particularly intriguing segment discusses an inhibitory brainstem input to dopamine neurons that encodes nicotine aversion, shedding light on why some people find it easier to quit smoking than others. Whether you're a healthcare professional, a student, or someone affected by addiction, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge and insights. Tune in for a comprehensive look at the latest research and developments in addiction medicine.