Author Archives: Join Together Staff

Starting to Drink at Younger Age Linked With Heavier Drinking Later in Life

The earlier a person starts drinking, the greater the chance he or she will consume more alcohol later in life, according to a new study of humans and rats. People who start drinking during puberty consume more alcohol later in life than those who start drinking later. …

Report by OAS Calls for Discussion on Legalizing Marijuana

A report released by the Organization of American States calls for a discussion on legalizing or decriminalizing marijuana, the Associated Press reports. …

Kentucky Tackles Problem of Babies Born to Drug-Dependent Mothers

Health experts gathered this week in Kentucky to discuss how to deal with the problem of babies born to drug-dependent mothers, according to The Courier-Journal. Hospitalizations for newborns in the state with neonatal abstinence syndrome climbed from 29 in 2000, to 730 in 2011. …

State Legislators Grapple With How to Implement Marijuana DUI Rules

Lawmakers in Washington state, where recreational marijuana use is now legal, are trying to determine how police officers can identify drivers impaired by marijuana use, The Wall Street Journal reports. …

College Binge Drinking More Likely Among Female Students Than Males

Female college students are more likely than their male peers to drink more alcohol than is recommended by government guidelines, Harvard University researchers have found. …

Heavy Drinkers Who Smoke May Have More Problems With Memory

People who drink heavily and smoke may have more signs of early aging of the brain, including problems with memory, quick thinking and problem solving, compared with heavy drinkers who are nonsmokers. …

Parents, Schools Try to Attract Students to Alcohol-Free After-Prom Events

Schools, parents and civic organizations around the country are trying to attract high school students to alcohol-free supervised events after their prom, Reuters reports. Some are offering expensive door prizes including iPads and even cars. …

81% of U.S. Adults Have Smoke-Free Rules at Home: CDC

Eighty-one percent of American adults have smoke-free rules in their homes, and 74 percent ban smoking in their cars, according to a new report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. …

Addiction to Drugs, Alcohol, Tobacco Most Common Mental Health Problem in Teens

Addiction to drugs, alcohol and tobacco are the most common mental health problems in teenagers, a new government report concludes. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is the most commonly diagnosed problem overall in youth ages 3 to 17. …