Cannabis, Suicide, and Teens

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If a teenager uses marijuana, are they more likely to have suicidal ideas? New research suggests that the two may be closely related, at least in teenagers. However, teens’ cannabis use may offer a warning sign when it comes to a teen’s mental health.

Marijuana and Suicide Among Teens

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, over 280,000 young adults ages 18-35 showed that using marijuana was linked to increased thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts, and follow-through. While the research isn’t thorough enough to establish a cause and effect of marijuana. However, it does emphasize the importance of mental health among teens. Teens with mental health disorders are more likely to try and use drugs. However, many drugs can exacerbate mental health disorders, increasing depression or anxiety, especially when a person is in withdrawal or ceasing use.

Even among teens who had not reported depressive feelings, the inclination …

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New AUD Treatment, AD04, Drug Targets Genotypes

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Adial Pharmaceuticals, Inc. has filed a Fast Track application with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its lead drug candidate, AD04. The drug is meant to target people with specific genes for whom other alcohol addiction therapies have failed. To take the drugs, a person must be diagnosed with alcohol use disorder.

Why Fast-Track AD04?

Several medication-assisted treatment options exist for alcoholics, but they are not considered to fail-proof or even useful for most people. They also carry a level of stigma that prevents doctors from prescribing them.

In America, treatment for alcohol use disorder often focuses on total abstinence, which many people with alcohol use disorder reject or, for whatever reason, are unable to achieve. While several drugs, including Topomax, have shown to be effective at preventing compulsive drinking, few treatment centers feel comfortable recommending a drug that allows people to continue drinking. (Other drugs make people …

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