Underage Substance Use

blog

Responding to Russia, Sex Trafficking, Anti-Bias Education: RAND Weekly Recap

This weekly recap focuses on the false choice between responding to Russia or deterring China, how substance use and sex trafficking are connected, providing anti-bias education in U.S. schools, and more.

blog

Data Breaches, Marijuana, Turkey: RAND Weekly Recap

This weekly recap focuses on consumer reactions to data breaches, understanding teen marijuana use after legalization, why the United States can't rely on Turkey to defeat ISIS, and more.

commentary

Vaping May Have Its Place, Just Not With Teens

While e-cigarettes may be a “safer” option for adult smokers, they are not safe for young people. Teens who vape are significantly more likely to start smoking traditional cigarettes in the future.

Michael Stephen Dunbar, Elizabeth J. D'Amico

q&a

How Marijuana Ads Affect Youth: Q&A with Elizabeth D'Amico

RAND's Elizabeth D'Amico discusses her research on how medical marijuana advertising influences adolescents' use of—and positive attitudes toward—the drug. Los Angeles County used her findings to limit the placement of marijuana billboards and signage outside dispensaries.

commentary

Why Children Need to Be Shielded from Marijuana Ads

By design, advertising is aimed at persuading us to want something. In the case of marijuana, that something is definitely not good for teenagers.

Elizabeth J. D'Amico

commentary

Advertising and Teens in the Era of the 'Blackout Brownie'

Exposure to marijuana advertising may play a significant role in shaping teen attitudes about the drug, and contribute to increased marijuana use and related negative consequences throughout adolescence. Restrictions on marijuana advertising similar to those on alcohol and tobacco would likely help limit its exposure to teens.

Elizabeth J. D'Amico

commentary

Strategies to Help Young Adults Limit Negative Consequences of Marijuana Use

Young adults between the ages of 18 and 25 have been shown to be the most prevalent and problematic users of marijuana. There are proven strategies that people can use to help protect themselves from experiencing harmful effects.

Eric R. Pedersen @ericrpedersen

commentary

Evidence-Based Treatments May Be Casualties of War on Drugs

U.S. schools and community organizations face a difficult battle to keep kids safe and drug-free. They need tools to help them choose programs that will work best for youth. The National Registry of Evidence-based Programs and Practices is such a tool, but its future is uncertain.

Matthew Chinman, Joie D. Acosta

commentary

Anti-Drug Education: Time for a New Bumper Sticker

Effective drug prevention in America could start by helping school districts adopt programs that work. These evidence-based programs can teach children to make wise and responsible decisions about drugs, and they won't break the bank.

Matthew Chinman

commentary

What Your Kids Need to Know About Marijuana, Legalized or Not

If you are a parent, no matter how you feel about legalizing marijuana, you need to be prepared to talk about the drug with your kids.

Elizabeth J. D'Amico

commentary

Making Prevention a Priority

A bill legalizing marijuana for recreational purposes in Vermont has a strong possibility of passing. Lawmakers and communities should focus on putting in place drug prevention programs aimed at young people, considering that their marijuana use is higher in Vermont than the national average.

Matthew Chinman

essay

Fake Convenience Store, Real Implications for Youth Smoking

In a simulated convenience store, hiding the can't-miss display of tobacco products behind the cashier decreased kids' intention to smoke in the future.

commentary

Sniping: Homeless Youths' High-Risk Smoking Practice

Any intervention to help homeless youth quit smoking must also address 'sniping.' This high-risk activity involves scavenging cigarette butts and filters to make a 'new' cigarette.

Joan S. Tucker, William G. Shadel

commentary

The 10 Ps of Marijuana Legalization

Marijuana policy is a growing topic of discussion, and laws are starting to change. Ten choices confronting jurisdictions considering legalization cover many of the critical decisions that will determine whether removing prohibition is a good idea.

Beau Kilmer @BeauKilmer

commentary

What Works in Early Life to Prevent Tobacco and Alcohol Addiction?

Tobacco and alcohol addiction are widespread public health risks across the European Union. Both merit tackling at a young age. Evidence-based, early interventions are available that can be applied in small-scale settings to prevent underage alcohol and tobacco abuse.

Daniel Schweppenstedde

commentary

Dutch and UK Adolescents See More Alcohol Advertising on TV Than Adults

Adolescents in the UK and the Netherlands (but not in Germany) see more alcohol adverts on television, per hour of television watched, than adults. These differences result from the different viewing times, channels watched, and the placement of adverts.

Eleanor Winpenny

commentary

Legalising Cannabis Is More Than Just a Yes or No Decision

Any truly honest discussion about how to regulate cannabis markets must start with clear objectives and goals. How these markets are opened can be as important as the decision to legalise cannabis.

Rosalie Liccardo Pacula, Beau Kilmer @BeauKilmer

commentary

U.S. Needs to Improve Community-Based Drug, Alcohol Prevention

As familiar as Americans are with the problems of youth drug and alcohol abuse, we are not identifying all the potential solutions. While observers criticize overemphasis in U.S. policy on enforcement and scant resources devoted to treatment, the focus on these approaches often ignores a key piece of the puzzle: prevention.

Matthew Chinman, Joie D. Acosta, et al.

blog

Group Motivational Interviewing Can Help Teens Make Healthy Choices

Group motivational interviewing is a guided therapeutic approach that helps people think about their motivations for behavior and their commitment to change. It is an excellent fit for adolescents, because it engages them about their personal experiences while eliciting ideas about how they can change and make healthy choices.

Elizabeth J. D'Amico

blog

What Effect Does Media Have on Youth?

American youth live in an environment saturated with media. What effects does this have on their health and well-being?

commentary

Big Tobacco vs. Tobacco Regulation and Control: An Even Match?

Anti-tobacco policies that have clear scientific support will strengthen the FDA's regulatory position. While the evidence base is solid in this area, it needs to be much stronger and broader if the TCA is going to have any lasting success against the industry.

William G. Shadel

commentary

Getting To Outcomes: Improvement of Prevention Capacity Unveiled at a Summit of Maine Officials and Stakeholders

Community-based practitioners can improve their programs using Getting To Outcomes®, a toolkit, training, and onsite-support package which enhances their ability to prevent drug and alcohol use among youth.

Matthew Chinman, Joie D. Acosta, et al.

commentary

Teen Employment May Not Always Be a Boon for At-Risk Youth

For all teens, and especially those who have already experienced problems related to alcohol and drug use, it is essential to monitor the quality of work experiences and keep in mind that some work environments might increase risk for substance use.

Karen Chan Osilla, Sarah B. Hunter, et al.

blog

Webcast: Getting to Outcomes in Underage Drinking Prevention

In honor of National Underage Drinking Prevention Day, there will be a live, interactive webcast today (May 21) about successful approaches and resources to prevent underage drinking. The issue of underage drinking may sometimes be overshadowed by other forms of substance use, but it remains a steady and significant problem in the United States.