Addiction/Substance abuse News

More booze for sporty teens

Think that getting high school students involved in team sports will help keep them away from drugs, alcohol and other unhealthy behaviours?

Binge drinking damages brain

Nearly half of students at four-year colleges do it regularly (and, it's not sex). Rather, it's binge drinking -- downing five or more alcoholic drinks at a sitting.

Gene link to church and drink

Churchgoers have been found to have lower rates of drinking and smoking than those who spend their Sundays elsewhere.

Smoking crack linked to HIV

Smoking crack cocaine daily adds to the risk of spreading HIV, a Canadian study published on Monday says, although researchers acknowledge they are not sure about the exact link.

4% of adults smoke pot

Nearly 4% of adults worldwide use marijuana, say Australian researchers who analysed data from the United Nations' office on drugs and crime.

Binge drinking ups infection risk

As if a bad hangover wasn't enough of a deterrent, new research has shown how binge drinking weakens the body's ability to fight off infection for at least 24 hours afterwards.

Actor hopes drug fight will inspire

Actor Burt Reynolds has gone public with his battle against an addiction to painkillers, hoping his story will help others in a similar situation.

Drinking doubles car crash risk

Research now suggests that having as little as a drink or two within six hours before getting behind the wheel of a car increases the risk of being involved in an accident.

Ban alcohol ads, say doctors

In a move that will give courage to South African campaigners, British doctors have called for a ban on alcohol advertisements, to challenge the dangerous drinking culture.

Daily drink ups risk for cancer

Men who drink beer or liquor on a regular basis may face a heightened risk of several different types of cancer, a new study suggests.