Source-www.news-medical.net
Recent research published in JAMA Network Open highlights concerning trends in the use of tobacco and cannabis among American teenagers. According to the 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), approximately 7.3% of teenagers reported using tobacco, while 6.4% reported using cannabis in the past 30 days. Of particular concern is the concurrent use of both substances, reported by 5.4% of individuals surveyed, which exceeds the rates of exclusive use of either substance. These figures do not fully capture newer forms of consumption, such as electronic cigarettes and vaporized cannabis, underscoring the need for updated data to inform public health efforts.
Insights from the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) Study
The study, part of the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) Study, involved nearly 46,000 participants, including a subset of adolescents aged 12 to 17. Data collected from 2013 to 2021 assessed mental health using the Global Appraisal of Individual Needs-Short Screener (GAIN-SS), focusing on internalizing issues like anxiety and depression, as well as externalizing behaviors such as impulsivity and aggression. Participants’ substance use patterns were categorized into non-use, tobacco-only, cannabis-only, and concurrent use, while accounting for factors like age, sex, race, parental education, and other substance use.
Findings and Implications of Tobacco and Cannabis Use
The study revealed that among the adolescents surveyed, 3.4% reported using both tobacco and cannabis in the past 30 days. This group reported the highest levels of both internalizing and externalizing problems compared to non-users and those who used only one substance. Specifically, 47.4% of concurrent users reported high levels of internalizing problems, compared to 22.4% among non-users. Similarly, 61.6% of concurrent users reported high levels of externalizing problems, compared to 30.4% among non-users.
After adjusting for various factors, the study found significantly increased odds of mental health problems among both tobacco-only and cannabis-only users, with concurrent users showing the highest risk. This group was nearly twice as likely to experience externalizing problems compared to those using either substance alone.
The findings underscore the critical need for integrated interventions that address both substance use and mental health issues among teenagers. As the prevalence of concurrent tobacco and cannabis use remains high and potentially exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic, targeted prevention and treatment strategies are essential to mitigate these risks effectively.
By shedding light on these complex interactions, the study aims to inform policymakers, healthcare providers, and educators in developing comprehensive approaches to support the mental well-being of adolescents while addressing substance use challenges.
Related: Study Shows Similar DNA Changes in Cheek Cells of E-Cigarette Users and Smokers
