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Legal and Illegal Drug Abuse in Adolescents and Young Adults: Challenges, Comorbidities, Treatment and Use as Therapeutics

A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Mental Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (10 January 2022) | Viewed by 24677

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Styliani (Stella) Vlachou

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Neuropsychopharmacology Division, Behavioural Neuroscience Laboratory, School of Psychology, Faculty of Science and Health, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin 9, Ireland
Interests: interactions between drugs of abuse and brain reward systems; the endogenous cannabinoid system in behavior and reward; nicotine dependence and withdrawal, smoking cessation treatment, age and personality traits in substance use disorders, challenges of substance use disorders; nutrition and drugs; animal models of addiction and reward, animal models of sensorimotor disorders

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Adolescence and young adulthood represent periods of increased sensitivity to reward and risk taking, impulsive actions, and decision making. These differences in behaviour reflect a time of neurodevelopment when the prefrontal cortex in particular is still not fully developed.

High risk and impulsive behaviours include, among others, experimentation with drug use, including drinking, smoking and cannabis use, and can further expand to psychostimulant, opioid, and psychedelic drug use.

Numerous genetic, environmental, social, and other neuropsychiatric factors, such as related comorbidities, can come on the way and further influence engagement with drugs of abuse. On the other hand, at least in some of these cases, some of these legal or illegal drugs of abuse are used in a therapeutic manner to treat co-existing neuropsychiatric disorders or other health conditions.

While there is extensive literature on the above topics, this Special Issue will aim to bring together the latest knowledge and advances in this area of drug abuse and its triggering factors and comorbidities in adolescents and young adults. A wide range of topics will be included in this issue. This Special Issue in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health will focus on recent findings on “Legal and Illegal Drug Abuse in Adolescents and Young Adults: Challenges, Comorbidities, Treatment, and Use as Therapeutics” with the aim to further understand how drug experimentation with and abuse of different types of drugs, such as cannabis, alcohol, nicotine, and others, can be influenced by numerous factors and in turn influence the neurodevelopment, behaviour, social interactions, health, and ultimately the life of these young populations.

Dr. Styliani (Stella) Vlachou
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2500 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • addiction
  • drugs of abuse
  • substance use
  • drug dependence
  • cannabis, nicotine
  • alcohol, psychedelics
  • psychostimulants, opioids
  • electronic cigarettes
  • adolescence
  • young adulthood
  • impulsivity
  • reward
  • cognition
  • brain function
  • genetic and environmental factors
  • mental health and societal challenges
  • substance use treatment, medicinal use

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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16 pages, 1121 KiB  
Article
An Inquiry into the Relationship between Drug Users’ Psychological Situations and Their Drug-Taking Behaviour
by Gabriel Kwun Wa Lee, Gloria Chan, T. Wing Lo, Jerf W. K. Yeung, Cherry H. L. Tam and Xin Guan
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(23), 12730; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182312730 - 2 Dec 2021
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2356
Abstract
In view of the research gap whereby few studies have investigated the inner psychological situations underlying continuous drug use, this study used the Soulmate Scale to investigate the relationship between soulmate experience and drug-taking behaviour. Overall, 276 participants took part in this study. [...] Read more.
In view of the research gap whereby few studies have investigated the inner psychological situations underlying continuous drug use, this study used the Soulmate Scale to investigate the relationship between soulmate experience and drug-taking behaviour. Overall, 276 participants took part in this study. Results showed that soulmate experience was negatively related to drug-taking behaviour, which means that being psychologically attached to drugs and receiving comfort from them encourages dependency and a higher level of difficulty in quitting drugs. In addition, soulmate experience significantly mediated the effect of meaning of life and social isolation on drugs, suggesting that when such psychological bonding and sustenance can be developed in interpersonal relationships instead of drugs, drug users are likely to develop the meaning of life and a lower sense of social isolation, and are more likely to quit drugs. The corresponding implications were discussed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Legal and Illegal Drug Abuse in Adolescents and Young Adults: Challenges, Comorbidities, Treatment and Use as Therapeutics)
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16 pages, 379 KiB  
Article
Alcohol Use Disorders among Slovak and Czech University Students: A Closer Look at Tobacco Use, Cannabis Use and Socio-Demographic Characteristics
by Beata Gavurova, Viera Ivankova and Martin Rigelsky
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(21), 11565; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182111565 - 3 Nov 2021
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2971
Abstract
The main objective of the research was to examine the associations between problematic alcohol use, tobacco use and cannabis use among Czech and Slovak university students during the early COVID-19 pandemic. The research sample consisted of 1422 participants from the Czech Republic (CZ) [...] Read more.
The main objective of the research was to examine the associations between problematic alcohol use, tobacco use and cannabis use among Czech and Slovak university students during the early COVID-19 pandemic. The research sample consisted of 1422 participants from the Czech Republic (CZ) and 1677 from the Slovak Republic (SK). The analyses included university students who drank alcohol in the past year (CZ: 1323 (93%); SK: 1526 (91%)). Regarding the analysed measures, the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) and its subscales, the Glover-Nilsson Smoking Behavioral Questionnaire (GN-SBQ) and the Cannabis Abuse Screening Test (CAST) were selected to identify substance-related behaviour. Age, gender and residence were included in the analyses as socio-demographic variables. Correlation and regression analyses were used to achieve the main objective of the research. The main results revealed that the use of tobacco and cannabis were positively associated with alcohol use disorders among Czech and Slovak university students. Additionally, males were more likely to report alcohol use disorders. In the Czech Republic, it was found that students living in dormitories were characterized by a lower AUDIT score. The opposite situation was found in the Slovak Republic. Czech and Slovak policy-makers are encouraged to develop alcohol use prevention programs for university students in line with these findings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Legal and Illegal Drug Abuse in Adolescents and Young Adults: Challenges, Comorbidities, Treatment and Use as Therapeutics)
12 pages, 531 KiB  
Article
Relationship of Binge Drinking with Impairments Affecting Memory and Executive Function among University Students: A Cross-Sectional Study in Northern Spain
by Manuel Herrero-Montes, Cristina Alonso-Blanco, María Paz-Zulueta, Amada Pellico-López, Laura Ruiz-Azcona, Carmen Sarabia-Cobo, Ester Boixadera-Planas and Paula Parás-Bravo
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(21), 11508; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182111508 - 1 Nov 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2229
Abstract
Binge drinking (BD) is a common practice among college students. Alcohol consumption may affect brain structures that continue to develop in early adulthood. The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship of BD with impairments affecting memory and executive function among [...] Read more.
Binge drinking (BD) is a common practice among college students. Alcohol consumption may affect brain structures that continue to develop in early adulthood. The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship of BD with impairments affecting memory and executive function among university students. A cross-sectional study was conducted among students (aged 18–30 years) enrolled for the academic year 2018–2019 at the Faculty of Nursing of the University of Cantabria (Spain). Data collection included sociodemographic and academic information, together with alcohol and drug use information, collected by means of a semi-structured questionnaire. A battery of validated tests was used to gather neuropsychological variables. A total of 142 participants were included, of which 88.03% were women. Up to 38.03% were classified as BD. No differences were found in memory tests. Regarding executive function, better performance in the Stroop Color and Word Test was observed in non-BD but the results were not statistically significant. In conclusion, no relationship was found between memory and executive function and BD, although better performance in executive function, specifically inhibitory control, was observed in non-BD. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Legal and Illegal Drug Abuse in Adolescents and Young Adults: Challenges, Comorbidities, Treatment and Use as Therapeutics)
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17 pages, 319 KiB  
Article
Problematic Use of Nitrous Oxide by Young Moroccan–Dutch Adults
by Ton Nabben, Jelmer Weijs and Jan van Amsterdam
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(11), 5574; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18115574 - 23 May 2021
Cited by 25 | Viewed by 4715
Abstract
The recreational use of nitrous oxide (N2O; laughing gas) has largely expanded in recent years. Although incidental use of nitrous oxide hardly causes any health damage, problematic or heavy use of nitrous oxide can lead to serious adverse effects. Amsterdam care centres noticed [...] Read more.
The recreational use of nitrous oxide (N2O; laughing gas) has largely expanded in recent years. Although incidental use of nitrous oxide hardly causes any health damage, problematic or heavy use of nitrous oxide can lead to serious adverse effects. Amsterdam care centres noticed that Moroccan–Dutch young adults reported neurological symptoms, including severe paralysis, as a result of problematic nitrous oxide use. In this qualitative exploratory study, thirteen young adult Moroccan–Dutch excessive nitrous oxide users were interviewed. The determinants of problematic nitrous oxide use in this ethnic group are discussed, including their low treatment demand with respect to nitrous oxide abuse related medical–psychological problems. Motives for using nitrous oxide are to relieve boredom, to seek out relaxation with friends and to suppress psychosocial stress and negative thoughts. Other motives are depression, discrimination and conflict with friends or parents. The taboo culture surrounding substance use—mistrust, shame and macho culture—frustrates timely medical/psychological treatment of Moroccan–Dutch problematic nitrous oxide users. It is recommended to use influencers in media campaigns with the aim to decrease the risks of heavy nitrous oxide use and improve treatment access. Outreach youth workers can also play an important role in motivating socially isolated users to seek medical and or psychological help. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Legal and Illegal Drug Abuse in Adolescents and Young Adults: Challenges, Comorbidities, Treatment and Use as Therapeutics)

Review

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24 pages, 1337 KiB  
Review
Efficacy of Phytocannabinoids in Epilepsy Treatment: Novel Approaches and Recent Advances
by Aaron M. Farrelly, Styliani Vlachou and Konstantinos Grintzalis
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(8), 3993; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18083993 - 10 Apr 2021
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 10774
Abstract
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder mainly characterised by recurrent seizures that affect the entire population diagnosed with the condition. Currently, there is no cure for the disease and a significant proportion of patients have been deemed to have treatment-resistant epilepsy (TRE). A patient [...] Read more.
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder mainly characterised by recurrent seizures that affect the entire population diagnosed with the condition. Currently, there is no cure for the disease and a significant proportion of patients have been deemed to have treatment-resistant epilepsy (TRE). A patient is deemed to have TRE if two or more antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) fail to bring about seizure remission. This inefficacy of traditional AEDs, coupled with their undesirable side effect profile, has led to researchers considering alternative forms of treatment. Phytocannabinoids have long served as therapeutics with delta-9-THC (Δ9-THC) receiving extensive focus to determine its therapeutic potential. This focus on Δ9-THC has been to the detriment of analysing the plethora of other phytocannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. The overall aim of this review is to explore other novel phytocannabinoids and their place in epilepsy treatment. The current review intends to achieve this aim via an exploration of the molecular targets underlying the anticonvulsant capabilities of cannabidiol (CBD), cannabidavarin (CBDV), delta-9-tetrahydrocannabivarin (Δ9-THCV) and cannabigerol (CBG). Further, this review will provide an exploration of current pre-clinical and clinical data as it relates to the aforementioned phytocannabinoids and the treatment of epilepsy symptoms. With specific reference to epilepsy in young adult and adolescent populations, the exploration of CBD, CBDV, Δ9-THCV and CBG in both preclinical and clinical environments can guide future research and aid in the further understanding of the role of phytocannabinoids in epilepsy treatment. Currently, much more research is warranted in this area to be conclusive. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Legal and Illegal Drug Abuse in Adolescents and Young Adults: Challenges, Comorbidities, Treatment and Use as Therapeutics)
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