Behavior Health and Wellness Blog

Substance Abuse Prevention

Smoking, Pregnancy, and Babies

Smoking is widely known to cause cancer and other severe health issues, and smoking during pregnancy can lead to serious complications such as premature birth, birth defects, or even sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Exposure to cigarette smoke can also harm both the mother and baby. While quitting before pregnancy is ideal, stopping at any stage can still greatly reduce health risks. A previous healthy pregnancy despite smoking does not

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Marijuana addiction increases risk for premature death, Canadian study finds

A new Canadian study published in JAMA Network Open highlights a troubling connection between cannabis use disorder and an elevated risk of premature death within five years. With marijuana use rising globally and daily consumption surpassing alcohol in Canada and the U.S., researchers stress the need to recognize cannabis use disorder as a significant public health issue. Dr. Daniel Myran, the study’s lead author and Canada Research Chair of Social

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How marijuana impacts pain, sleep, anxiety and more, according to the latest science

Are you turning to marijuana to manage anxiety, pain, muscle spasms, pregnancy-related nausea, sleep issues, or other challenges? You might be surprised to learn that a comprehensive review of over 100 clinical trials and meta-analyses reveals limited high-quality evidence supporting its effectiveness for these purposes. While marijuana is often perceived as a remedy for various physical and mental health challenges, the evidence reveals significant risks, particularly for mental health, pregnancy,

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Cannabis and mental health

In the 1990s, cannabis use among young people saw a significant rise, becoming more common than tobacco smoking in some countries. Several factors may contribute to this shift, including the drug’s ready availability, growing social disapproval of cigarette smoking, stricter drink-driving laws, and perceptions that cannabis is safer or less harmful than cigarettes or alcohol. This trend raises concerns, as cannabis use is linked to being a potential gateway to

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