translated from Spanish: Marijuana could intensify the risks of drinking alcohol

People who simultaneously use alcohol and marijuana report higher levels of sensation-seeking behaviors (or finding sensations, which consists of seeking novel or stimulating experiences possibly taking physical, social, financial) and sociability than those who only drink alcohol. In addition, marijuana and alcohol together are associated with a higher frequency of use. A Pennsylvania State University study found that compared to people who only drank alcohol, those who consumed alcohol and marijuana simultaneously were more likely to drink more and more often. The researchers also cautioned that prevention and intervention programs should take into account not only alcohol, but also whether people use additional substances. The study included 1,017 participants aged between 18 and 25, who provided information on how often they consumed alcohol, marijuana, and the two substances simultaneously. They also conducted questionnaires that measured their experiences with alcohol-related problems, whether they had a sensation-seeking personality, and how they perceived their friends’ drinking habits. They concluded that in relation to people who only consume alcohol, those who consume alcohol and marijuana simultaneously have a much higher risk of overconsumption, frequent and problematic and highlighted the need for prevention efforts and intervention that addressthe joint use of these drugs. Because yes: even if it’s legal, alcohol is also a drug. Consumption in Argentina
In Argentina, the cultivation and possession of marijuana – whether for recreational or medicinal purposes – is penalized with 4 to 15 years in prison. However, this policy does not discourage the practice: according to the report of the Argentine Drug Observatory of SEDRONAR (Secretariat of Integral Drug Policies of the Argentine Nation) marijuana is the most commonly used illicit drug in the country. Between 2010 and 2017, consumption grew in all age groups, both in males and females. Males and young people between the ages of 18 and 24 have the highest rates of consumption. Regarding alcohol, this report (2017) showed that 81% of people had an alcoholic beverage in their lifetime and some 2,299,598 people started drinking that year, of which about 320,000 are tweens and adolescents. Current alcohol consumption is present in 53% of the population, and to a greater extent in males. Among the ages of 18 and 24, the highest rate of 62% is observed and among adolescents, the lowest, 34.7%. Current public policies focus more on substances themselves than on people, but it is important to address the drug problem with a public health approach and on the basis of scientific evidence. If you or a family member, friend or acquaintance is experiencing a problem-based consumption situation, SEDRONAR provides you with personalized care, containment and advice for free. To find out more, come in here. In this note:
Drugs
alcohol
marihuana
Sedronar

Original source in Spanish