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New Decade: “New” Devices for “Old” Drugs

  • Adolescent Medicine (M Goldstein, Section Editor)
  • Published:
Current Pediatrics Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of Review

One of the biggest changes in the past few years concerning adolescent substance use is not a new substance but a new way to deliver existing ones. This article reviews e-cigarettes and how they are changing the use and abuse of nicotine and THC and discusses the latest knowledge of the effects of these substances upon adolescents. Concurrent trends in the increased potency and legality of marijuana in the USA are discussed as well as suggestions for how to proactively work with adolescents around the issue of substance use.

Recent Findings

“Vaping” is changing the usage patterns of nicotine and marijuana, exposing youth to new dosages and potential effects.

Summary

Increased nicotine and THC exposure is erasing public health gains, leading to new drug-related syndromes (hyperemesis syndrome, acute exogenous lipoid pneumonia) and mental health effects. More research is needed with respect to long-term effects.

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Data Availability

https://www.aap.org/en-us/about-the-aap/ Committees-Councils-Sections/substance-use/Pages/ marijuana.aspx.

References

Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: • Of importance •• Of major importance

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital for Children, 32 Fruit St., Boston, MA, 02114, USA

    Karen Sadler

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  1. Karen Sadler
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Correspondence to Karen Sadler.

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Conflict of Interest

Dr. Karen Sadler declares no conflict of interest.

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This article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by any of the authors.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Adolescent Medicine

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Sadler, K. New Decade: “New” Devices for “Old” Drugs. Curr Pediatr Rep 8, 99–104 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40124-020-00220-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40124-020-00220-x

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