INQ-260PH | Puff, Sip, and Toke

Full Title: Puff, Sip, and Toke: Public Health Perspectives of Adolescent Substance Use

Topic Description:

This course examines adolescent use of vaping, alcohol, energy drinks, and cannabis, along with the associated health risks from a public health perspective. Despite numerous interventions and communication campaigns, adolescents are still using alcohol and tobacco at significant rates. Energy drink consumption and cannabis use, which many adolescents mistakenly view as harmless is of concern as research highlights significant mental and physical health risks from the use of these products. The course covers the history of each of these substances within adolescent populations, the positive and negative effects on individuals, families, and social life, the ways that substance use can impact critical brain development, and how substance abuse may increase the risk of involvement in the justice system.

Counts as Global? No

Topic Approved: February 2025