Tag Archive: drugs

Caffeine Overdose

Teen Dies From Caffeine Overdose

A teen who was found dead five days before graduation died from a caffeine overdose. According to a coroner’s report, the teen had more than 70 micrograms of caffeine per milliliter of blood compared to three to 15 micrograms found in a typical energy drink. The teen, who apparently ordered the powdered form of the drug online, suffered cardiac arrhythmia and seizures brought on by ingesting the caffeine. According to a USA Today report, a 12 oz. cup of Starbucks coffee contains 260 milligrams of caffeine while a teaspoon of pure caffeine can contain up to 1600 milligrams. Read more: Autopsy finds Keystone senior died from caffeine overdose

Combined alcohol and marijuana use

Combined Alcohol-Marijuana Use More Dangerous Than Either Alone

In one of those studies that should seem to be a no-brainer, researchers have found that the combined use of alcohol and marijuana is more dangerous for teen drivers than the use of either of the drugs alone. Teens who combine the two drugs get more traffic tickets and are involved in crashes at a higher rate than users of just marijuana or alcohol.

With the push to legalize marijuana throughout the country, teens may be getting the false message that marijuana is a harmless drug. They need to be reminded that, even though it may be legal in some states, it is still illegal to drive while under the effects of the drug. Combining marijuana and alcohol means adding one depressant to another and leads to a synergistic effect where the effects of the two drugs are combined are more powerful.