Transition to college: A classification and regression tree (CART) analysis of natural reduction of binge drinking.

Approximately one in five teens that drank heavily in high school reduces or discontinues consumption while in college. Multiple paths might lead to the common outcome of natural reduction in heavy drinking. Statistical modeling of this complex process of natural reduction is a challenge with standard linear statistics.

Cognitive impairment in substance abuse.

Conventional wisdom, and even well-reasoned theoretical mechanisms, suggests that the chronic use of psychoactive substances would impair cognitive functioning of individuals. This article summarizes the research literature with regard to specific drugs of abuse. Undoubtedly, acute intoxication and immediate and protracted withdrawal produce transient alterations of cognitions that can persist for weeks to months.