Archive for August, 2009

Propofol – the drug that might have killed Michael Jackson

Posted by DrugFreeHomes in Drug Addiction, Drug Facts, Drug Rehabilitation, Drug Testing, Prescription Drug Abuse on August 14th, 2009

Propofol

Pop icon Michael Jackson’s death has shifted the attention of specialists and service providers in the field of addiction to a drug named propofol – a potent drug which was found in MJ’s home along with IV stands and oxygen tanks. Just three days prior to his death on 25th June, the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists had warned the hospitals to restrict the availability of the drug since abuse of the drug amongst medical professionals is becoming a growing concern. Handling long shifts, stressful cases as well as easy access to drugs has fuelled the problem of drug addiction amongst them. 

Deprivan, the brand name under which the drug is sold, is a sedative used in hospital settings primarily for colonoscopies, cosmetic surgeries, bone repair and same-day knee surgery. The drug is administered intravenously and it works very quickly. According to Dr.Wischmeyer, “If you try to count backward from 100 after injecting it, you don’t get to 97.” It is also considered to be a clean drug since it clears the system very quickly. The drug is only safe for hospital patients and constant monitoring for “airway management” is a must to ensure that breathing does not stop.

The drug can bring a short but captivating high after the sedation wears off. Medical professionals have been using it as a recreational drug often for “pronapping” – a short rest induced by the drug. But gradually they get addicted to it requiring specialized intervention.

The standard drug tests cannot detect propofol and with a half-life of 5 minutes, it does not affect the behavior in a way that signals addiction. 

“Could propofol be the next OxyContin?” Some doctors say “no” since it is difficult to administer and only medical professionals can do it.

Should proponol be classified as a controlled substance? Please share your comments and views regarding the matter.

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Illicit Trafficking of Drugs: Stop this!

Posted by DrugFreeHomes in Drug Addiction, Drug Facts, Drug Rehabilitation, Drug Testing on August 12th, 2009

INDIA_SOCIETY_DRUGS

Trafficking of illicit drugs has crossed all barriers and has spread its venomnous tentacles to grip several countries worldwide. It is one of the major concerns for most of the countries who have been ardently trying to stop this evil but given the attributing factors, not much could have been done as yet.

The theme to mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking this year was “Do drugs control your life? Your life, your community; No place for drugs.” The theme has tried to focus on the issues related to illicit trafficking and its consequences.

Illicit trafficking of drugs is a crime that has gripped mostly women and youth who have got into the trade due to certain socio-economic reasons. The prime factor which could lure them is quick and easy access to money. Poverty and unemployment are the most important reasons. Other factors like lack of education, personal drug use, proximity to narcotics stashes have also contributed a lot to this thriving industry. “The thrill of not getting caught” has also been cited as a cause by some youth involved in this trade. But the stark reality is that most of them do not realize the dire judicial as well as social consequences that could arise if they are caught. They are also not aware of the health risks associated with swallowing of drug pellets which, in several cases, has proved to be fatal.

The law enforcement agencies of different countries have been repeatedly successful in drug seizure cases. In most cases the chief victims are the ‘carriers’ who have been enticed by the drug pushers to act as ‘mules’. But is it possible to reach these drug barons who control the trade?

Everyone has his bit to do. Isn’t it true that if ‘there are no buyers there will be no sellers?’ So take a resolution to stay drug free. Save yourself and your community.

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Methamphetamine abuse and associated risks

Posted by DrugFreeHomes in Other Addictions on August 10th, 2009

meth abuse

Methamphetamine is one of the most commonly used recreational drugs since 1970s.

Typically a person starts using methamphetamine as a stimulant for its powerful enhancing effects on energy level, mood, alertness, concentration, sex and appetite suppression resulting in weight loss. Gradually tolerance develops and the individual finds great difficulty in functioning and experiencing pleasure without it. Recent researches have also revealed that children and adolescents who use alcohol and are sexually active are more prone to use the drug.

The physical effects of the drug include increased wakefulness, surges of energy, restlessness, increased, irregular heartbeat and blood pressure, enlarged pupils, sweating, blurred vision, headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, chest pain and fever. When used in larger doses the person can become aggressive, violent and also paranoid.

Long term use leads to extreme weight loss, severe dental problems (meth mouth), mood disturbances, confusion, insomnia, violent behavior. Chronic users experience visual and auditory hallucinations, delusions like insects crawling under the skin.

The intoxicating effects of the drug can alter judgment and inhibition making the person vulnerable to engage in unsafe behavior practices like unsafe sex, thereby increasing the chances of HIV transmission. Apart from HIV, the injectors also pose the risk of contracting other blood borne diseases, abscess, etc.

The use of the drug causes irreversible damages in the brain. According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA), the use of methamphetamine leads to reduced levels in dopamine transporters resulting in slowed motor skills and weakened memory. Damage to dopamine transporters may be recovered after stopping the use but not the memory or motor skills.

So do not run after a ‘flash’ of pleasure in exchange of your brain – the primary organ required to function normally and which cannot be transplanted.

A great resource: http://www.nida.nih.gov/PDF/RRMetham.pdf

In case of help call Meth Tip Hotline toll free number –  1-866-638-4847 . Anonymity and confidentiality is maintained.

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Stop Methamphetamine abuse! Speed can kill you

Posted by DrugFreeHomes in Other Addictions on August 9th, 2009

Methslide3b

Methamphetamine abuse has become one of the most overriding drug problems in the western world. Traditionally its abuse was associated with white male and blue collar workers. But today it has crossed all borders and has affected a diverse population in different geographic locations.

The “war on drugs” in the US has put a major emphasis on illicit methamphetamine. Some states have placed restrictions on the sale of precursor chemicals that are used to synthesize the drug. In 2005, the Combat Methamphetamine Epidemic Act was passed to restrict the sale of the same.

Methamphetamine is a white crystalline, odorless, bitter tasting powder which dissolves easily in water and alcohol. It was developed from its parent drug amphetamines for its use in nasal decongestants and bronchial inhalers. It is a Schedule II drug and thus has a high potential for abuse. It is a stimulant which speeds up the Central Nervous System of the body and thus the name “Speed”. The chemical structure of Meth is almost like that of amphetamine but it has a marked effect on the CNS.

The drug is prepared in illegal laboratories risking the lives of those involved in it. The common street names of the drug are meth, chalk, crystal, crank. Crystal is the powdered form which is usually inhaled, swallowed or injected. Crank is the tablet form of the drug. In its smoked form it is termed as ice or glass.

Methamphetamine is extremely addictive. Just like some other stimulants, the body builds up tolerance to this drug very quickly. The user has to increase the consumption of the drug to get the same pleasurable effects which subside even before the concentration of the drug in the blood falls significantly. Thus the “binge and crash” pattern of use is very common.

Despite all efforts to restrict the manufacture and sale of illicit methamphetamine, addiction to the drug still remains a major problem in the country. 

See http://www.nida.nih.gov/Testimony/4-21-05Testimony.html for more stats and facts on Meth abuse.

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Does Cigarette Smoking Initiate Drug Use?

Posted by DrugFreeHomes in Drug Abuse Treatment, Drug Addiction, Drug Facts, Drug Testing, Prescription Drug Abuse on August 8th, 2009

cigarette-smoking-risks

Is cigarette a drug? The obvious answer is “NO”. But cigarette smoking has a direct influence on alcohol and other drug use. Can you ever think of a marijuana or a heroin user who has never smoked cigarette? Drug abuse and alcoholism has been a source of major concern for ages. Today young people are being exposed to drugs at a very tender age. Most of us are concerned with addiction to marijuana, heroin, cocaine, prescription drugs and others. But why do we overlook nicotine? It is high time that we deal teenage and adolescent smoking professionally. Since nicotine exposure at an early age increases the vulnerability of other drug use.

Tobacco has often been termed as a “GATEWAY DRUG” since it is the first substance consumed by the teenagers.

Studies conducted to find the origins of alcoholism and addiction to other drugs have indicated that smoking facilitates drug abuse. According to National Centre on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA), nicotine makes adolescents vulnerable to alcohol and drug addiction by affecting the structural and chemical changes in the brain. As compared to teenagers who do not smoke, smokers are 9 times more likely to meet the medical criteria for past year drug alcohol abuse and 13 times more likely to meet the criteria for drug abuse. In a press release, the Jr. Chairman and President of CASA said, “Smoking by teens may well signal the fire of alcohol and other drug abuse and mental illnesses like depression and anxiety disorders”. One of the studies found that those who started smoking before 12 years of age were 3 times more vulnerable than non-smokers to binge drink, 13 times more likely to smoke marijuana and 7 times more prone to use heroin, cocaine.

Spread the message. Reach out to children. Talk to them about the ill-effects of smoking. Help them in making healthy choices.

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HairConfirm Drug Test Kit

Posted by DrugFreeHomes in Drug Abuse Treatment, Drug Addiction, Drug Facts, Drug Rehabilitation, Drug Testing, Prescription Drug Abuse on August 7th, 2009

hairconfirm test

Are you worried about your child’s changing behavior? Has he become moody, irritable and sluggish? Did you notice a change in his eating and sleeping habits? There could be several such questions that could be a sign of one of the most distressing questions that every parent would love to evade – “Is my child on drugs?”

Often anxious parents call up or visit specialists in the field of drug addiction to get an answer. But since the diagnosis is mostly symptom based, hence there could again be a question hanging on their heads. Several tests on hand have proved to be successful in detecting addiction. But the cooperation of the person concerned becomes the prime obstacle in most cases – especially those who already on drugs. HairConfirm Test is a valuable tool which can overcome this hurdle and help anxious and protective parents to confirm the truth.

The test has already proved its dependability in Britain. Now it is being marketed in the US and is gradually gaining popularity. Two types of tests are available – one covers the recreational drugs and the other covers prescription drugs. The test is based on the fact that illicit substances are embedded in the hair shaft for a longer period and are protected from contamination. Thus the authenticity of the test is much higher than tests that rely on urine sample which can detect drugs only upto three days after its use. It is also easier to obtain a hair shaft measuring 11/2in as close to the scalp as possible, put it in a pre-paid envelope and post it. The results will be available in a password protected website within 48 hours.

A note of warning for parents – please use the test cautiously since it could destroy the trust in the family. Transparency should be maintained to get your child’s support.

Do not be over anxious. Try to assess your child’s behavior in a realistic manner.

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