Archive for March, 2010

The District Does Its Homework on Medical Marijuana

Posted by Drug Free in Drug Facts on March 24th, 2010

The District of Columbia is one of the states that are still at that stage where it is looking at the legalization of medical marijuana – and based on an article on The Washington Post, they are trying to do their homework before taking “the plunge”.

medical marijuanaAnd the way they do that is by looking at what has – and has not – worked in the other states that have already legalized medical marijuana. Indeed, there is a lot to be learned from what others have experienced.

The objective of DC officials is two-fold, a program “that strikes a delicate balance” between giving safe access to medical marijuana to those who need it while preventing its abuse by those who only use the drug for recreational purposes.

The article also shares that the DC Council has been contacted by, among others, a company from the Netherlands that is offering indoor-growing technology and a California-based dispensary that is proposing a new franchise to the Drug Enforcement Agency. All these only served to strengthen officials’ resolve “to get this right.”

Debates on the legalization of medical marijuana in the District of Columbia are set to start this month, and at the forefront is council member David A. Catania, who is the legislation’s leading sponsor. Catania says: “We are not an island unto ourselves… We have to be careful that we don’t have a system that creates more mischief than benefit.”

If approved, DC officials need to think about whether the proposed five retail-type dispensaries will suffice, where seeds will be planted, and what conditions will qualify for treatment, among others.

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Is Smokeless Tobacco Harmless?

Posted by Drug Free in Tobacco Abuse on March 23rd, 2010

Definitely not.

Not because you do not inhale or swallow anything, there is automatically no danger associated with it. Smokeless tobacco, also called chewing tobacco, comes as loose leaves or fine grains in pouches which users put inside the mouth and let it sit there for a while before they suck the tobacco juices and spit whenever saliva builds up. You do not have to swallow the leaves or the grains for tobacco to be inside your system; the chewing and sucking of juices would be enough.

effects of smokeless tobaccoThe effects of chewing tobacco range from the immediate, less scary ones to the long-term, more frightening conditions. Someone who has been chewing tobacco may soon enough develop discoloration of the teeth and persistent bad breath. Also, about 70% of those who chew tobacco suffer from mouth sores.

More serious effects are bleeding gums, falling out of teeth, elevated high blood pressure, increased risk of heart attack and stroke, and oral cancer. Oral cancer can affect the lips, the tongue, the floor of the mouth, the roof of the mouth, the cheeks, or the gums.

To quit this harmful habit, one must see a doctor to ask for the options available. It is important to be surrounded by family and close friends as one takes this challenging process. Possible strategies to break the practice are using nicotine patches or nicotine gums; chewing healthier substitutes like dried fruits, beef jerky, raisins, shredded coconut or sugarless gums; and getting busy with other activities like playing sports or involving in group exercises or group studies.

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Illnesses Linked to Smoking

Posted by Drug Free in Tobacco Abuse on March 22nd, 2010

No matter how we look at it, smoking is dangerous. Smokers suffer from increased risk of developing certain illnesses, some of which we have outlined below.

Heart Diseases

smokingSmoking significantly increases the risk of coronary heart disease, peripheral arterial disease and stroke. Nicotine is addictive. It allows a certain boost of energy, giving a rush of adrenaline and providing a pleasant feeling. This chemical reaction damages the heart as adrenaline speeds up the heart and tightens the arteries up. This increases the blood pressure and strains the heart. Smoking has a damaging effect to the arteries, blood vessels and the heart itself. This is why smokers are more likely to suffer and die from heart-related diseases.

Lung Cancer

The rise of lung cancer as one of the most common causes of death can be directly attributed to cigarette smoking. Smoking cigarettes is responsible for over 90% of all lung cancer-related deaths. Cigarette smoke introduces about 40 toxic carcinogens to the body. The more a person smokes cigarettes, the more likely he or she is to have lung cancer.

Emphysema

Another one of the most common diseases that come with smoking is emphysema. It is a critical lung disease related with the degradation of the tiny air sacs located in the lungs due to exposure to tobacco smoke.

Other diseases linked to smoking are:

•    Bronchitis
•    Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary disease
•    Liver cancer
•    Prostate cancer
•    Erectile dysfunction in men
•    Stomach cancer
•    Bladder and kidney cance
•    Abdominal aortic aneurysm
•    Acute myeloid leukemia
•    Cataracts
•    Cervical cancer
•    Kidney cancer
•    Pancreatic cance
•    Periodontitis
•    Pneumonia

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Commonly Abused Prescription Drugs

Posted by Drug Free in Prescription Drug Abuse on March 21st, 2010

Prescription drug abuse is a growing threat in society. There are four main types of prescription medication that are commonly abused: opiods, sedatives and tranquilizers, stimulants and over-the-counter medications (although this does not really require a medical prescription, allow us to include it in this list for the purpose of discussion).

prescription drugsOpiods are prescribed painkillers that are usually given to patients who undergo chronic and persistent pain. They usually are prescribed to help in pain management and are used to bring feelings of euphoria to the patient. These drugs usually include oxycodone or morphine, Percodan, Vicodin and medications that contain codeine.

Sedatives and tranquilizers are often prescribed to patients who suffer from panic or anxiety attacks, sleeplessness or insomnia and excessive restlessness. The drugs produce a sensation of peace and relaxation. Sedative intoxication usually exhibits similar effects as alcohol but has a more dangerous list of side effects that include delirium and seizures. Drugs that are abused include
Xanax, Nembutal and Valium.

Stimulants include diet pills and medication that are prescribed to ADD or ADHD patients. These drugs are used by abusers to increase performance and to get a “high”. These drugs are also effective in suppressing the appetite and are used to facilitate weight loss, as well as to increase focus, attention and energy.

Over-the-counter drugs or OTC are medications that are available at any pharmacy or grocery that can be sold without a prescription. These drugs are usually remedies for colds, cough or regular pain. One type of OTC drugs is a medication that contains Dextromethorphan (DXM), which is found in cough syrups. If taken in massive doses, DXM can produce dangerous side effects including loss of coordination, dizziness, hot flashes, hallucinations, brain damage, seizure, even death.

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Staying Drug-Free After Rehab

Posted by Drug Free in Drug Rehabilitation on March 20th, 2010

Achieving total drug independence can be a lifelong battle. Often times, the toughest for all drug recovery patients would be the first few weeks after they get out of rehabilitation centers or programs. It is in these crucial weeks that they are tried and tested. Some of them go through it successfully, but there are some who fail the tests and go back to their old ways. Here are a few pointers on how to stay on the path to recovery:

drug freedomEnroll in Follow-Up Programs

Most rehabilitation centers have follow-up programs that aid the recovering patient even after they have been released from rehab. It is important that the patient do not feel complacent. Recovery is an ever-going process. These programs have support groups or counseling sessions that help a recovering addict to deal with the pressures or temptations of day-to-day living. Furthermore, it develops their inner strength to finally kick off the habit.

Make a Plan

Make an action plan just for you. Set new objectives for yourself even after the rehab program is finished. Seeing your road and making a path for yourself will help you visualize your success.

Re-invent your Lifestyle

Whatever your lifestyle was in the past when you used to take drugs, you should do a total revamp. You should let go of the old you and reinvent yourself according to your will to recovery. It’s time for you to evaluate your life and how you want to change things for the better. You should do healthy activities like exercising and adopting proper eating diets. Exercising keeps your mind and body from deteriorating, and eating right helps you keep a healthy body. Embrace your new self and be happy!

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Marijuana: Signs, Detection and Treatment

Posted by Drug Free in Drug Addiction, Drug Testing on March 19th, 2010

Marijuana is perhaps the most widely used drug out there. many drug abusers have admitted to have used marijuana first before trying any other drug, thus it has been known as a “gateway drug,” a term which is heavily contested by medical marijuana advocates.

Signs of Marijuana Use

marijuana leafExternal signs of marijuana use on a person are quite obvious. It may slow down motor functions and may affect mental functions; usually leading to slowed reaction time, slurred speech with a confused disposition. This is due to the effect of marijuana to a person’s brain. It is not uncommon for a marijuana user to tend to be in a state of altered perception and he would probably have red bloodshot and sunken eyes. Perhaps the most obvious sign is the marijuana’s distinct smell when it is burned or smoked. It easily stays within a room or on one’s clothing.

Detection and Treatment for Marijuana

Hair follicle drug testing can detect marijuana use for as long as six months depending on the person’s drug detection times. Treatment for marijuana on a person would depend on one’s lifestyle and level of drug use. Unlike most drugs, marijuana withdrawal is less intense and easier to manage. Some would require to be enrolled in a rehabilitation center while others can just quit on their own. But it always better to join support groups to aid with the psychological baggage. Withdrawal symptoms include headaches, depression, drug cravings, irritability, restlessness and loss of appetite.

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