Posts Tagged drug test

Illicit Trafficking of Drugs: Stop this!

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

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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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Stop Methamphetamine abuse! Speed can kill you

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

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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

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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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