Posts Tagged recreational drugs

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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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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