DOCSLIB.ORG

Harm Reduction Bulletin Volume 3

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Harm Reduction Bulletin Volume 3 INTRO – NEED TO KNOW NEWS: World AIDS day DEAR HARMY: What are poppers? - RESOURCE OF THE MONTH: Harm Reduction Apps for your Phone – NEED TO KNOW LINKS – Carl Hart NEED TO KNOW: NEWS World AIDS Day: Harm Reduction Reaching From It’s Roots December 1st was World AIDS Day. The theme was “#rethinkhiv”, a challenge issued to counter outdated, stigmatizing and false information about HIV/AIDS. It is a day to commemorate those who have been lost to and affected by the disease, but also a day to recognize the advances in treatment and the positive and vital lifestyle a person with HIV can live with as a result. Just as HIV/AIDS work and activism helped redefine priorities, language and service around substance use and sexual health, the harm reduction field in general is now Harm reduction is a good place to start this evaluation. It asks us to showing far reaching relevance in areas of youth work, see all people as deserving of service. It asks us to interact with what mental health and even developmental services. is real and not impose our definition of ‘ideal’. It asks us to use language that does not separate and isolate, but strengthens and As we reflect on what we think vs. what is known about HIV includes. It requires us to examine the information we have, where it (World Aids Day website) and the harms created by came from and critique what our service users show or tell us is not ignorance, it is natural to evaluate our own service from the true for them. It welcomes the truth and the whole story. Harm same perspective. As DYS endeavours to work with people reduction gives us tools to serve our youth with the message “All of who use drugs in a greater capacity, the first step is to you is welcome here. You don’t need to feel shame for what is real. I honestly appraise the stigma we carry indivdually and want to understand. When I do understand, I will still see you as institutionally and how that may impact our work. strong, valuable and able.” INTRO – NEED TO KNOW NEWS: World AIDS day DEAR HARMY: What are poppers? - RESOURCE OF THE MONTH: Harm Reduction Apps for your Phone – NEED TO KNOW LINKS – Carl Hart Dear Harmy, By “addictive” here, I mean, unwanted but I keep hearing about “poppers”. What are people talking continued and compulsive use of the drug. Anecdotally, some about? I’ve heard the term before but I don’t think they’re youth have shared that while they have no desire to quit smoking talking about the same thing. Signed, Popper weed, they would really like to quit smoking “poppers”. Many Perplexed in Parkdale youth believe this is the best method to maximize the effect of a Dear Perplexed, limited supply and it is often practiced in groups of youth for The word “poppers” definitely needs context whom there may not be enough to share. before you can be sure about what people are talking about. For other people the word “poppers” refers to In my youth, it meant a shot of alcohol popped into 7-Up and various forms of nitrites (i.e. amyl-, isopropyl-, isobutyl-), which consumed quickly. I’m pretty sure that’s not what people are short acting inhalants sold in vials. They are vasodilators mean anymore. (makes veins expand, relaxes smooth muscle tissue, lowers blood Often, when youth are referring to poppers, pressure) and produce a dizzying, euphoric rush for a few minutes. they are referring to a method of smoking marijuana. It They are inhaled through an opening in a cap or vial and are involves cutting a small piece of a cigarette off and putting it widely used in the club and party scene. Popularized on the 70’s into a metal tube. Marijuana is then packed on top of the disco scene, poppers are still used by a diverse range of people cigarette piece. The tube is inserted into a bottle and the seeking to elevate their experience of music, dancing and sexual marijuana is lit through the tube and inhaled through the activity. Many of the youth we serve are well aware of the PnP bottle mouth. It is inhaled until sometimes the packed (Party and Play) community in which drugs are combined with material “pops” through the tube into the bottle. This method sexual activity, poppers being one such drug that is easily accessed is used partly as a means of extending their supply, but mostly and inexpensive. as a means of achieving it’s unique effect. This method has Given it’s many potential uses, my advice would been described as producing the ‘head rush of a full cigarette’ be to avoid all misunderstanding and just ask what they mean. By followed by the sustained high of marijuana. Adding this doing this, you’ll show that you are curious and care about their immediate and intense tobacco “hit” to the long acting high world. You’ll have the opportunity to build trust by listening and created by the marijuana creates a reward/withdrawal showing non-judgment and you’ll communicate to them that they experience that some youth have described as more have knowledge and strengths that you can learn from. Build “addictive” than just smoking marijuana. your knowledge and relationship at the same time! Yours truly, Harmy INTRO – NEED TO KNOW NEWS: World AIDS day DEAR HARMY: What are poppers? - RESOURCE OF THE MONTH: Harm Reduction Apps for your Phone – NEED TO KNOW LINKS – Carl Hart RESOURCE OF THE MONTH Dancesafe – “is a nonprofit, harm reduction Harm Reduction/Substance Use Apps organization promoting health and safety within the rave and nightclub community. This app gives quick access to drug facts and emergency care information. Drugs – a comprehensive “wiki” style app containing information about a wide range of drugs, their history, desired effects and adverse effects to be aware of. Erowid – the app version of Erowid.org – a library of information about psychoactive plants, chemicals, drugs and techonologies. Each topic has summary card with links to the website for more information. A great resource to read and learn about different user experiences. Getting High – the proud product of the DYS Curriculum and Development team – developed for and by youth to help them ‘stop and think’ before using drugs, considering themselves, the setting, the substance and how that will interplay. A printable summary of their plan is created at the end . A great tool for youth workers and counsellors! Catnip – Do Drugs Better is the slogan. A harm reduction tool TripSit – Harm Reduction information and live aimed at “rave drugs” mostly, featuring a Trip Timer, Drug History online support for drug users. Particularly good information about tool, Dosage Information, Chemical Data and general info on recommended dosages and drug interactions. MDMA, LSD, GHB, Ketamine and more. INTRO – NEED TO KNOW NEWS: World AIDS day DEAR HARMY: What are poppers? - RESOURCE OF THE MONTH: Harm Reduction Apps for your Phone – NEED TO KNOW LINKS – Carl Hart NEED TO KNOW LINKS – We <3 Carl Hart "The notion that we should live in a drug free world is not even worth discussing." - Dr. Carl Hart on Drugs. Dr. Carl Hart is a good introduction to why the Harm Reduction conversation has expanded to include drug policy. He is a credible voice examining who has dominated the conversation around drugs and addiction including their qualifications and motives. He explores the negative impact of widespread messages of fear and uses science, research and socio-political context to advance the conversation towards real information that can inform decision making on an individual and social scale. https://youtu.be/nCJ3HviSa4E?list=PLoZ26yiBVIT-sG0VcLJj3EHiVWSUDjGZs - an excerpt from the full episode of London Real interviewing Dr. Carl Hart on myths and misconceptions about drugs and “addiction”. This is one of many forums where Dr. Hart educates people about how common “successful drug use” is in society. His research and education actively challenges widely held beliefs about drugs, their effects, their risks and how miseducation leads to repressive policy that does lead to drug related harms. You can watch the FULL EPISODE here: http://bit.ly/DrCarlHartLondonReal If you’re into podcasts, catch his poignant interview on The Joe Rogan Experience here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T5jMC8j7ElI Watch him coolly take John Stossel to school in the face of a stereotypical and status quo line of questioning here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_C3q-QFq2M .
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Guidelines for the Forensic Analysis of Drugs Facilitating Sexual Assault and Other Criminal Acts
    Vienna International Centre, PO Box 500, 1400 Vienna, Austria Tel.: (+43-1) 26060-0, Fax: (+43-1) 26060-5866, www.unodc.org Guidelines for the Forensic analysis of drugs facilitating sexual assault and other criminal acts United Nations publication Printed in Austria ST/NAR/45 *1186331*V.11-86331—December 2011 —300 Photo credits: UNODC Photo Library, iStock.com/Abel Mitja Varela Laboratory and Scientific Section UNITED NATIONS OFFICE ON DRUGS AND CRIME Vienna Guidelines for the forensic analysis of drugs facilitating sexual assault and other criminal acts UNITED NATIONS New York, 2011 ST/NAR/45 © United Nations, December 2011. All rights reserved. The designations employed and the presentation of material in this publication do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Secretariat of the United Nations concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area, or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. This publication has not been formally edited. Publishing production: English, Publishing and Library Section, United Nations Office at Vienna. List of abbreviations . v Acknowledgements .......................................... vii 1. Introduction............................................. 1 1.1. Background ........................................ 1 1.2. Purpose and scope of the manual ...................... 2 2. Investigative and analytical challenges ....................... 5 3 Evidence collection ...................................... 9 3.1. Evidence collection kits .............................. 9 3.2. Sample transfer and storage........................... 10 3.3. Biological samples and sampling ...................... 11 3.4. Other samples ...................................... 12 4. Analytical considerations .................................. 13 4.1. Substances encountered in DFSA and other DFC cases .... 13 4.2. Procedures and analytical strategy...................... 14 4.3. Analytical methodology .............................. 15 4.4.
    [Show full text]
  • HIV and Substance Use October 2016
    HIV and Substance Use October 2016 Fast Facts • Alcohol and other drugs can affect a person’s judgment and increase risk of getting or transmitting HIV. • In people living with HIV, substance use can worsen the overall consequences of HIV. • Social and structural factors make it difficult to prevent HIV among people who use substances. Substance use disorders, which are problematic patterns of using alcohol or another substance, such as crack cocaine, methamphetamine (“meth”), amyl nitrite (“poppers”), prescription opioids, and heroin, are closely associated with HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases. Injection drug use (IDU) can be a direct route of HIV transmission if people share needles, syringes, or other injection materials that are contaminated with HIV. However, drinking alcohol and ingesting, smoking, or inhaling drugs are also associated with increased risk for HIV. These substances alter judgment, which can lead to risky sexual behaviors (e.g., having sex without a condom, having multiple partners) that can make people more likely to get and transmit HIV. In people living with HIV, substance use can hasten disease progression, affect adherence to antiretroviral therapy (HIV medicine), and worsen the overall consequences of HIV. Commonly Used Substances and HIV Risk • Alcohol. Excessive alcohol consumption, notably binge drinking, can be an important risk factor for HIV because it is linked to risky sexual behaviors and, among people living with HIV, can hurt treatment outcomes. • Opioids. Opioids, a class of drugs that reduce pain, include both prescription drugs and heroin. They are associated with HIV risk behaviors such as needle sharing when injected and risky sex, and have been linked to a recent HIV outbreak.
    [Show full text]
  • Download Transcript
    Clinical Education Initiative [email protected] ECHO: CHEM SEX Hansel Arroyo, MD 12/04/2019 ECHO: Chem Sex [video transcript] 00:10 Okay, so on the same vein of this case. My presentation is called Chem sex. Neo formerly club drugs. 00:21 I have no disclosures. Like I said, I'm the Director of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine at the Institute for Advanced Medicine and Surgery. 00:31 The objectives are 00:35 just for the use of club drugs in the context of sexual performance raves and circuit parties describe the most commonly used synthesized chemicals during Chem sex, and explore the additive properties and potential treatments of club drugs. Oh, 00:50 you know, let's just start with this idea that 00:53 like all things are poison, right, Paracelsus said this for there's nothing without poisonous quality is only the dose, which makes a thing poison. And this is a little bit of how I approach patients who come in with any sort of altering drug use 01:12 to not automatically define them as 01:18 psychiatric disorder, right, I do not automatically give them a diagnosis of substance abuse disorder, regardless of what substance is using, but really, it's the issue of functional impairment is this substance causing some functional impairment like in the case, the patient was very severely impaired without the drug, he was unable to function. He was completely isolated, had no you know, social interactions outside of the world of, 01:49 of drug use. He was lucky that he is very smart and was able to, like do the same kind of compartmentalizes work and not sort of end up 02:01 1 essentially, like on the streets like many of our patients end up.
    [Show full text]
  • Methamphetamine Use Disorder: Getting up to Speed on Trends & Treatments
    Northwest ATTC & CTN Western States Node present: Methamphetamine Use Disorder: Getting Up to Speed on Trends & Treatments Methamphetamine Use Disorder Robrina Walker, PhD • Associate Professor, Dept. of Psychiatry, U Texas Southwestern Medical Center • Helped lead CTN Texas Node • Co-Lead Investigator of CTN-0068 • Co-Investigator of CTN-0090 • Co-Investigator of the COMEBACK study Methamphetamine Use Disorder: Getting Up to Speed on Trends and Treatments Robrina Walker, PhD Associate Professor University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center February 25, 2020 Disclosures . Disclosures . Alkermes: Provided injectable extended-release naltrexone (Vivitrol®) for CTN-0054 ADAPT-MD . Alkermes: Provided injectable extended-release naltrexone (Vivitrol®) and matched injectable placebo for CTN-0068 ADAPT-2 . Funding . NIDA UG1 DA020024 (PI: Trivedi) . NIDA R34 DA045592 (PI: Nijhawan) Opioids are a Huge and Necessary Focus… https://www.statnews.com/2016/09/29/why-fentanyl-is-deadlier-than-heroin/ …Why talk about Methamphetamine? https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/news/20180403/experts-warn-of-emerging-stimulant-epidemic …Why talk about Methamphetamine? https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/news/20180403/experts-warn-of-emerging-stimulant-epidemic https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2018/10/25/656192849/methamphetamine-roils-rural-towns-again-across-the-u-s …Why talk about Methamphetamine? https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/news/20180403/experts-warn-of-emerging-stimulant-epidemic https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2018/10/25/656192849/methamphetamine-roils-rural-towns-again-across-the-u-s http://time.com/5460632/meth-hospitalizations- opioids/?utm_source=twitter.com&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=time&xid=time_socialflow_twitter Objectives 1. Describe trends in the use of methamphetamine 2.
    [Show full text]
  • GHB, GBL & Related Compounds: Literature Review
    ACMD Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs An assessment of the harms of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB), gamma-butyrolactone (GBL), and closely related compounds November 2020 1 Contents 1. Introduction ................................................................................................................................... 4 2. Previous ACMD advice and legal status of GHBRS- UK ..................................................... 5 3. Chemistry and pharmacology ................................................................................................... 7 GHB ................................................................................................................................................... 7 GBL.................................................................................................................................................... 8 1,4-BD ............................................................................................................................................... 8 GHV/GVL .......................................................................................................................................... 9 4. Therapeutic and other legitimate uses of GHBRS ............................................................... 10 Therapeutic uses ........................................................................................................................... 10 Industrial/commercial uses .........................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Chemsex Drug-Drug Interactions
    ChemSex Drug-Drug Interactions José Moltó, MD, PhD Fundació Lluita contra la Sida, Badalona. Servei Malalties Infeccioses, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol, Badalona. 4th European Workshop on Healthy Living with HIV Barcelona, 13th September 2019 Disclosures Within the last 12 months, I have received research funding, consultancy fees, and lecture sponsorships from and have served on advisory boards for various laboratories: - Gilead Sciences - Janssen-Cilag - MSD - Viiv Healthcare 1980 2020 Chemsex, ‘Party 'n Play" culture (PnP) or H&H culture ("High & Horny"). Use of any combination of drugs that includes methamphetamine, mephedrone (and other cathinone) and/or GHB/GBL used specifically for sex, by gay and other men who have sex with men. (Sept) It is NOT only recreational drug use. It is a specific form of recreational drug use. McCall H et al. BMJ 2015 McCall H, et l. BMJ 2015;351:5790. Drugs commonly used in chemsex Alcohol Cocaine GHB Crystal Poppers Ecstasy Mephedrone Sildenafil Ketamine Apps Epidemiology. MSM; HIV+ Daskaopaoulou M, et al. Lancet 2014 Daskaopaoulou M, et al. Lancet 2014 Pufall EL, et al. HIV Med. 2018 Pufall EL, et al. CROI 2016 Gonzalez-Baeza A, et al. AIDS Patient Care STDS. 2018 Ryan P, et al. GESIDA 2016 Chemsex Potential negative consequences STDs Psychiatric cART adherence transmission disorders DDIs & Overdose An observed rise in g-hydroxybutyrate- Substance misuse-related poisoning associated deaths in London:Evidence to suggest deaths, England and Wales, 1993–2016 a posible link with concomitant rise in chemsex Hockenhull J, et al. Forensic Sci Int. 2017. Handley SA, et al. Drug Science, Policy and Law 2018 Chemsex & cART DDIs & Overdose risk DDIs between recreational drugs and ARVs.
    [Show full text]
  • Appendix D: Important Facts About Alcohol and Drugs
    APPENDICES APPENDIX D. IMPORTANT FACTS ABOUT ALCOHOL AND DRUGS Appendix D outlines important facts about the following substances: $ Alcohol $ Cocaine $ GHB (gamma-hydroxybutyric acid) $ Heroin $ Inhalants $ Ketamine $ LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide) $ Marijuana (Cannabis) $ MDMA (Ecstasy) $ Mescaline (Peyote) $ Methamphetamine $ Over-the-counter Cough/Cold Medicines (Dextromethorphan or DXM) $ PCP (Phencyclidine) $ Prescription Opioids $ Prescription Sedatives (Tranquilizers, Depressants) $ Prescription Stimulants $ Psilocybin $ Rohypnol® (Flunitrazepam) $ Salvia $ Steroids (Anabolic) $ Synthetic Cannabinoids (“K2”/”Spice”) $ Synthetic Cathinones (“Bath Salts”) PAGE | 53 Sources cited in this Appendix are: $ Drug Enforcement Administration’s Drug Facts Sheets1 $ Inhalant Addiction Treatment’s Dangers of Mixing Inhalants with Alcohol and Other Drugs2 $ National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism’s (NIAAA’s) Alcohol’s Effects on the Body3 $ National Institute on Drug Abuse’s (NIDA’s) Commonly Abused Drugs4 $ NIDA’s Treatment for Alcohol Problems: Finding and Getting Help5 $ National Institutes of Health (NIH) National Library of Medicine’s Alcohol Withdrawal6 $ Rohypnol® Abuse Treatment FAQs7 $ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA’s) Keeping Youth Drug Free8 $ SAMHSA’s Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality’s (CBHSQ’s) Results from the 2015 National Survey on Drug Use and Health: Detailed Tables9 The substances that are considered controlled substances under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) are divided into five schedules. An updated and complete list of the schedules is published annually in Title 21 Code of Federal Regulations (C.F.R.) §§ 1308.11 through 1308.15.10 Substances are placed in their respective schedules based on whether they have a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States, their relative abuse potential, and likelihood of causing dependence when abused.
    [Show full text]
  • CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM DEPRESSANTS Opioid Pain Relievers Anxiolytics (Also Belong to Psychiatric Medication Category) • Codeine (In 222® Tablets, Tylenol® No
    CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM DEPRESSANTS Opioid Pain Relievers Anxiolytics (also belong to psychiatric medication category) • codeine (in 222® Tablets, Tylenol® No. 1/2/3/4, Fiorinal® C, Benzodiazepines Codeine Contin, etc.) • heroin • alprazolam (Xanax®) • hydrocodone (Hycodan®, etc.) • chlordiazepoxide (Librium®) • hydromorphone (Dilaudid®) • clonazepam (Rivotril®) • methadone • diazepam (Valium®) • morphine (MS Contin®, M-Eslon®, Kadian®, Statex®, etc.) • flurazepam (Dalmane®) • oxycodone (in Oxycocet®, Percocet®, Percodan®, OxyContin®, etc.) • lorazepam (Ativan®) • pentazocine (Talwin®) • nitrazepam (Mogadon®) • oxazepam ( Serax®) Alcohol • temazepam (Restoril®) Inhalants Barbiturates • gases (e.g. nitrous oxide, “laughing gas”, chloroform, halothane, • butalbital (in Fiorinal®) ether) • secobarbital (Seconal®) • volatile solvents (benzene, toluene, xylene, acetone, naptha and hexane) Buspirone (Buspar®) • nitrites (amyl nitrite, butyl nitrite and cyclohexyl nitrite – also known as “poppers”) Non-Benzodiazepine Hypnotics (also belong to psychiatric medication category) • chloral hydrate • zopiclone (Imovane®) Other • GHB (gamma-hydroxybutyrate) • Rohypnol (flunitrazepam) CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM STIMULANTS Amphetamines Caffeine • dextroamphetamine (Dexadrine®) Methelynedioxyamphetamine (MDA) • methamphetamine (“Crystal meth”) (also has hallucinogenic actions) • methylphenidate (Biphentin®, Concerta®, Ritalin®) • mixed amphetamine salts (Adderall XR®) 3,4-Methelynedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, Ecstasy) (also has hallucinogenic actions) Cocaine/Crack
    [Show full text]
  • TIP 63: Medications for Opioid Use Disorder
    Part 2 of 5—Addressing Opioid Use Disorder in General Medical Settings TIP 63 TAPS Tool Part 2 Directions: The TAPS Tool Part 2 is a brief assessment for tobacco use, alcohol use, illicit substance use, and prescription medication misuse in the PAST 3 MONTHS ONLY. Each of the following questions and subquestions has two possible answers, yes or no. Check the box to select your answer. In the PAST 3 MONTHS: 1. Did you smoke a cigarette containing tobacco? □ Yes □ No If “Yes,” answer the following questions: • Did you usually smoke more than 10 cigarettes each day? □ Yes □ No • Did you usually smoke within 30 minutes after waking? □ Yes □ No 2. Did you have a drink containing alcohol? □ Yes □ No If “Yes,” answer the following questions: • Did you have 4 or more drinks containing alcohol in a day?* □ Yes □ No (Note: This question should only be answered by females.) • Did you have 5 or more drinks containing alcohol in a day?* □ Yes □ No (Note: This question should only be answered by males.) • Have you tried and failed to control, cut down, or stop drinking? □ Yes □ No • Has anyone expressed concern about your drinking? □ Yes □ No 3. Did you use marijuana (hash, weed)? □ Yes □ No If “Yes,” answer the following questions: • Have you had a strong desire or urge to use marijuana at least once a week or more often? □ Yes □ No • Has anyone expressed concern about your use of marijuana? □ Yes □ No 4. Did you use cocaine, crack, or methamphetamine (crystal meth)? □ Yes □ No If “Yes,” answer the following questions: • Did you use cocaine, crack, or methamphetamine (crystal meth) at least once a week or more often? □ Yes □ No • Has anyone expressed concern about your use of cocaine, crack, or methamphetamine (crystal meth)? □ Yes □ No 5.
    [Show full text]
  • Acute Pain Management in Patients with Drug Dependence Syndrome Jane Quinlan, FRCA, Ffpmrcaa,*, Felicia Cox, Frcnb
    Acute pain management in patients with drug dependence syndrome Jane Quinlan, FRCA, FFPMRCAa,*, Felicia Cox, FRCNb Keywords: acute pain, opioid substitution therapy, analgesics, opioid, behavior, addiction The patients we describe in this review are those who use illicit Key Points opioids, such as heroin, those who use diverted prescription opioids for nonmedical use, or those who take other illicit drugs. These drugs include stimulants (amphetamines, cocaine), 1. Engaging in open and honest discussions with the patient depressants (alcohol, barbiturates, benzodiazepines), and others and caregivers to agree to a management and discharge including cannabis, mescaline, and LSD. plan with clear, achievable goals. 2. Using strategies that both provide effective analgesia and prevent withdrawal syndrome, which are 2 separate 1. Definitions goals. The nomenclature around the illicit use of drugs remains 3. The early recognition and treatment of symptoms and confusing, but the recent International Statistical Classification behavioral changes that might indicate withdrawal. of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD-10, released by 4. Using tamper-proof and secure analgesia administration the World Health Organization in 2016) uses “dependence procedures. syndrome” as the preferred term.32 Other terms such as 5. Using regional analgesia where possible, although it may “addiction,” “substance use disorder,” and “substance misuse” be a challenge in patients who have depressed immunity relate to the same condition, but for the purpose of clarity and or local or systemic sepsis from injections. simplicity we use “dependence syndrome” in this review. Dependence syndrome is defined as follows: abstinent are no longer physically dependent on the drug but are particularly vulnerable to relapse, owing to the chronic A cluster of behavioral, cognitive, and physiological phe- changes induced by drug use.
    [Show full text]
  • Poppers: an Emerging Drug
    Salud Mental 2014;37:225-231 Poppers: an emerging drug. Drugs Information Reporting System ISSN: 0185-3325 DOI: 10.17711/SM.0185-3325.2014.026 Poppers: an emerging drug. Results from the Drugs Information Reporting System Arturo Ortiz Castro,1 Denize Maday Meza Mercado,1 Rosario Martínez Martínez1 Original article SUMMARY RESUMEN Introduction Introducción According to the results of the Drug Information Reporting System En la Ciudad de México, de acuerdo con los resultados del Sistema (SRID for its acronym in Spanish), the first reports about the use of de Reporte de Información en Drogas SRID, los primeros reportes del poppers in Mexico City date from 1988. The consumption of poppers uso de poppers datan de 1988 y paulatinamente ha ido incrementa- has gradually increased through the years. do su consumo. Objective Objetivo Given that one of the purposes of the SRID is to identify new drugs Dado que una de las finalidades del SRID es identificar nuevas dro- and areas that require further investigation, a descriptive study was gas y áreas que requieren investigación más detallada, se realizará performed to determine the characteristics associated with the con- un estudio descriptivo a fin de conocer las características asociadas sumption of poppers. a su consumo. Materials and methods Material y método To evaluate the use of poppers, data collected by the Drugs Informa- Para evaluar el consumo de poppers se analizaron los datos recopila- tion Reporting System during the period 2000-2012 I was analyzed, dos por el Sistema de Reporte de Información en Drogas durante el pe- as well as the trends in use over 24 years.
    [Show full text]
  • 1 DRUGS a Desire to Experience an Altered State of Consciousness Has
    UCD Student Advisers DRUGS A desire to experience an altered state of consciousness has been a feature of human culture from time immemorial. In the search for mood and mind altering substances, humankind has long experimented and taken risks. Perhaps more than ever before, we are surrounded by legal drugs in coffee, alcohol and cigarettes, let alone in prescribed medications such as sleeping tablets, tranquillizers and opioid painkillers. Using these can be a temptingly easy way to change or control one’s mood and psychological state. Advertising and marketing may enhance the appeal of substance use. There are fashions in drug use and the use of a certain drug may be associated with a particular (and perhaps desirable) lifestyle or subculture. Substances Used Recreational drugs can be classified as stimulants, depressants and hallucinogens. Some drugs however can overlap these categories, for example ecstasy is both a stimulant and a hallucinogen, and, while low grade cannabis (hash) works as a depressant, stronger versions such as skunk may also have hallucinogenic properties. Stimulants Stimulants work by increasing neural activity in the brain. They have the short- term effect of making one feel lively, talkative, confident and euphoric. They are attractive to club and party-goers because they enhance sensory experience and postpone the need for sleep. As their effect wears off, however, they can leave you feeling restless, irritable or washed out. There may, therefore, be a temptation to avoid these 'coming down' feelings by taking more of the drug. Long-term use or high doses can lead to extreme agitation, insomnia, delusions, hallucinations and paranoia particularly in susceptible individuals.
    [Show full text]