How Harmful Is Marijuana Use?

A new study out by New Zealand’s Medical Research Institute shows that, in terms of airflow obstruction, one marijuana joint equaled the effect of smoking 2.5 to five cigarettes at once.

Researchers found that longtime pot smokers can develop symptoms of asthma and bronchitis, along with obstruction of the large airways and excessive lung inflation. The symptoms included wheezing, coughing, chest tightness and phlegm – all of which were associated with tobacco smokers, except chest tightness. Damage occurred to the small, fine airways which are important for taking in oxygen and removing waste gases. The extent of damage rose in proportion to the number of joints smoked.

Another study published in The Lancet medical journal the week before this one suggested that using marijuana may increase the likelihood of becoming psychotic, with even infrequent use potentially raising the overall small risk by up to 40 percent.

And earlier studies have shown that smoking one joint results in three to five times more carbon monoxide and tar inhaled than smoking a cigarette of the same size. The reason? It might be the way joints are smoked, with users often inhaling and holding the smoke in longer for a better hit. Marijuana joints typically do not have filters and they have shorter butts than cigarettes with a higher smoke temperature. Pot also is commonly smoked through various types of pipes.

A review of various studies in 2001 also came to the conclusion that: “Regular marijuana use can lead to extensive airway injury and alterations in the structure and function of alveolar macrophages, potentially predisposing to pulmonary infection and respiratory cancer.” (Current Opinions in Pulmonary Medicine, March 2001, Vol 7 pp 43-61, Airway effects of marijuana, cocaine, and other inhaled illicit agents)

But are they cancer causing?

It has been proven that smoking the drug can cause changes in lung tissue which may prime the lungs for cancer, according to a review of decades of research.

“Analyses of sputum and lung tissue performed in some of these studies found more cancer-promoting changes in pot smokers than in cigarette smokers or non-smokers. These changes included oxidative stress, dysfunction of tumour-fighting cells, changes in tissue structure and DNA alterations, the reports say.” (www.abc.net.au – July 14, 2006)

Still, researchers say they have no direct link of pot use to lung cancer based on existing evidence. “While there is no doubt that marijuana smoke contains carcinogens, an increase in cancer among users has thus far been anecdotal. Because of the long latent period between cancer induction and initiation of cigarette smoking, the full story is yet to be told.” (International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology, July 1998, vol. 1 pp 71-80, Health aspects of cannabis: revisited. by Hollister LE. of Harris County Psychiatric Center, University of Texas-Houston)

What about mental function?

There is some evidence from human studies that long-term marijuana use can have adverse effects around the natural chemical balance of the brain, which may be disrupted, affecting the pleasure centers and regulatory systems. (www.marijuana-addiction.net)

Thus, concern centers on intellectual function. Studies of marijuana’s mental effects show that the drug can impair or reduce short-term memory, alter sense of time, and reduce ability to do things which require thinking, sensory perception, problem solving, swift reactions, coordination and memory.

This does not mean the drug causes brain damage in these cases, as the impairments seen in longtime users were shown to be relatively subtle. Part of the difficulty in sizing up the impact of marijuana is weeding the drug’s effects out from the “background noise” of other factors, like psychiatric problems and abuse of other drugs.

Other research shows that nearly half of the longtime marijuana users had in the past regularly used or abused alcohol or other drugs. (JAMA March 6, 2002; 287:1123 – 1131, 1172-1174)

But there are also plausible biological reasons for why sustained marijuana use could affect things like memory. A marijuana information fact sheet from the National Institute on Drug Abuse says THC kicks off a series of cellular reactions after smoking. It rapidly passes from the lungs into the bloodstream, which carries the chemical to organs throughout the body, including the brain. THC travels inside the brain, where it connects with large numbers of THC receptors on nerve cells involved in cognitive function. Over the years marijuana exposure might change the way these receptors and other brain chemicals operate.

Can amount smoked affect IQ?

Researchers also found that: “Current marijuana use had a negative effect on global IQ score in subjects who smoked 5 or more joints per week. A negative effect was not observed among subjects who had previously been heavy users but were no longer using the substance.” (CMAJ 2002 Apr 2;166(7):887-91)

One reason for the decreased IQ and memory in consistent heavy users could be the fact that long-term cannabis use has been found to decrease blood flow to the front areas of the brain (Neurotoxicology and Teratology 2001 Sep-Oct; Vol 23 pp. 437-43 Frontal lobe dysfunction in long-term cannabis)

So yes, current research seems to show that marijuana use is not as serious as heavier drugs, but it also seems clear to me that there are some obvious dangers from use of this drug. For me, there is enough evidence to suggest that smoking anything, let alone a psychoactive substance, is unlikely to improve optimal health.

My Name Is Crystal Meth

Sometimes there’s no more to say than what has already been said. This poem was written by an addicted meth user incarcerated on drug charges. She wrote of the horrors that had gripped her life in a simple, yet profound poem. Though eventually released from jail, her addiction will haunt her the rest of her life. I thought it worthy to post because it may have a profound effect on some reaedrs thinking about trying this stuff. Read on and you’ll find out why.

My Name Is Crystal Meth:

I destroy homes, I tear families apart,
take your children, and that’s just the start.
I’m more costly than diamonds, more precious than gold,
The sorrow I bring is a sight to behold.

If you need me, remember! I’m easily found,
I live all around you – in schools and in town.
I live with the rich; I live with the poor,
I live down the street, and maybe next door.

I’m made in a lab, but not like you think,
I can be made under the kitchen sink.
In your child’s closet, and even in the woods,
If this scares you to death, well it certainly should.

I have many names, but there’s one you know best,
I’m sure you’ve heard of me, my name is crystal meth.

My power is awesome; try me you’ll see,
But if you do, you may never break free.

Just try me once and I might let you go,
But try me twice, and I’ll own your soul.

When I possess you, you’ll steal and you’ll lie,
You do what you have to — just to get high.

The crimes you’ll commit for my narcotic charms
Will be worth the pleasure you’ll feel in your arms,

You’ll lie to your mother; you’ll steal from your dad,
When you see their tears, you should feel sad.

But you’ll forget your morals and how you were raised,
I’ll be your conscience, I’ll teach you my ways.

I take kids from parents, and parents from kids,
I turn people from God, and separate friends.

I’ll take everything from you, your looks and your pride,
I’ll be with you always — right by your side.

You’ll give up everything – your family, your home,
Your friends, your money, then you’ll be alone.

I’ll take and take, till you have nothing more to give,
When I’m finished with you, you’ll be lucky to live.

If you try me be warned – this is no game,
If given the chance, I’ll drive you insane.

I’ll ravish your body, I’ll control your mind,
I’ll own you completely, your soul will be mine.

The nightmares I’ll give you while lying in bed,
The voices you’ll hear, from inside your head.

The sweats, the shakes, the visions you’ll see,
I want you to know, these are all gifts from me.

But then it’s too late,
and you’ll know in your heart,
That you are mine,
and we shall not part.

You’ll regret that you tried me, they always do,
But you came to me, not I to you.

You knew this is would happen, many times you were told,
But you challenged my power, and chose to be bold.

You could have said no, and just walked away,
If you could live that day over, now what would you say?

I’ll be your master, you will be my slave,
I’ll even go with you, when you go to your grave.

Now that you have met me, what will you do?
Will you try me or not? It’s all up to you.

I can bring you more misery than words can tell,
Come take my hand, let me lead you to hell.

Crystal Meth: The Ultimate Overkill

Meth is somewhat like a racehorse among drugs. Its reaction in the body is fast, furious and long lasting. So are the immediate and long term side effects. It increases attention, wakefulness, and physical activity, and decreases appetite and fatigue. There is a brief intense sensation or rush, followed by a long-lasting high or euphoria. This first high is the most intense, with all others being “chasers” which never quite come close to expectations again.

Once the drug’s effect disappears, known as the “crash”, the user may experience symptoms such as fatigue, nightmares, insomnia, disorientation, confusion, increased appetite, severe depression and suicidal tendencies.

To avoid the unpleasant effects of crashing, some people will take more crystal meth. Paradoxically, the more one uses this drug, the harder one crashes. [1] And of course use can lead to dependence and cravings lasting for life. [2] That means even if you beat the habit of taking this chemical soup, you’ll always have psychological yearnings.

In the USA, 2.8 percent of young adults (ages 18-26) reported use of crystal methamphetamine in the past year. [3] This is higher than the annual prevalence of crystal methamphetamine use by young adults (ages 19-28) of 1.4 percent reported by NIDA’s 2002 Monitoring the Future Survey. [4]

In Canada, the prevalence among young users is somewhere around 2 percent. [5] I personally believe overall use is somewhat higher, with much of it going unreported.

So what exactly is this stuff and why is the rush so intense?

Crystal meth is the most powerful form of speed available. It excites the brain and nervous system by releasing dopamine into the body. Many times it’s made in small and dirty labs and sold as an injectable or snortable powder and a smokeable crystal form called “ice.” And it’s cheap, which makes it extremely attractive to users.

However, unknown to the victims, dealers often cut crystal with harmful fillers such as antifreeze, drain cleaner, lantern fuel, Epsom salts or battery acid to come up with a 3:1 ratio of filler to drug. [6]

The mix acts as a powerful psychostimulant and sympathomimetic drug, entering the brain and triggering a cascading release of norepinephrine, dopamine and serotonin. Euphoria and excitement is caused by stimulation of the mesolimbic reward pathway. [7]

Routes of administration

Swallowing: takes 20-30 minutes to get high through pills or mixed into a drink. Method presents least amount of risk, because the drug is absorbed more slowly. Effects are less extreme but last longer.

The liver breaks down crystal into simpler components, but its use competes with other drugs, and so toxin breakdown may not be efficient. These substances migrate into the blood stream, causing possible drug interactions and overdose. Dangers include heart attack, stroke, coma and/or death.

Bumping and Snorting: takes 3-5 minutes to get high. Powder inhaled directly through the nose and quickly absorbed into the body. This method has similar risks than injecting since sharing inhalers can spread diseases like HIV and Hep B& C. Snorting can also destroy the nasal passages.

In the kidneys, crystal constricts the blood vessels so that less urine is excreted and toxic waste is allowed back into the system, causing headaches and mental confusion. Long term use may cause bladder infections and inflamed kidneys.

Smoking: takes 7 to 10 seconds to get high through inhaling, quickly spreading through the blood stream, with long term concerns such as nerve cell damage, depletion of neurotransmitters, paranoia, psychosis and increased chance of stroke. [6]

“Smoking” methamphetamine actually refers to vaporizing it to produce fumes, which are smoked in glass pipes, or in aluminum foil heated by a flame underneath. Lung damage has been reported with long-term use, but manifests in forms independent of route (pulmonary hypertension and associated complications), or limited to injection users (pulmonary emboli). [7]

Shooting up: (or slamming) takes 15 to 30 seconds to get high, as the drug is injected directly into the veins/blood stream with a needle or syringe. This method is extremely risky as it bypasses all the body’s defence systems. If injected into the blood stream, the drug travels directly to the heart, giving a 30 second high.

Physical effects include constriction of veins and arteries, reduced blood flow and increased blood pressure. The heart will beat a lot faster also, which increases risk of arrhythmia (heart out of rhythm) or heart attack. [6]

The hydrochloride salt of methamphetamine is soluble in water; injection users may use any dose from 125 mg to over a gram, using a small needle. This dosage range may be fatal to non-addicts; addicts rapidly develop tolerance to the drug. [7]

Hot Rail: takes 7 to 10 minutes to get high. The drug is heated in a glass stem until red hot and then inhaled through the nose, but can cause lung irritation/nasal passage irritation. The stem can also become contaminated and transmit HIV and Hep C. [6]

Treatment and support are necessary for addiction, requiring a period of detoxification, followed by rehabilitation. Counseling is also recommended to address issues which lead to meth use.

Sources:

1. Canadian Aids Society
2. Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
3. National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
4. Scienceblog.com
5. Statistics Canada
6. Fenwayhealth.org
7. Wikipedia.org

Crystal Meth: The Dance Of Death

We live in a society where faster is better. From instant noodles to fast food, high-speed computers to rapid transit, speed has become an important part of our culture.

Physically, many find it hard to keep up to our modern, frenetic pace. So they take over-the-counter pep pills, down loads of caffeinated colas or drink triple Mocha Lattés with giga-jolts of caffeine.

When these no longer work, some turn to more effective stimulant drugs. Why not, they’re fast and they’re potent, right? Yes, but they’re also unsafe. They are a complex group of chemicals with one thing in common: the ability to wreck your life.

Ironically named speed, methamphetamine gives many the added energy they crave. Not only are more people using it, they’re using the most potent and hyper-charged form: crystal meth. This drug, as cheap as it is toxic, has become the remedy of choice for a new generation of speed chasers.

A 2004 Canadian Addiction Survey measured the use of speed in Canadians aged 15 and older. Results show that 6.4% of respondents reported using methamphetamines at least once in their life.

Another survey involving four B.C. school districts showed that up to 8% of students in grades 6-12 report having tried crystal meth in the 2005 school year.

Combined, these might not be earth-shattering statistics, but experts state that 90 percent of users are addicted after the first hit. Even one use of crystal meth can cause immediate, lasting physical and mental damage.

Still, such advice deters few. They smoke it, snort it, pop it or shoot it. Yet many don’t understand what’s in it. The folks who cook their meth aren’t exactly government approved pharmacists. They are more likely to be sleazy individuals huddled over a bathtub mixing their poisonous brew in filthy conditions.

Lethal ingredients

An August 2004 CBC News article stated that clandestine labs have been found in homes, garages, motel rooms and even vehicles in middle class neighbourhoods. Meth can be manufactured in a short period of time, with a modest amount of materials. Basic ingredients from chemicals, solvents and equipment can be purchased in many stores.

Unlike legal drugs, the illicit type has no quality control, so users can never be sure of strength or purity. Ingredients vary in combination and are never exactly the same, says the Canadian Aids Society. Ephedrine (from over-the counter cold medicine), Drano, battery acid, insecticides, solvents, anhydrous ammonia, paint thinner and muriatic acid are among the mix.

These toxic substances form what some have described as a volatile mix of laundry detergent and lighter fluid. All that matters little because both those who use it, and those who manufacture it have a relationship. One party gets high and the other gets rich. Police say an investment of about $150 can yield up to $10,000 worth of the drug.

The attraction

Imagine a euphoric flood coursing through your body; an intensely super focused outlook, and infinite enthusiasm; making everything a riveting experience. That’s the appeal of this drug to many partiers, or those seeking long term energy for mundane tasks.

A 2005 New Yorker article stated that methamphetamine is a mood elevator, and is known to induce bursts of euphoria, increase alertness, and reduce fatigue. In slightly less concentrated forms, the drug has been used by truckers trying to drive through the night, by workers struggling to finish an extra shift, and by people seeking to lose weight.

It’s not costly either. One can obtain amounts as small as one tenth of a gram, known as a point, for as little as five dollars. This is enough to give the user an intense high for up to 24 hours.

Considered trendy and popular as a club drug, meth has a strong presence in dance clubs, parties and raves. It provides enormous energy to keep gyrating all night to the pounding rhythms of the dance floor. It makes one feel full of life, powerful and sexual, shifting the libido into overdrive.

The risks

Crystal Meth is more toxic than crack and more addictive than heroin, and it literally fries your brain cells, say experts. If smoked or injected, the user experiences a powerful high called a flash. The first rush is always the most intense and chasing that initial feeling causes dependence quickly. More of the drug and higher doses are needed as the addiction progresses.

Such speed runs, over days and weeks, give little rest to body or mind. Typically, during this stage, the abuser has not slept from between three to fourteen days. At the end of the high, the user undergoes tweaking; feeling miserable, and uncomfortable, as well as possibly violent.

Chronic behavioural problems such as social isolation and withdrawal are compounded by extreme depression and suicidal ideation. According to the San Francisco Aids Foundation, the long term effects of methamphetamine use are horrendous.

The sores often seen on the bodies of users are from picking at the skin, due to the feeling of bugs crawling underneath. The obsession to dig or gouge them out is incessant. Some will use knives, glass, pins or needles to pick away for up to ten hours or more. Even when it becomes apparent that no bugs are there, the urge remains. The skin becomes infected and is extremely nasty looking.

Then there’s the danger of meth teeth, the result of poor oral hygiene by users. Brittle and cracked teeth, gum infections, disease, and general decay are rampant among users. Unless seen, it is hard to comprehend the total dental destruction of long term abusers. Teeth are so brittle, that even eating ice cream may cause them to fall out.

A November 2005 Washington Post article states that the drug causes lasting changes in brain chemistry, particularly in the neurotransmitter systems. Notably, the churning out of massive amounts of dopamine seems to affect cognitive abilities such as memory, judgment, reasoning, and verbal skills.

Dr. Paul Thompson, an expert on brain mapping at the University of California, Los Angeles, proved massive brain damage using high-resolution M.R.I. studies on people addicted for up to ten years.

Quoted in a 2004 New York Times article, he said he expected some brain changes but didn’t expect so much tissue to be destroyed.

The image, published in the June 30 issue of The Journal of Neuroscience, shows the brain’s surface and deeper limbic system, which is involved in drug cravings, mood and emotion, lost 11 percent of its tissue.

The hippocampus, the part of the brain that deals with memory also lost 8 percent of its tissue. The article states that this is comparable to brain deficits in early Alzheimer’s cases. Heavy users can experience psychotic episodes, characterized by paranoia and auditory and visual hallucinations, according to Prevention Source BC.

The long-term physical toll may also include vitamin and mineral deficiencies, lowered resistance to disease, and organ damage, particularly to the lungs, liver, and kidneys. The vicious cycle also may damage blood vessels in the brain, which can cause strokes, or lead the heart to beat irregularly. Cardiovascular collapse and death have been known to happen.

Quitting is not easy

It’s about as easy to quit crystal meth as trying to stop a runaway train. The San Francisco Aids Foundation states that after stopping the drug, the user experiences a profound numbness and depression, as the body no longer stimulates enough to experience pleasure. This can become so overpowering, suicidal thoughts may be considered to ease the pain.

Crashing often entails severe lack of energy, and a massive lack of motivation to perform normal tasks. The day after coming down, the user feels sick, depressed, guilty, ashamed and angry. He wants to quit, but the cravings are unnaturally strong. The only thing that takes them away is more crystal meth. But soon the high becomes disappointing; euphoria turns to numbness, focus is replaced by confusion, and productivity disappears.

According to a former addict, “It’s more than something that you become addicted to. It becomes your whole reason for living. You just want it so much that you’d give anything for it. You can’t describe it, unless you’ve seen it. You can’t explain it, unless you’ve done it. You can’t imagine it, unless you’ve been there. Then, it never goes away.”

Recovery

If you’re a junkie, you have to hit rock bottom before you can climb back up. Experts say that crystal meth is one of the most addictive street drugs and one of the hardest to treat. The relapse rate of 92 per cent is worse than cocaine. In Canada, provincial health insurance and government recovery programs provide help and assistance for the addict to recover.

But the withdrawal symptoms, especially depression and physical agony, cause many to drop out. The simplest and most effective strategy is not to get addicted. This is not an easy sell for young people, but can be effectively illustrated by those who have experienced an addiction. The struggles of peers are starkly more powerful than simple messages quoting the dangers.

The overall message to people is that crystal meth wrecks lives; abuses health, and destroys families. Ultimately, the need for speed kills. And what it doesn’t kill, it burns out. Get the message?