Trick, Not a Treat: Reports of Krokodil Use Make Cause for Concern this Halloween Season

Trick, Not a Treat

Reports of Krokodil Use Make Cause for Concern this Halloween Season

This Halloween season, belly aches from excess candy corn consumption are the least of the public’s worries. There have been several reports of Krokodil, or Desomorphine use within The United States, and authorities feel that this drug could soon take the place of Heroin.

Krokodil, or Desomorphone, is an Opioid. Thus, like other Opioids, this drug has a sedative and analgesic effect. Krokodil is attractive to Opioid dependent individuals because it can easily be made with paint thinner, Hydrochloric Acid, lighter fluid, Red Phosphorus, Codine and Iodine. Since Desomorphone can be “homemade”, it is both cheaper and more easily attainable than such Opioids as Heroin and Oxycodone. In that it is eight times more potent than most other Opioids and incredibly fast-acting; Krokodil or Desomorphone use is an alarming trend this fall.

Krokodil use is new within The United States. However, this drug has been popular in other countries for a number of years and is specifically prevalent in Russia. The term Krokodil derives from the Russian word for crocodile, as one of the drug’s side effects includes the development of green and scaly skin. Other side effects of this drug include; abcesses, gangrene, blood vessel rupture, tissue damage, deterioration of motor skills, severe brain damage and death. Chronic Desomorphone users should not expect to live longer than two to three years. This can be compared to an average 6-7 year life-span o of an individual after becoming a Heroin addict.

As Krokodil is an Opioid, it is highly addictive. As it becomes more prevalent within The United States, it is expected that addiction rates will rise. If you are concerned that someone you know may be suffering from an addiction this Halloween season, look for the following signs:

·         Changes in appetite, sleep patterns and/or weight

·         Blood shot eyes or pupil dilation

·         Unusual smells on clothing, breath or body

·         Tremors, impaired coordination and/or slurred speech

·         Deterioration of school or work attendance/performance

·         Unexplained financial problems

·         Engagement in secret or suspicious behavior

·         Changes in attitude or personality

·         Sudden mood swings

·         Lack of motivation

·         Periods of unusual hyperactivity and paranoia

Self-Empowerment NH, LLC, located in Concord, New Hampshire, has a background in supporting individuals suffering from the toughest of addictions. If you or someone you know is struggling with Krokodil addiction, or any other addiction, Selfempnh can help, as we are here to serve as an empathetic, confidential and non-judgmental support system. For more information, please contact Lori Magoon, MLADC, LCMHC at (603)470-6937or selfempowermentnh@gmail.com.

Back to School, Back to Substance Abuse: Is Your Child Using Drugs?

Back to School, Back to Substance Abuse:

Is Your Child Using Drugs?

September brings the start of the 2013-2014 school year. For some parents, the start of the school year is a relief, an opportunity for more free time during the week. For other parents, however, the start of the school year brings anxieties and fears surrounding their children associating with the “wrong crowd” and experimenting with drugs. This September, all parents should activate the “eyes behind their head” and pay close attention to their children’s behavior. With a recent rise in the use of dangerous mind-altering substances, such as Bath Salts, “Molly” or MDMA and Synthetic Marijuana, association with the “wrong crowd” can be more detrimental than ever.

According to a recent survey, ninety percent of American high school students report that one or more of their classmates uses illicit drugs regularly during the school day. These numbers are alarming, as we often assume that school is a safe and healthy environment for young people. With heavy volumes of students due to funding decreases; educators often cannot recognize student drug use, let alone facilitate an intervention. In order to keep our youth population away from such dangerous drugs as Bath Salts, “Molly” (MDMA) and Synthetic Marijuana, as well as other mind-altering substances; parents must pay close attention to their children and take immediate action if they suspect that their child may be using drugs.

1.)    Search for Signs: There are signs specific to all drugs, including Bath Salts, “Molly” and Synthetic Marijuana. Parents should search for such signs as; paleness of skin, discoloration, dark circles around the eyes, rapid weight loss, sudden mood changes, shaky hands, suffering grades, suspicious school absences and a shortened temper.

2.)    Search Your Child’s Bedroom: Bath Salts, “Molly”, Synthetic Marijuana and other mind-altering substances could be hidden within a child’s personal space. Thus, as a parent, you have the right to search your child’s bedroom. The most likely spots for drugs to be hidden include; under cabinets, under mattresses, under dresses and inside pockets of clothing not commonly worn.

3.)    Look Closely at Your Child: Children using Bath Salts, MDMA, Synthetic Marijuana or other mind-altering substances are often withdrawn. This is especially true in interactions with parents or other figures of authority. If your child is using mind-altering substances, he/she will likely avoid conversation and give short yes or no answers. He/she will also likely seek to mask physical symptoms of drug use and may take such measures as; chewing gum, using Visine to disguise eye redness, and covering eyes with a hat or another piece of clothing.

4.)    Keep Track of Your Child’s Friends: The more you know about your child’s friends, the better. Peers are a significant influence on your child, and association with the “right friends” is critical for a young person’s “drug free” existence.

5.)    Give Your Child a Random Drug Test: This may seem like a desperate measure, but if you are concerned that your child is using Bath Salts, MDMA, Synthetic Marijuana or another illegal substance; this step is an appropriate one.

6.)    Keep Track of Your Child’s Money: If your child has a job where he/she makes their own money, have a job where he/she earns money, keep track of the money you give them. Many young people save the money their parents give them to buy drugs.

7.)    Check Your Child’s Vehicle After a Friday or Saturday Night: Pay close attention to unusual odors and search for signs of white powders, (especially white powders present on CDs or mirrors), green leaf-like particles and seeds.

Parenting is more stressful of a job than ever. With the presence of such frightening drugs as; Bath Salts, MDMA, Synthetic Marijuana, the development of open, strong and judgment-free parent and child relationships are crucial. With school in full-swing, collaboration between educators and parents can also be extremely beneficial.

Self-Empowerment NH, LLC specializes in working with families suffering from substance abuse issues. Through both individual counseling and family counseling; Selfempnh is here to serve as an empathetic, confidential and non-judgmental support system.

Self-Empowerment NH, LLC is also excited to announce half and full day presentations, one in which is titled Signs and Symptoms of Substance Abuse in the Workplace. Signs and Symptoms of Substance Abuse in the Workplace is an interactive presentation geared for parents and educators seeking education about youth substance abuse. Learn about the signs and symptoms of youth substance abuse by drug of choice, and appropriate steps for intervention and recovery. For more information about the signs of youth drug abuse, counseling and group services and/or presentations, please contact Lori Magoon, MLADC, LCMHC at (603)470-6937 or selfempowermentnh@gmail.com.

 

You are not alone. Open the door to self empowerment. Open the door to a better tomorrow.

 

 

 

 

"Lazy Cakes"- The Dangers of the Melatonin Snack

 “Lazy Cakes”- The Dangers of the Melatonin Snack

Lazy Cakes have been labeled as the world’s first relaxation brownie. Containing the ingredient Melatonin, a medication that can help promote sleep, Lazy Cakes act similar to a hypnotic. Although Melatonin is a hormone produced within the brain and is a legal supplement, Lazy Cakes are not necessarily harmless and youth consumption is especially dangerous. The human brain normally produces 0.3 milligrams of Melatonin, and an average Lazy Cake contains about 3.9 milligrams of this ingredient. Thus, Lazy Cakes are categorized as a drug, can be fatal when taken excessively and should never be consumed by children.

Since Lazy Cakes look like regular brownies, there is a high risk of overdose through consumption, as well as probability of accidental children consumption. There have been a number of reports of Melatonin overdose in young people in association with Lazy Cakes, categorizing Melatonin as the cause of more calls to Poison Control than any other herbal supplement. Though the Lazy Cake package specifies adult use only, youth Melatonin consumption is common and has been associated with such effects as diarrhea and nausea.

Perhaps more alarming than the increase of calls to the Poison Control Center in association with Melatonin overdose are the uses of Lazy Cakes as marketed through advertisements. The website which sells Lazy Cakes associates their product with such stimulants as Red Bull, marketing Lazy Cakes as a means to come “down” after being “up” on energy drinks. The use of “uppers” and “downers” together is concerning in that injuries and deaths have been associated with high Melatonin and/or Caffeine levels, and the combination of such substances can be harmful to the human body. Based on the Lazy Cake website content, Lazy Cake manufacturers also advertise their product as food rather than as a drug. This is concerning to parents and medical professionals, as children may not have the ability to distinguish the difference between a food and a drug, and may consume Lazy Cakes irresponsibly, (in excess).

Lazy Cakes are easily accessible to all populations, as they can be obtained both at local convenience stores and over the internet. Lazy Cakes are also reasonably priced, thus; such Melatonin snacks can be purchased by minors at ease. Since drugs with similar effects as Melatonin, such as Marijuana, are generally more expensive than Lazy Cakes and cannot be obtained as easily; Melatonin goodies have become a common snack of choice for individuals seeking a “mellow” effect.

Just as such drugs as Marijuana have been labeled as “gateway drugs”, (drugs which lead individuals to more potent and dangerous drug use), there are concerns that Lazy Cakes may also serve as a “gateway”.  Just as a large number of individual rely on caffeine to get through the day; the heightened use of Lazy Cakes has sparked a trend of regular and sometimes often daily Melatonin use. The “gateway” possibilities present one more concern for parents of teens who may have or continue to consume Lazy Cakes.

If you or someone you know has been affected by Lazy Cake use, or if you would like more information about the dangers of Melatonin induced snacks;  Self Empowerment NH, LLC is here to help. Contact Lori Magoon, MLADC, LCMHC at (603)470-6937or selfempowermentnh@gmail.com.

You are not alone. Open the door to self empowerment. Open the door to a better tomorrow.

 

 

 

 

MDMA: A Death Trap for Youth

MDMA: A Death Trap for Youth

 

August 2013 was a month of publicity for MDMA, also known as “Molly” or Methylenedioxymethamphetamine. This illegal white powder, sold from $15 to $50 per hit, made the news several times when two people died at a New York dance festival over Labor Day weekend in association with MDMA use.  Despite the recent MDMA headlines and the presence of the drug in new singles by such artists as Miley Cirus and Kanye West; “Molly” is not a new drug. Methylenedioxymethamphetamine is also not a safe drug, and is associated with potential adverse health effects, undesirable effects to last up to one week after use, and death.

MDMA produces a unique high for most users, which is potentially the reason for the popularity of the substance. The effects of “Molly” which make it desirable for users include; emotional warmth, mental stimulation, a general sense of well-being, empathy towards others, decreased anxiety and enhanced sensory perception. This substance is most often used among youth populations, and is most common in dance or club settings, as MDMA is known to aid users in dancing for extended periods of time. Since “Molly” is a pure form of an ingredient typically found in the illegal drug Ecstasy, there is a misconception among users that the drug is safe. As demonstrated by multiple Labor Day deaths and a shocking number of negative health reports in association with MDMA, Methylenedioxymethamphetamine is extremely dangerous.

Though rumored as safe in reference to its purity, “Molly” is associated with such undesirable effects as; anxiety, restlessness, irritability, sadness, impulsiveness, aggression, lack of appetite, sleep disturbances, reduction in mental ability and interest in sex, decreased sexual pleasure and thirst. The potential adverse health effects associated with this substance include; chills, sweating, involuntary jaw clenching and teeth grinding, nausea, blurred vision, muscle cramping, rise in body temperature, heart and kidney failure, Arrhythmia, dehydration, high blood pressure and death. Overdose of MDMA is common and symptoms include; high blood pressure, panic attacks, loss of consciousness, faintness, seizures and death. The popularity of “Molly” among populations of youth is speculated to relate to the unnerving number of overdose reports.

Perhaps the most frightening trait of MDMA, besides the frequency of deaths in association with the substance, is the length of time in which effects of the drug may exist. Users may experience changes after using MDMA for a week or longer, particularly in reference to memory loss and basic mental processing ability. Other serious risks arise when drug dealers mix other harmful substances with MDMA without notifying users. When mixed with other drugs, “Molly” is more likely to be fatal.

Although MDMA addiction is not as severe as such addictions as Cocaine or Crystal Methamphetamine, a rising number of individuals have reported MDMA dependency. MDMA affects many of the same neurotransmitter systems in the brain as other addictive drugs, and symptoms associated with withdrawal have been reported.

Self-Empowerment NH, LLC has a background in supporting individuals suffering from the toughest of addictions, including MDMA dependence, and seeks to communicate the message that addicted individuals and the loved ones of individuals struggling with addiction are not alone. Selfempnh is here to serve as an empathetic, confidential and non-judgmental support system. If you or someone you know is struggling with an addiction or seeks more information about "Molly" or other illegal drugs, please contact Lori Magoon, MLADC, LCMHC at (603)470-6937 or selfempowermentnh@gmail.com.

 

You are not alone. Open the door to self empowerment. Open the door to a better tomorrow.