Monthly archives for January, 2011

Second Chance for Pot Legalization in California

Jan31
2011 Leave a Comment Posted by S. Cody Barrus

In California, the drive to legalize marijuana holds strong after the defeat of Proposition 19 (which lost 54% to 46%). Recently, a conference was held in order to brainstorm for a new draft of the bill for the Novemeber 2012 ballot.

The propenents of the bill are trying to bring in as many voices as possible this time around, as, “A lot of people felt excluded because the writing process of Proposition 19 was very closed,” said Dale Gieringer, the organizer of the conference.

Some claim Prop. 19 didn’t pass largely due to the exclusion others in the marijuana community felt, such as dispensary owners and operators. Said Yamileth Bolanos, a dispensary operator from Los Angeles, “We shouldn’t be stomped on or used as a stepping stone to get to where they want to go.”

But bringing in all these voices while trying to appease all of the diverse viewpoints is no easy task for the yet unnamed organization. “All I can think is, God this is complicated,” said Ethan Nadelmann, the executive director of the Drug Policy Alliance.

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Posted in Legalization

Dr. Mintz on E Cigarettes

Jan31
2011 6 Comments Posted by S. Cody Barrus

Previously we interviewed Brad Rodu (which you can find here). However, e cigarettes are relatively new, and thus opinions from the medical community on them vary. Because of this, we tracked down Dr. Mathew Mintz, an expert on repertory disorders, and asked him about his opinion on the subject. You can find more at Dr. Mintz’ Blog.

AllTreatment: Mathew, what is it that you do?

Mathew Mintz: I am an internist at an academic medical center. I have several teaching responsibilities at the medical school but also see patients in the outpatient clinic. I have also done some research both in the areas of medical education and respiratory diseases. I have published several articles and written a book for primary care physicians about respiratory disorders.

AT: Do you believe that e cigarettes are a viable alternative to smoking?

MM: I believe that e-cigarettes are probably better than tobacco cigarettes as far as total health risk. Nicotine has some health risks, specifically when it comes to cardiovascular disease. However, tobacco based products have not only the risk of nicotine, but other toxins that lead to respiratory disorders and lung cancer. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is now the 3rd leading cause of death in the US (just surpassed stroke), and much of COPD is caused by tobacco cigarettes. Thus, I think e-cigarettes may have a role in harm reduction. However, I am very concerned about e-cigarettes because they are not regulated. They are made overseas and can be sold anywhere. The few FDA studies indicate there are toxic ingredients in e-cigarettes and nicotine levels varied (some e-cigarettes were found to have no nicotine). I am very disturbed that these are sold at kioks in shopping malls. Given that they come in flavors and are sold by young adults, I am very concerned that children could purchase these product. Thus, I would really like e-cigarettes to be regulated by the FDA, just as they do other nicotine products such as the patch and gum, to ensure they are safe. Then, I would consider using them for harm reduction.

AT: Would you recommend them to those whom are quitting? What about those who are, for one reason or another, determined not to quit?

MM: I don’t think e-cigarettes are good for someone trying to quit smoking. The purpose of quitting is not just to get off the tobacco, but the nicotine as well. There are many products which have proven to be effective in getting people off tobacco cigarettes. The main principle is a continuous, but lower dose of nicotine, which decreases withdrawal symptoms and is eventually weaned down. There is a nicotine inhaler which has been shown to be more effective than placebo in getting people to quit. I personally do not prescribe this because I think it just replaces one cigarette for another, and why I would not recommend the e-cigarette for quitting. However, I would like to see studies done comparing either medications such as bupropion or chantix, or even the patch to e-cigarettes. If regulated by the FDA (so I know they are safe) and proven effective (with studies), e-cigarettes could be a possible option for quitting. However, until this happens I would not recommend this to patients.

AT: In our interview with Brad Rodu, he states, “many tobacco products that are just as satisfying as cigarettes but vastly safer This includes a range of smokeless tobacco products, including pellets, mini-pouches, e-cigarettes and more. The public is being denied this information by government officials and nongovernmental organizations…”. Would you agree with this statement? Would you suggest to a quitting smoker to use one of these alternatives?

MM: I think that the public has the right to know all the risks associated with all nicotine and/or tobacco products. However, as above, I would suggest that patients only use FDA approved medications to quit. Most studies seem to indicate that pills (bupropion and chantix) are more effective than nicotine replacement (patch, gum), so I generally recommend these medications first.

—

S. Cody Barrus

Managing Editor

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Posted in Nicotine Addiction

Drug Testing Statistics

Jan28
2011 1 Comment Posted by Adrienne Hurst

Even after a single use, traces of drugs remain in your system for a measurable length of time. This is important to take into account especially for those who are required to take drug tests for employment or athletic activities. Drug tests chemically measure the drug content of an individual by analyzing their urine, hair follicles, blood, saliva, or even sweat. They are conducted frequently in rehabilitation centers and many places of work; some parents use at-home drug testing as a method of checking up on their child’s drug use a s well. The length of time for which drugs remain in the system varies greatly according to the type of drug used, ranging from 1-2 days for Ritalin to 49-63 days for daily marijuana use. Below is a chart detailing these statistics.

Substance	Common Drug Names	Medical Uses	Drug Detection Times
Stimulants
Amphetamine	Biphetamine, Dexedrine; Black Beauties, White Crosses	Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), obesity, narcolepsy	2-5 days
Cocaine	Coke, Crack, Snow	Local anesthetic, vasoconstrictor	2-5 days
Methamphetamine	Desoxyn; Crank, Crystal, Glass, Ice, Speed	ADHD, obesity, narcolepsy	3-5 days
Methylphenidate	Ritalin	ADHD, narcolepsy	1-2 days
Nicotine	Habitrol patch, Nicorette gum, Nicotrol spray, Prostep patch; Cigars, Cigarettes, Smokeless tobacco, Snuff, Spit tobacco	Treatment for nicotine dependence	4-10 days
Hallucinogens and Other Compounds
LSD	Acid, Microdot	None	7-10 days
Mescaline	Buttons, Cactus, Mesc, Peyote	None	5-7 days
Phencyclidine & Analogs	PCP; Angel Dust, Boat, Hog, Love Boat	Anesthetic (veterinary)	2-8 days
Psilocybin	Magic Mushroom, Purple Passion, Shrooms	None	5-7 days
Amphetamine variants	DOB, DOM, MDA, MDMA; Adam, Ecstasy, STP, XTC	None	5-7 days
Marijuana	Blunt, Grass, Herb, Pot, Reefer, Chronic, Smoke, Weed	Limited, Analgesic	See Marijuana Usage Chart
Hashish	Hash	Limited, Analgesic	See Hashish Usage Chart< /a>
Tetrahydrocannabinol	Marinol, THC	Antiemetic	See THC Usage Chart
Anabolic Steroids	Testosterone (T/E ratio), Stanazolol, Nandrolone	Hormone Replacement Therapy	Oral: up to 3 weeks (for testosterone and others); Injected: up to 3 months (Nandrolone up to 9 months)
Opiates and Morphine Derivatives
Codeine	Tylenol w/codeine, Robitussin A-C, Empirin w/codeine, Fiorinal w/codeine	Analgesic, antitussive	5-7 days
Heroin	Diacetylmorphine; Horse, Smack	None	5-7 days
Methadone	Amidone, Dolophine, Methadose	Analgesic, treatment for opiate dependence	5-7 days
Morphine	Roxanol, Duramorph	Analgesic	5-7 days
Opium	Laudanum, Paregoric; Dover's Powder	Analgesic, antidiarrheal	5-7 days
Depressants
Alcohol	Beer, Wine, Liquor	Antidote for methanol poisoning	24-48 hours
Barbiturates	Amytal, Nembutal, Seconal, Phenobarbital; Barbs	Anesthetic, anticonvulsant, hypnotic, sedative	2 days – 4 weeks
Benzodiazepines	Ativan, Halcion, Librium, Rohypnol, Valium; Roofies, Tranks, Xanax	Antianxiety, anticonvulsant, hypnotic, sedative	7-10 days
Methaqualone	Quaalude, Ludes	None	2 weeks

Marijuana Detection Time Based on Usage
Usage at 1 time only	5-8 days
Usage at 2-4 times per month	11-18 days
Usage at 2-4 times week	23-35 days
Usage at 5-6 times per week	33-48 days
Daily Usage	49-63 days

Chart source: http://www.ipassedmydrugtest.com/drug_detection_times.asp

How do drug tests work?

Urinalyses, hair follicle, blood, and saliva tests all search for metabolites–tiny concentrations of contaminates that let testers know which substances have been used. While urinalyses are the most commonly administered tests, they are also the easiest to “cheat.” This has led many test administrators to collect more reliable substances, such as hair follicles (which retain traces of drugs up to years after use) and blood (which is the most expensive, but most accurate, form of testing).

Drug tests are extremely difficult and risky to “cheat,” so the only true way to pass them is to abstain from drug use. Failing a test can lead to unemployment, legal action, and other difficulties, depending on the situation in which it is administered. While much controversy exists over the fairness of random testing, it remains as yet another reason for drug addicts to begin their road to recovery now.

Sources:

http://www.ipassedmydrugtest.com/drug_detection_times.asp

http://www.alwaystestclean.com

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Posted in Addiction Resources

Obama on Drug Control, Marijuana

Jan28
2011 1 Comment Posted by S. Cody Barrus

For two years now, President Obama has been answering the questions of The People using YouTube as his platform. One of the most frequent questions asked in each of these conferences was on Obama’s view of the legalization of drugs, specifically marijuana.

In the past, Obama has skirted these questions, either laughing them off or ignoring them all together, which was a shame. But this year he finally addressed this topic head on in a clear cut manner.

It was MacKenzie Allen, a retired police officer from Medford, Mass., who finally broke through the wall of silence with her question, “Sir, do you think there will or should come a time for us to discuss the possibility of legalization, regulation, and control of all drugs, thereby doing away with the violent criminal market as well as a major source of funding for international terrorism?”

His reply:

“Well, I think this an entirely legitimate topic for debate,” Obama said. “I am not in favor of legalization. I am a strong believer that we have to think more about drugs as a public health problem. When you think about other damaging activities in our society – smoking, drunk driving, making sure you’re wearing seatbelts – you know, typically we’ve made huge strides over the last 20, 30 years by changing people’s attitudes.”

“And on drugs,” he continued, “I think that a lot of times we have been so focused on arrests, incarceration, interdiction that we don’t spend as much time thinking about how do we shrink demand.”

An interesting response to a complex question. We here at AllTreatment have naturally been interested in this topic, would the legalization of drugs help the status of the drug cartels in Mexico, or other such organizations around the world? While seeking out a response, we asked Sylvia Longmire, an expert on the Cartels in Mexico (you can read the full interview here), and her answer was essentially, when alcohol prohibition was lifted the gangs were still around, simply less well funded, thus they began seeking new forms of under the counter income, which is surely what will happen with the lifting of drug prohibition.

This is a complex issue with viewpoints ranging all over the field. What are your thoughts? How do you feel about Obama’s response? What do you think should be done in terms of drug legalization?

—

S. Cody Barrus

Managing Editor

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Posted in Current Events, Drug News, Legalization, Marijuana Addiction

Self Control Leads to Better Health and Easier Life

Jan25
2011 3 Comments Posted by S. Cody Barrus

According to a long term study of 1000 New Zealand children, self control at a young age, as young as 3, will affect the childs chances of drug abuse, STDs, obesity, and even high cholesterol and blood pressure by the time they reach the age of 32.

“These adult outcomes were predictable across the entire spectrum of self-control scores, from low to high,” said Terrie Moffitt, who led the research team along with Avshalom Caspi.

There is hope for those restless little ones though, as the study showed that as self control was learned, chances of these negative effects decreased. However, as self control can be passed on from one generation to another, it is difficult for young children with parents who exhibit poor levels of self control to break out of the cycle.

Self control is a skill which can be learned at any age. The benefits of learning self control are huge not only to the individual, but to the public in general as money is saved on health bills, prisons, and rehab centers.

The study will appear in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences and was supported by .S. National Institutes of Health, the UK Medical Research Council, New Zealand Health Research Council, Hebrew University, and the Jacobs Foundation.

—

S. Cody Barrus

Managing Editor

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Posted in Drug News

E Cigarettes According to Professor Brad Rodu

Jan25
2011 11 Comments Posted by S. Cody Barrus

As E Cigarettes become a more prevalent alternative to smoking, we sought out expert in the field of tobacco products Brad Rodu, to shed some light on the matter. As well as being a well qualified expert in his feild, Brad runs Tobacco Truth, an interesting blog based on scientific studies and facts who’s mission statment is: “Helping smokers avoid risks is a legitimate goal of tobacco control. But the movement has morphed into an anti-tobacco crusade intent on demonizing both tobacco users and the industry supplying them. This blog examines and comments on the scientific foundation for tobacco policies and fallacies.”

[Note: Information provided in this interview, as well as all interviews, provided by AllTreatment.com, are provided for information purposes only. AllTreatment does not necessarily agree or disagree with the opinions stated below, but we do believe in having a well informed public through qualified experts.]

AllTreatment: Could you briefly explain who you are and what you do?

Brad Rodu: I am a professor of medicine and hold an endowed chair in tobacco harm reduction research at the University of Louisville. For the past fifteen years, I have conducted research on tobacco harm reduction, involving permanent nicotine maintenance with safer tobacco products by smokers who are unable or unwilling to quit smoking with conventional cessation methods that require abstinence. My research is supported by unrestricted grants from tobacco manufacturers to the University of Louisville and by the Kentucky Research Challenge Trust Fund. I have not conducted research on e-cigarettes, but I draw my conclusions from published literature and my knowledge research related to nicotine addiction, tobacco use and associated health risks.

AT: E Cigarettes have been on the rise as of late, often championed by the manufacturers as the best way to quit smoking. However, on the other end of the spectrum are those who believe e cigarettes should be banned entirely. As a professional in the field, what is your view on E Cigarettes?

BR: I believe that e-cigarettes are a viable alternative for smokers who wish to reduce the health risks from smoking but who are unable or unwilling to abstain from all nicotine and tobacco. There is absolutely no doubt that inhaling a vapor containing water, nicotine, propylene glycol and flavorings is vastly safer than inhaling the smoke from a burning tobacco product, which contains thousands of toxic agents. The fact that we do not have proof that these products are absolutely safe is not a sufficient reason to ban them.

AT: Are they a viable alternative for smoking without the risks, or do they have their own dangers associated with them?

BR: Using e-cigarettes is vastly safer than smoking but has not proven to be risk-free.

AT: The price of E Cigarettes seems to vary widely, from $6-$12 on up to $60 or higher. Without much other data, this makes me skeptical of the regulation process. Do you believe E Cigarettes are properly regulated?

BR: A federal judge and an appellate court have found that the 2009 Tobacco Act, which gave the FDA regulatory authority over tobacco, allows the FDA to regulate e-cigarettes as tobacco products. However, the FDA has tried to regulate e-cigarettes as drug-delivery devices, which would require their removal from the market until manufacturers conduct medical studies documenting safety and efficacy according to pharmaceutical-based standards.

The FDA strategy is counterproductive; it delays appropriate FDA action to establish manufacturing and quality control standards, enforce a sales ban to children, and provide a sound regulated environment providing smokers with safer alternatives.

AT: Any last thoughts on E Cigarettes which the general public may not know?

BR: It is clear that the majority of smokers, their friends and their relatives are not aware that many tobacco products that are just as satisfying as cigarettes but vastly safer. This includes a range of smokeless tobacco products, including pellets, mini-pouches, e-cigarettes and more. The public is being denied this information by government officials and nongovernmental organizations that have abandoned the health and welfare of smokers in pursuit of a senseless and unnecessary war against all tobacco and nicotine products.

[For more info on e cigarettes, be sure to check out our interview with Dr. Mathew Mintz]

Monthly archives for January, 2011

Second Chance for Pot Legalization in California

Dr. Mintz on E Cigarettes

Drug Testing Statistics

Obama on Drug Control, Marijuana

Self Control Leads to Better Health and Easier Life

E Cigarettes According to Professor Brad Rodu

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