Sunday, July 31, 2005

If there is a will there is a way

Everyday household products or customary over the counter drugs, are being used as ways of getting high and can be lethal.

Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant. Found in over the counter tablets and capsules. It is used to treat congestion associated with allergies, hay fever, sinus irritation, and the common cold. Pseudo-ephedrine is used as a key ingredient needed for the production of the illicit drug methamphetamine, also known as Crystal meth.

The abuse of inhalants is widespread across the United States; however, it may be underreported because law enforcement officials and healthcare providers are often unfamiliar with the signs of inhalant abuse. Abusers, primarily adolescents, inhale chemical vapors from a variety of substances, many of which are common household products. These young people abuse inhalants in order to obtain a euphoric effect and are often unaware of the potential risks, which include brain damage and death. Some adults also abuse inhalants, particularly nitrites. Adult abusers often inhale substances in order to enhance their sexual experiences. Inhalants are the fourth most abused substances in the United States among eighth, tenth, and twelfth graders; alcohol, cigarettes, and marijuana are the top three.

Non-prescription medications containing various forms of DXM found in various over the counter cold medications, (includes medicines used for cough, cold and flu) acts as a disassociative. This means that it disassociates your mind from your body, and the rest of your physical setting.

Nutmeg can cause a trip that lasts anywhere from 20 hours to almost 2 days.

There have been many affirmations from those that have overdosed (lucky enough to have lived) that say their lives are ruined forever. Any one of these products can cause death if misused. I cannot personally corroborate the truths to any of the above information, and do not personally know anyone who has participated in this type of activity. This is information that I read on the internet and have seen in previously reported news specials. I do not condone the misuse of any of these products. I am simply pointing out, that according to what I have read or seen on the news, these “household items” are dangerous or even lethal if used improperly. I am shocked that people will go to these lengths to get high. I guess just like anything, if there is a will there is a way. In my opinion, it is just not worth the risk. Since the increase of consumers buying the decongestant Pseudoephedrine for the use in making Crystal meth, the pharmacies are now putting all of those medications behind the counter and making people sign for them. I guess you can say they are not "over the counter" any longer. Does that mean they will be putting all of the cough syrups, cleaning solutions, paint and SPICES behind the counter now? Nutmeg? How do people ever figure this out? I just can’t picture the first person saying, “Hey, lets eat a bunch of this spice so maybe we can trip”!

10 comments:

BadGod said...

I read that you can take the brown skun off of peanuts and smoke them to get a good high. Never tried it. Most likley will not.

I read that in the Anarchist Cookbook. I just thought it would be an interesting read.

Ticharu said...

The desire for altered states is hard wired. It's part of our monkey brain. It is only the thin veneer of human control in our brains that keep any of us from becoming total addicts to one drug or another. Drugs do not simply take the form of chemicals you injest, there is the drug of religious ferver and the high achieved by sports enthusiasts, a high can also be achieved through mediation and by playing music. THe pursuit of a good high is natural. People should relax. If a few people off themselves by pursuing a stupid high, a dangerous high, that is the law of averages. We really go out of our way to keep people from hurting themselves. That is why we are such babies.

mojoala said...

Nutmeg? That is as bizarre as smoking banana peels in the oven.

My grandma use to fix me Nutmeg tea when I was sick.
Never hallucinated though or had a trip.

I guess you have to snort it or smoke it?

As a sailor in bootcamp, I snorted snuff. It made ya whole head numb....

Dave Morris said...

Nutmeg? This is the first I've heard of such a story.

It does however explain my fervorous consumption of pumpkin pie. ;-)

Lee Ann said...

badgod - I heard something about peanut skins! Wonder if good ole dried up dead leaves would work too!

ticharu - I know I feel better after excercise and I have heard that in regards to athletic sports. I think the best high of any is "new love" and that is definitely natural.

Jef - that is a shame that people lack so much in an area that they would have to do that to escape reality, but I am sure that is the case with many.

mojoala - I read something once about banana peels, you cook them, then scrape the black ash off of them, and that stuff makes you high. Is that for real? I doubt I could even try to snort anything up my nostrils, my sinuses would have a fit. Nutmeg tea? hmmmm, was it good?

Dave - I knew I shouldn't have checked the blog while I was at work. You had me literally giggling out loud.

Carl Spackler said...

the things kids will do today to get high. pretty crazy.

Lee Ann said...

Carl - I can't say I have never done anything crazy, but I assure you nothing like that. It is funny how as we get older, a lot of things seem dumber than they used to.

Blake said...

Yeah, I remember when huffing paint was all the rage. I've never taken drugs, but have been accused of it many times. Okay, so I sniff white out on the job, but that is common knowledge.

Great post.

Blake

Lee Ann said...

Blake - I have never huffed either, but I do love the smell of fresh paint. Does that count?
thanks!

zomba said...

Dear Lee Ann,

Rather late for your Tuesday posting about 'where are the parents', but thought you would be amused by this sign.

MM III