FitSugar

The Lowdown on Exercising High

FitSugar — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 09:00:00 -0700

Recently FitSugar reader mamasitamalita wrote in to ask about her friend who works out while buzzed. Apparently it's more common than I thought, and it's not the only thing people are doing before hitting the gym. An anonymous reader commented

"Sometimes, every once in a while, I will get stoned before yoga or a long run - it helps me to calm down and focus on the task at hand, rather than obsessing about work or personal stresses."

So this brings up another issue. What about working out while high? Although illegal, people still smoke pot, so to find out if it's safe to light up before burning calories keep reading

Marijuana Update: Addiction Rates and Health Risks

FitSugar — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 03:00:33 -0700

Aside from proposals to tax marijuana to ease budget gaps, the substance hasn't been much in the news since Michael Phelps was photographed smoking a spliff last year. A new Austrailian review of marijuana studies puts cannabis back in the spotlight. According to researchers down under, four percent of the adult population of the world got high in the year 2006 with marijuana use highest in the younger populations of the United States, Australia, New Zealand, and Europe.

Researchers also found that pot has a nine percent addiction rate, which is low when compared with the legal substance of nicotine, which has a 32 percent rate of addiction. Heroin's addiction rate is 23 percent, but the study found that about 10 percent of pot smokers become daily users. Unsurprisingly, upper respiratory problems like wheezing, bronchitis, and chronic coughing are associated with regular use of marijuana. A large Swedish study found that using pot before age 18 doubled a user's risk for a diagnosis of schizophrenia, and a separate study found that use of cannabis in high school is associated with dropping out of school. And yet another study found that men that smoked pot daily were four times more likely to have trouble reaching orgasm. Seems like reasons add up not to inhale.

USA Swimming Suspends Michael Phelps For 3 Months

FitSugar — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 10:00:00 -0800

In case you missed it, a photo of Michael Phelps was published in a British tabloid showing the eight-time Olympic gold medalist smoking marijuana from a bong. Although many of his teammates are supporting him, USA Swimming is not. It's suspending him from competition for three months and the financial support that comes with it. By making an example of him, USA Swimming is sending a strong message to other swimmers and millions of fans that drugs are not appropriate for anyone, especially athletes.

This isn't the only bad news. Right before the 23-year-old Sportsman of the Year found this out, Kellogg decided to drop its sponsorship in response to the photo. They stated, "Michael's most recent behavior is not consistent with the image of Kellogg. His contract expires at the end of February and we have made a decision not to extend his contract." Phelps's other sponsors, including Speedo, Omega watch, and Visa, are sticking by him.

Although Michael apologized for his actions, saying that he feels awful that he let anyone down, he's accepted the outcome and is committed to work hard so he can earn back everyone's trust. Do you think this punishment is fair or too harsh?

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Would You Stand by Phelps If He Were Your Teammate?

FitSugar — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 04:30:00 -0800

Whether Olympian Michael Phelps smoking pot is surprising to you or not, the issue is getting its fair share of attention as everyone is trying to decide what to make of the situation. Phelps's fellow swimmers have issued their two cents and there's a resounding sense of support from the athletes.

Dara Torres remarked, "This in no way, shape, or form diminishes anything he's done," while relay-teammate Jason Lezak expressed his sentiments saying, "Unlike many fair-weather people, I am sticking by him. If my wife and I can help him in any way, we will. I believe he will grow from this and be better person, role model, and teammate."

Phelps's fellow Olympians seem pretty forgiving, but it seems the police might not be so understanding: a South Carolina sheriff claims he will charge Phelps with a misdemeanor for possession of marijuana if there's proof the crime occurred in his county.

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Smoking Pot Linked to Heart Attack and Stroke Risk

FitSugar — Thu, 15 May 2008 03:30:00 -0700

We all know that smoking pot regularly just isn't good for our health. It can impair learning, affect memory retention and retrieval, and cause perceptual abnormalities (where you think you hear or see something that isn't there). The smoke from marijuana is also linked to lung cancer, and now research shows that chronic pot smoking can raise a person's risk of a heart attack or stroke. When blood protein levels were measured in heavy pot smokers, they were especially elevated - by 30 percent as compared to non pot smokers. These high levels of blood proteins increase the level of triglycerides. This is a type of fat found in the blood, that can contribute to hardening of the arteries and thickening of the artery walls, all of which raise a person's risk for stroke, heart attack, and heart disease.

As if that's not bad enough, smoking pot regularly could cause or worsen psychiatric problems such as anxiety and depression in teens. Now that I am a mom, I'm certainly cataloging all the reasons to just say "No."

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Medical Marijuana and Pot Vending Machines

FitSugar — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 14:45:00 -0800

Even though smoking pot may cause cancer, a dozen states have medical marijuana laws in place. California, home to many medical marijuana clubs - like the appropriately named Timothy Leary Medical Dispensary - now boasts a few 24-hour medical marijuana vending machines.
These pot vending machines (PVMs) are kind of like ATMs, but filled with a different kind of green. Inventor Vincent Mehdizadeh, created the PVM for easier, uncomplicated buying methods for the already complicated position of being a medical marijuana user. To see how the PVM dispenses the goods read more.

To purchase a prescription, up to an ounce a week, you need to be an approved medical marijuana user registered in Mehdizadeh's database. The machines will require fingerprint identification (how very high tech - pun intended) and a prepaid card with a magnetic strip. After the card and fingerprint are verified, a bright green envelop drops out of the slot with the prescription doled out in 1/8-ounce increments. The idea behind these machines is fairly practical. They offer convenience, lower prices, and privacy for medicinal users who suffer from chronic pain, lack of appetite, and other ailments. The machine also buys some safety for the pot dispensaries from thefts and raids. Yes, raids. The DEA and the federal government do not recognize individual states' medical marijuana laws.

Will these vending machines be sitting next to traditional ones selling Snickers bars and Doritos? Nope, PVMs will only be available at specific medical dispensary buildings. Interesting business model or bad idea? Tell me what you think in the comments section below.

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Take Clinton's Advice: Don't Inhale – Pot Causes Cancer

FitSugar — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 08:45:00 -0800

There is a long held belief, by many a stoner, that smoking marijuana poses no health threats, just possible legal troubles. Well, I hate to "bum anyone's high" but new studies indicate that regularly smoking pot poses an increased risk for cancer. It seems that smoking a doobie is bad for your lungs.
Researchers in New Zealand found that smoking one joint is the equivalent of smoking 20 cigarettes because joints have no filter. Plus, pot smokers tend to hold the smoke in the lungs increasing their exposure time to the smoke. Cannabis smoke not only contains twice the amount of carcinogens as tobacco smoke, but pot smokers end up with five times more carbon monoxide in their blood stream when compared to tobacco smokers.

To see how much weed makes for the danger zone, just read more

It should be noted that the pot smokers involved in the study smoked one joint a day for ten years, or two joints a day for five years (the accelerated approach), and were considered the "high exposure group" – no pun intended. The daily smokers lung cancer risk rose by 5.7 times.

I was a little amused to read that the researchers found it "intriguing" that more research hasn't been done on the cannabis lung cancer connection. Since pot is an illegal drug, I am sure funding for the research would be difficult to come by.

To borrow a line from Nancy Regan, "Just say no to drugs." It is better for your brain and your lungs.

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Your Lungs: Cigarettes, Marijuana & Office Equipment and More

FitSugar — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 11:00:00 -0700

Although it is illicit, stoners for decades have touted their drug of choice as a healthy alternative to cigarettes. An interesting myth created under a purple haze if you ask me. New research proves that cannabis is hard on the lungs, but how hard?

Actually, lung health has been a hot topic in the news recently and when something is bad for the lungs cigarettes are brought out as the measuring stick for damage.

So believe it or not - this is the first cigarette themed quiz here on FitSugar.

Take the quiz

Marijuana intoxication

admin — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 17:53:15 -0700

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Definition

Marijuana ("pot") is the most commonly used illegal drug in the United States. The drug is primarily smoked, sometimes eaten. Its intoxicating effects include relaxation, sleepiness, and mild euphoria (getting high).

Marijuana can cause undesirable side effects, which increase with higher doses. These side effects include dry mouth, red eyes, impaired perception and motor skills, decreased short-term memory, paranoia, mood swings, and hallucinations. The amount and effect of these side effects varies from individual to individual.

Alternative Names

Cannabis intoxication; Intoxication - marijuana (cannabis)

Review Date: 7/18/2007

Reviewed By: Eric Perez, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

A.D.A.M. Copyright

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997-2009 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

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Source Doc: 1_000952

Drug abuse

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 18:49:45 -0700

Overview

Definition
Alternative Names
Information
References

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Definition

Drug abuse is the use of illegal drugs, or the misuse of prescription or over-the-counter drugs.

Alternative Names

Substance abuse; Illicit drug abuse; Narcotic abuse; Hallucinogen abuse

Information

MARIJUANA (also called "grass," "pot," "reefer," "joint," "hashish," "cannabis," "weed," and "Mary Jane")

About 2 in 5 Americans have used marijuana at least once. About 10% of the population uses it on a regular basis.

The source of marijuana is the hemp plant (cannabis sativa). The active ingredients are THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) and other cannabinoids, which are found in the leaves and flowering shoots of the plant.

Hashish is a substance taken from the tops of female plants. It contains the highest amount of THC.

The drug dose in marijuana varies greatly depending on how it is prepared.

You may feel the effects of marijuana within seconds to several minutes after breathing in the smoke (from a joint or a pipe), or within 30 - 60 minutes after eating foods containing marijuana, such as "hash brownies."

Because you can feel the effects almost right away, you can stop breathing in at any time to reduce the effect. In contrast, eating marijuana produces effects more slowly. These effects add up and last longer, making unpleasant reactions more likely.

The main effects of marijuana are on behavior, because the drug affects the central nervous system (CNS). Marijuana became popular because it gives people a feeling of joy (euphoria), relaxation, and increased sight, hearing, and taste with low-to-moderate doses. Most users also report an increase in their appetite ("the munchies").

Unpleasant effects that may occur include trouble telling oneself from others, changed body image, lack of orientation, and acute panic reactions or severe paranoia.

Some cases of severe delirium, seeing or hearing things that aren't there (hallucinations), and violence have also been reported. In such cases, marijuana may have been laced with another drug, such as PCP.

Marijuana has specific effects that may decrease your ability to perform tasks that require a lot of coordination (such as driving a car). It affects visual tracking and prolongs the sense of time.

The drug can affect learning because it can reduce your ability to concentrate and pay attention. Studies have shown that learning may become "state-dependent," meaning that information learned while under the influence of marijuana is best remembered in the same state of drug influence.

Other marijuana effects may include:

Airway (bronchial) irritation leading to narrowing of the airways (bronchoconstriction) or airway spasms (bronchospasm)
Bloodshot eyes
Increased heart rate and blood pressure
Pharyngitis, sinusitis, bronchitis, and asthma in heavy users
Possible serious effects on the immune system
Widening of the airways (bronchodilatation)

Regular users, when they stop marijuana use, may have withdrawal effects. These may include:

Agitation
Anxiety
Insomnia
Irritability

Because the substance formed when the body breaks down marijuana may be stored in the body's fat tissue, heavy users may show evidence of marijuana in urine tests for up to 1 month after stopping the drug.

The active substance in cannabis is believed to have medical properties. Many people believe that it can help treat nausea caused by chemotherapy in cancer patients.

Others claim that cannabis stimulates appetite in patients with AIDS, or is useful for treating glaucoma. While the active ingredient in marijuana has been approved as a medication (dronabinol) by the Food and Drug Administration for these purposes, the use of whole marijuana remains very controversial. Currently, cannabis is illegal even for medical use.

PHENCYCLIDINE (PCP, "angel dust")

It is difficult to estimate the current use of phencyclidine in the United States, because many people do not know that they have taken it. Other illegal substances (such as marijuana) can be laced with PCP without the user being aware of it.

A 1986 National Institute of Drug Abuse survey of high school seniors revealed that more than 12% of the students had used substances that cause hallucinations (hallucinogens), and that many of these drugs probably contained PCP.

PCP use in the U.S. dates back to 1967 when it was sold as the "Peace Pill" in the Haight-Ashbury district of San Francisco. It never became very popular because it had a reputation for causing "bad trips."

PCP use grew during the mid-1970s, mainly because of different packaging (sprinkling on leaves that are smoked) and marketing strategies. During the 1980s it became the most commonly used hallucinogen, especially among users aged 15 - 25.

Although phencyclidine was first created by a drug company searching for a new pain reliever (anesthetic), it was not good for human use because of its mind-altering (psychotropic) side effects.

PCP is no longer produced for legitimate, legal purposes. Unfortunately it can be made rather easily and cheaply by anyone who knows organic chemistry. This makes it a prime drug for the illegal drug industry. It is available illegally as a white powder that can be dissolved in either alcohol or water.

PCP may be taken in different ways. How fast it affects the user depends on how it is taken. If dissolved, PCP may be taken through a vein ("shot up") and its effects begin within seconds.

Sprinkled over dried parsley, oregano, or marijuana leaves, it can be smoked. The effects begin within 2 - 5 minutes, peaking at 15 - 30 minutes. Taken by mouth, in pill form, or mixed with food or drinks, PCP's effects usually start within 30 minutes. The effects tend to peak in about 2 - 5 hours.

Lower doses of PCP typically produce feelings of joy (euphoria) and less inhibition, similar to being drunk. Higher doses cause numbness throughout the body, and perception changes that may lead to extreme anxiety and violence.

Large doses may produce paranoia, "hearing voices" (auditory hallucinations), and psychosis similar to schizophrenia. Massive doses, usually from taking the drug by mouth, may cause:

Because of the pain-killing ( analgesic) properties of PCP, users who get seriously injured may not feel any pain.

Ketamine, a substance related to PCP, has become more popular in recent years. It is commonly called "Special K."

HALLUCINOGENS

In addition to PCP, other commonly abused hallucinogens include LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide), psilocybin (mushrooms, "shrooms"), and peyote (a cactus plant containing the active ingredient mescaline).

Some people have used naturally occurring hallucinogens, especially for religious rites, for centuries. The native people of Mexico used mushrooms containing psilocybin, and peyote use was common among southwestern Native Americans.

In contrast, LSD is an artificial substance, first developed by a drug company in 1938. Today, most hallucinogens are used experimentally rather than on a regular basis. Most users report only one or a few uses per year.

LSD is a very strong hallucinogen. Only tiny doses are needed to produce effects. Compared to LSD, psilocybin is 100 - 200 times weaker, and mescaline (peyote) is about 4,000 times weaker.

Hallucinogens can lead to extreme anxiety and lack of reality at the height of the drug experience ("bad trips"). These experiences can come back as a "flashback," even without using the drug again. Such experiences typically occur during times of increased stress, and tend to occur less often and intensely after stopping the drugs.

STIMULANTS ("speed," "crack," "coke," "snow," "crank," "go," "speedball," "crystal," "cross-tops," "yellow jackets")

Cocaine

The abuse of cocaine increased dramatically in the late 1980s and early 1990s, but is now on the decline.

Cocaine may be breathed in through the nose ("snorting"), or dissolved in water and taken through a vein (intravenously). When mixed with heroin for IV use, the combination is called a "speedball."

Through a simple chemical procedure, cocaine may be changed into a smokeable form known as freebase or crack. Smoking produces an instant and intense sense of joy (euphoria), which is attractive to abusers. Other effects include:

Feelings of increased confidence and energy
Less inhibition
Local numbness
Powerful stimulation of the central nervous system

Increased use of and addiction to cocaine probably occur because it produces a very pleasurable high that is very short lived. This encourages the user to use the drug more often or regularly to get the desired effects.

Both the need to use larger amounts of the drugs to get the same effect (tolerance) and dependence may occur with regular cocaine use. Regular users may have:

Depression
Loss of interest in school, work, family, and friends
Memory loss
Mood swings
Sleep problems
Social withdrawal

Because heavy use may cause paranoia, cocaine users may become violent.

AMPHETAMINES

During the 1950s and 1960s, amphetamines were often prescribed for conditions such as fatigue, obesity, and mild depression. Such use has stopped because the drugs are very addictive, and are now considered controlled substances.

Over-the-counter (OTC) amphetamine look-alike drugs are often abused. These drugs typically contain caffeine and other stimulants, and are sold as appetite suppressants or stay-awake/stay-alert aids.

If taken in high doses, these OTC drugs may cause the same high and other effects that occur with amphetamines. Regular users may have:

Dilated pupils
Irritability
Restlessness
Skin flushing
Sleep disturbances
Tremors
Weight loss

INHALANTS

Inhalant use became popular with young teens in the 1960s with "glue sniffing." Since then, a greater variety of inhalants have become popular. Inhalant use typically involves younger teens or school age children. Groups of children will use inhalants usually as an experiment.

Commonly abused inhalants include:

Aerosols for deodorants or hair sprays
Cleaning fluids
Gasoline
Liquid typewriter correction fluid
Model glue
Spray paints

The chemicals are poured into a plastic bag or soaked into rags, then breathed in. The drugs are absorbed through the respiratory tract and cause an altered mental state within 5 - 15 minutes.

Negative effects of inhalant abuse include:

Brain damage
Convulsions
Liver or kidney damage
Nerve damage ( peripheral neuropathy)
Sudden death

Most inhalant use occurs among teens or preteens who do not have access to illegal drugs or alcohol.

OPIATES, OPIOIDS, AND NARCOTICS

Opiates come from opium poppies. These drugs include morphine and codeine. Opioids are artificial substances that have the same effect as morphine or codeine.

Opiates and opioids include:

Heroin
Hydromorphone
Oxycodone
Meperidine
Methadone
Propoxyphene

All of these substances, natural or man-made, are considered narcotics. Used as painkillers, these drugs:

Change perception of painful stimuli
Decrease anxiety
Promote a relaxed state (sedation)

Because heroin is commonly injected into a vein (used intravenously), there are health concerns about sharing contaminated needles among IV drug users. Complications of sharing contaminated needles include hepatitis, HIV infection, and AIDS.

STAGES OF JUVENILE DRUG USE

There are several stages of drug use. Young people seem to move more quickly through the stages than do adults.

Experimental use -- typically involves peers, done for recreational use; the user may enjoy defying parents or other authority figures.
Regular use -- the user misses more and more school or work; worries about losing drug source; uses drugs to "fix" negative feelings; begins to stay away from friends and family; may change friends to those who are regular users; shows increased tolerance and ability to "handle" the drug.
Daily preoccupation -- the user loses any motivation; does not care about school and work; behavior changes become obvious; thinking about drug use is more important than all other interests, including relationships; the user becomes secretive; may begin dealing drugs to help support habit; use of other, harder drugs may increase; legal problems may increase.
Dependence -- cannot face daily life without drugs; denies problem; physical condition gets worse; loss of "control" over use; may become suicidal; financial and legal problems get worse; may have broken ties with family members or friends by this time.

TREATMENT OVERVIEW

As with any other area of medicine, the least intensive treatment should be the starting point.

Residential treatment programs monitor and address possible withdrawal symptoms and behaviors. These programs use behavior modification techniques, which are designed to get users to recognize their behaviors.

Treatment programs include counseling both for the person (and perhaps family), and in group settings. Drug abuse treatment programs have a long after-care part (when the user is released from the medical facility), and provide peer support.

Drug addiction is a serious and complicated health condition that requires both physical and psychological treatment and support. It is important to be evaluated by a trained professional to determine the best care.

CALL YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER

If you are concerned about the possibility of getting addicted to any prescribed medications
If you are concerned about possible drug abuse by yourself or a family member
If you are interested in getting more information on drug abuse
If you are seeking treatment of drug abuse for yourself or a family member

Also seek out information and support from local 12-step support groups, such as:

Al-anon/Alateen
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
Narcotics Anonymous (NA)

Other support groups include:

LifeRing Recovery
Moderation Management
SMART Recovery

References

National Institutes of Health. Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment: A Research Based Guide. NIH Publication No. 00-4180, printed October 1999, reprinted July 2000.

Kleber HD, Weiss RD, Anton RF, George TP, Greenfield SF, Kosten TR, et al. Work Group on Substance Use Disorders. Treatment of patients with substance use disorders, second edition. Am J Psychiatry, 2007;164:5-123.

Review Date: 2/6/2008

Reviewed By: Christos Ballas, M.D., Attending Psychiatrist, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M. Copyright

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