Emerging Drug Trends MSgt Jason R Henke - PowerPoint Presentation

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Emerging Drug Trends

MSgt Jason R HenkeMissouri National GuardCounterdrug Task Force

NIDA’s Community Epidemiology Work Group (ECWG)

Established in 1976Network composed of researchers from major metropolitan areas of the United States and selected foreign countries which meets semiannually to discuss the current epidemiology of drug abuse.Primary mission of the work group is to provide ongoing community-level surveillance of drug abuse through analysis of quantitative and qualitative research data.

E-Cigarettes

Smokeless, battery operated devices designed to deliver nicotine with flavorings or other chemicals to the lungs of users without burning tobacco.Delivers highly addictive nicotine, which has a variety of negative health effects, and may even promote the growth of some cancers.FDA analysis of some e-cigarette products found low levels of nitrosamines, ethylene glycol and diethylene

glycol, all associated with cancer and other health risks, as well as potentially toxic metal

nanoparticles

from the vaporizing mechanism.

Still unclear how “safe” they are.

E-Cigarettes and THC

Vaporizers

Heats marijuana below combustion point.It is perceived to be a "cleaner" way of smoking.Devices have also been shown to release ammonia which, when inhaled, can cause irritation and central nervous system effects, as well as asthma and bronchial spasms.

N-bomb

25I-NBOMe, 25C-NBOMe, and 25B-NBOMe are three synthetic substances recently encountered on the designer drug market.These substances have been encountered as powders, liquid solutions, laced on edible items, and soaked onto blotter papers.Being sold as legal substitutes for LSD or mescaline.

Molly

Slang for “molecular”.Pure crystalline powder form of the club drug MDMA (3-4 methylenedioxymethamphetamine), which in pill form is known as ecstasy.MDMA in any form produces energy and euphoria in users but also may dangerously affect body temperature and cause confusion, depression, and sleep problems.

Users may be seeking out Molly to avoid the adulterants or substitutes known to be commonly found in pills sold as ecstasy, such as caffeine, methamphetamine, and other harmful drugs.

Krokodil

Used as a cheap heroin substitute in poor rural areas of Russia.DEA has not yet confirmed any Krokokil in this country.Synthetic form of a heroin-like drug called

desomorphine

that is made by combining codeine tablets with iodine, gasoline, paint thinner, hydrochloric acid, lighter fluid and red phosphorus.

Gets its name from the scaly, gray-green dead skin that forms at the site of an injection.

The flesh destroyed by

krokodil

becomes gangrenous, and, in some cases, limb amputation has been necessary to save a user’s life.

Cough Syrup with Codeine and Promethazine

Syrup, Purple Drank, Sizzurp, LeanReferenced frequently in rap music beginning in the late 90s.Codeine is an

opioid

that can produce relaxation and euphoria when consumed in sufficient quantities.

Promethazine

is an antihistamine that also acts as a sedative.

Codeine and other

opioids

present a high risk of fatal overdose due to their effect of depressing the central nervous system.

Mixing with alcohol greatly increases this risk.

Anti-Energy Drinks

Copy-cat of “Purple Drank”. Commercial bottlers have now produced non-codeine based legal drinks like Sippin Syrup and other anti-energy drinks (e.g. Drank, Unwind, Mary

Janes

Relaxation Soda), which are sold at convenience stores

and are advertised

as an “Extreme Relaxation Beverage.”

These

products contain sedating-type ingredients, such as melatonin, valerian root

extract,

and kava

kava

.

Sold

as a dietary supplement rather than a beverage since ingredients like melatonin and kava

kava aren’t FDA approved food additives.

Neknominate

Thought to have originated in Australia, now sweeping the world.At least five men aged under 30 have died after drinking deadly cocktails (no deaths in US).There appears to be no limit to the type of drinks that are consumed (alcohol, motor oil, dead mouse, etc).Variations seen in U.S. on social media sites.

Kratom

Derived from the Mitragyna Speciosa plant indigenous to Southeast Asia, primarily in Thailand. Plant

consists of a psychotropic molecule called

Mitragynine

that’s been reported to produce both stimulant and sedative effects, depending on the dosage

.

With higher doses,

Kratom

mimics an opiate with sedative effects and euphoria

.

Negative side effects include nausea, sweating, itching, dry mouth and constipation.

Long-term

use can potentially result in anorexia, insomnia, weight loss and in some cases psychotic episodes, such as confusion, delusions and hallucinations

.

DEA’s Office of Diversion Control states Kratom is a drug and chemical of concern with no legitimate medical use, but it remains legal to sell and use.

Questions??

MSgt Jason R HenkeMissouri National GuardCounterdrug Task Force