Summary, Feedback, and Potential Future Entries

I began this blog as part of a college course project.  It was my first time creating a blog, and I feel grateful for the opportunity to advance my technical skills as well as my knowledge of psychoactive drugs.  I hope it has prompted critical thought regarding drug use, public policies, the pharmaceutical industry, etc.

 I welcome comments and feedback on prior posts or input on continuing this blog for those who are following it.  In all likelihood, I shall continue blogging; however, my posts may expand beyond the scope of just drugs to other potentially addictive behaviors.  Moreover, my posts will vary in regularity depending on my schedule, which means sometimes I will post less frequently than I have since the inception of this blog.  Until next time, I wish you all well.  :)

Revolving Doors and Conflicts of Interest

What a tangled web is woven when individuals exchange ethics for monetary gain.  Please research PDUFA.  It can be found on the FDA website.  They fully acknowledge that they collect "product" fees from pharmaceutical companies, which has expedited the drug approval process since its inception in 1992.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UDlH9sV0lHU

 

References

 

Derekw6826. (December 13, 2010). Making a killing: The untold story of psychotropic drugging - full movie (documentary). Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UDlH9sV0lHU

The Unholy Alliance between the Pharmaceutical Industry and the Medical Community

Have you ever felt bombarded or fed up by the overwhelming spate of pharmaceutical ads?  After the second or third commercial within a 30-60 minute time frame, these marketing ploys resemble the antics of the untold snake oil salesmen peddling "cure-all" elixirs and patent medicines from the past.  The U.S. government from the DEA to the FDA, Congress, etc. spends a great deal of revenue and time focusing on the illicit drug trade.  Equally, both the medical and mental health communities concentrate the majority of their efforts on illegal drug use, misuse, and abuse.  Why not concede that a highly profitable, albeit, unholy alliance has developed between academia, the medical and mental health professions, the FDA, and Big Pharma?  In other words, utilize available resources to initiate and advance internal systemic reforms.  Perhaps, I am being far too naïve when so much money and power is at stake.  Nonetheless, Dr. Fung and others are speaking up and expressing both their concerns and outrage.  Will they be censured by their peers and lose their credibility or will others also bravely step out as advocates for the people?  Time will tell.  Attached below is a YouTube video of one of Dr. Fung's revealing lectures.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mlHGJoYpBqM

 

References

 

Fung, J. (March 1, 2013). How we have been lied to by Big Pharma. Retrieved from            http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mlHGJoYpBqM

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

Reflections on Synthetic Marijuana

Wherever one looks whether in the natural world or a laboratory, drugs have a strong influence.  Likewise, in spite of the risks or potentially harmful side effects, people will continue to find new and unusual methods to get high.  Nevertheless, knowledge is power when it comes to educating oneself concerning the dangers of any drug.  With that in mind, I wanted to share an article from last year linking smoking synthetic marijuana (also known as Spice or K2) with a higher incidence of ischemic strokes. 

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/11/131119142230.htm
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Splitting hairs with regard to censoring various depictions of drug use in the media

Today I happened to turn on the television and come across a popular film that had been edited for content.  It struck me as rather asinine that the censors would approve showing a scene in which one actor was snorting cocaine; meanwhile, an entire segment of the film was completely cut out depicting another key actor shooting up heroin.  Really?  What's the difference?  It is almost painfully obvious that these petty distinctions are politically, racially, and socioeconomically motivated.  Apparently, quibbling like hypocrisy knows no bounds.

LA Times Article

I recently referenced this LA Times article in a discussion thread.  I thought I would post the article in its entirety for review.

http://www.latimes.com/science/sciencenow/la-sci-sn-lsd-trial-safety-20140304,0,3840273.story

 

References:



Healy, M. (2014, March 5). First trial of LSD as medicine in 40 years shows promise. Los Angeles Times. Retrieved from http://www.latimes.com/science/sciencenow/la-sci-sn-lsd-trial- safety-20140304,0,3840273.story

I recently viewed this documentary on CNN.  It is approx. 43 minutes long; however, well worth the watch.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tAFu-Ihwyzg

References:

 

MoxNews.com (March 11, 2014). Dr. Sanjay Gupta's weed 2 documentary. Retrieved from   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tAFu-Ihwyzg



After yesterday's serious posts, I felt it was time for some humor.  At the very least, the video may provide candid discussion about the legalization of marijuana for medical and/or recreational purposes, the dangers of meth, or other drug related topics that come to mind.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjpDEnCej6A

References:

Simmons, C. (February 19, 2012). Marijuana vs crystal meth - Funny but true video. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjpDEnCej6A

The following video contains graphic content depicting the dangers of crystal meth.  Some may find it over the top or melodramatic; however, if you have ever dealt with anyone who uses/abuses meth (commonly called "tweakers" by EMS, other public safety, etc.), then you know these individuals are typically out of control and that is putting it mildly.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bqfyt7E58iU

Reference:

Zeug, S. (July 28, 2012). Crystal meth - Not even once. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bqfyt7E58iU

I recently came across an insightful article in the March 6, 2014, edition of the Inland Empire Community Newspaper.  Loma Linda University conducted a study on binge drinking and provided in-depth statistics "of California adults by gender and detailed race ethnicity categories, which [were] published online in The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse on Feb. 12" (Duncan, 2014, p. 5).  Data was gathered via California Health Interview Surveys (CHIS) from 2007 and 2009 and included over 98,662 responses from adults and encompassed a wide range of socio-demographic characteristics.  "According to Jim Banta, PhD, MPH from the Center for Leadership in Health Systems at LLU School of Public Health and lead researcher of the study, the significance of the study is that it provides detailed binge drinking rates by gender and in race/ethnicity compared to previous reports (as ctd. in Duncan, 2014, p. 5).  The research also made adjustments for other factors, such as age, education level, and income.  A particularly interesting facet of the study reports detailed data "on Asia-Americans by nationality, who as a group, generally have low rates of binge drinking.  There is variability not often detected when looking at Asians as a group; for example, an estimated 28.1% of Korean men binge drink, compared to 11.9% of Chinese men" (as ctd. in Duncan, 2014, p. 5).  Similar variability was also reported for Latino groups with specific stats based on nationality and gender.  Overall, non-Hispanic whites have the highest rate of binge drinking, including frequency for the past year as opposed to other racial/ethnic groups.  So, what exactly is binge drinking you may be wondering?
        
          The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism defines binge drinking as a pattern of drinking that brings a person's blood alcohol concentration (BAC) to 0.08 grams percent or above.  For men, this typically occurs when 5 or more drinks are consumed and for women, four or more in approximately two hours.  The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has estimated that 92% of U.S. adults who drink excessively report binge drinking in the past 30 days and that an average 70% of binge drinking episodes involve adults 26 years of age or older.  Binge drinking accounts for 40,000 deaths every year in the U.S. and has been linked to domestic abuse, violence, academic and personal problems, risk-taking behaviors, physical injury to both self and others, driving while intoxicated, and failure to adhere to medications (as ctd. in Duncan, 2014, p. 5).  While binge drinking may not be equivalent to or ultimately lead to alcoholism, it is a serious problem with negative consequences. 

Considering the statistical data and human cost what initiatives should efforts concentrate on?  Statistics, while helpful, only tell us so much.  Should the focus be on those at greatest risk or encompass everyone?  After all, most of us have witnessed a close family member, friend, or co-worker in the throes of alcohol abuse.  Likewise, many of us are familiar with the feelings of anxiety, anger, helplessness, and sorrow wrought by alcoholism.  How do we provide our youth, educators, families, etc. with the tools to deal with alcoholism?  For that matter, what would those tools be? 

References:

Duncan, M. J. (2014, March 6th). Study provides detailed stats on binge drinking. Inland Empire Community Newspapers.

Introduction

As a former paramedic, I have seen people at their best and worst in a variety of situations.  Humor, especially satire is a useful coping mechanism whether adapting to the stressors of life or discussing a serious subject matter, such as drug abuse.  I shall regularly utilize facetiousness, sarcasm, and similar entertaining examples to engage others in constructive dialogue about various topics pertaining to drugs.  Some posts will be my own personal reflections, while others will consist of videos, memes, articles, etc.  It is my goal to promote critical thought and candid communication peppered with a healthy does of laughter in light of the controversial topic and my penchant for the politically incorrect.  I look forward to conversing with all who are interested.  :)