Amidst a surge of new and trendy drugs is one that is more dangerous than the rest. This drug is more addictive, more lethal, and cheaper than many other drugs that people are familiar with or that are new on the scene.

Made with Toxic Chemicals

Oxidado, or “Oxi” for short, is taking lives and ruining others, yet it remains popular among certain groups of people. Oxi is derived from cocaine and looks like crack, but it also contains chemicals such as gasoline, battery fluid, and acetone. Oxi is made in people’s homes, using cocaine paste that has been soaked in gasoline. Other household solvents are added during the process, making this drug more toxic than most others. The director of a drug research center in Rio de Janeiro, Ivone Ponczek, said that Oxi was more dangerous than crack because it was easier to be produced. “While crack needs a mixture of sodium bicarbonate and others, and still needs a little know-how to be done, Oxi can be handmade, can be made by anyone,” (1) Unfortunately, this makes the drug very plentiful in places like Brazil.

An Unfortunate Brazilian Export

Oxidado, which means “rust”, originated in Brazil, possibly as early as the 1980s, but has increased in popularity since 2008. It is still a drug used primarily in Brazil, but word of it is spreading to other countries as well. It won’t be long until Oxi, which is causing a public health emergency in Brazil, will be causing alarm throughout the world. Because of how it is made, Oxi is up to five times cheaper than crack cocaine. The average price for one rock of Oxi is $1 to $3, while cocaine is often found for $60 a rock.

Dangers of Oxi

Before anyone goes looking for this drug to find themselves a cheap high, they should heed the warnings. Most people who use Oxi even one time get hooked. Most users die within one year. According to one researcher, Alvaro Mendes, who has studied the drug and its effects, “In the 15 years I have been working with chemical dependency, I have never seen a drug with such a potential of destruction as Oxi.” (2) Mendes calls Oxi the most addictive and powerful drug he has ever seen. Out of the 80 Oxi users he studied, 34 died during the study.

Oxi has the potential to grip its users so powerfully that they can think of nothing other than their next hit. The effect of smoking Oxi lasts only 3 to 5 minutes, but the damage to the body can be irreversible. Oxi causes users to quickly develop liver problems, severe stomach aches, vomiting, and diarrhea, and users lose weight quickly. But instead of being able to stop taking the drug or seeking help, users stop eating and are compelled to spend their time in abandoned buildings getting high. Most addicts forget about not only their responsibilities and families, but also personal hygiene and basic human needs. As one addict said, “You lose your shame when you take Oxi.” (2)

Sources

(1) Reports: New drug ‘oxi’ terrifies Brazil

(2) Inside Brazil’s toxic drug culture

Oxi: New Dangerous Drug Spreads in Brazil

The term “crack baby” came about in the 1980′s and 90′s when large numbers of women on crack and cocaine were having babies. Public view at the time was that these babies were born addicted, had to go through withdrawal symptoms, and faced a lifetime of suffering and inferiority. But after seeing these children grow up and develop over the last 20 years, researchers have found that those first assumptions were not correct.

The Effects of Environment

Crack became an epidemic in the late 80′s and early 90′s. During their drug addiction, many pregnant women had little regard for the developing babies that they were carrying. In 1991, there were 22,000 babies left in hospitals across the country by parents who couldn’t or did not want to care for them. Many of these were crack babies. In many ways, these babies were the lucky ones. Current research shows that many of these babies that were abandoned and were taken in or adopted by loving families grew up to live an almost normal life. The lasting effects of cocaine exposure during development are not so severe as once thought, it turns out. Some of the negative effects can actually be made up for by being brought up in a good environment.

The future was the bleakest for those children that were raised by their crack-addicted parent. Poverty, neglect, abuse, poor schooling, and lack of nutrition and health care are the major reasons some crack babies have struggled as they get older.

Effects of Crack and Drugs

This is not to say that crack doesn’t have a negative impact on a developing fetus. It does. These babies are often born prematurely, have low birth weight, and have a small head size. Many have trouble focusing, are diagnosed with ADHD, may have cerebral palsy, and may show defiant behavior. But there is little evidence to support the belief that crack babies are brain damaged or more likely to be involved with crime or violence as they get older.

Some researchers have compared crack-exposed babies to those exposed to tobacco; however, we have to be careful not to downplay the consequences of any substance on a developing fetus. A 2007 study done by the Department of Health and Human Services found that 5.2% of pregnant women reported using illicit drugs, 11.6% used alcohol, and 16.4% used tobacco. All of these substances have a potentially negative impact on the baby, and it is impossible to predict what or how severe the lasting effects will be. Parents that are addicted to drugs or alcohol should get help immediately, in order to ensure the best outlook for their child’s future.

Sources

Crack Babies

The Epidemic That Wasn’t

Once written off, ‘crack babies’ have grown into success stories

The latest debate in Washington regarding drug laws is that former law was too strict when it comes to crack and cocaine. Actually, the message coming across is that laws that were set up in the past unfairly punished African Americans for possessing drugs.

The dispute began in 1986, when lawmakers decided that crack was more dangerous than powdered cocaine. At that time, the Anti-Drug Abuse Act set mandatory minimum sentences for those in possession of drugs. Crack, the drug often to blame for street violence in inner city neighborhoods, was given a minimum sentence of five years for possessing five grams of the substance. Powder cocaine, on the other hand, was only assigned a mandatory five years once 500 grams were possessed.

Racial Accusations

Because crack, the less expensive form of cocaine, is often used by African American males, the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1986 put more blacks than whites in prison, and gave them longer sentences for their crimes. But it seems like a stretch to say that this law unfairly targeted African Americans. Crack, at the time, was the more dangerous drug; it was more closely connected to street-trafficking and gang violence, and it wreaked havoc on inner city neighborhoods. It was also becoming readily accessible to youth. Instead of accusing the signers of the 1980’s law of being racially motivated, we should consider the benefits of the law. For instance, the 1986 law attempted to keep crack dealers out of neighborhoods that had been devastated by the drug, and many African American youth and families directly benefited from the absence of crack users near their homes.

However, not everyone sees the old law in this light. White House spokesman Robert Gibbs even went as far as to say that revisiting the old law “demonstrates the glaring nature of what these penalties had done to people and how unfair they were.” But is it too callous to say that those that were dealing and possessing crack (black, white, Latino, or otherwise) broke the law, and therefore were rightly punished?

Law Reform Debate

In order to make this law more just in the eyes of opponents, the White House reformed the laws and relaxed the penalty for crack possession. Now, a person doesn’t get the mandatory sentence until they possess 28 grams of crack. However, the Fair Sentencing Act, signed by President Obama on Tuesday, still allows for a disparity between crack and powder cocaine users, and is still being debated by many. Some argue that the punishment for crack is still too high and should be equal to that of powder cocaine. Some people still think that there are too many African Americans being locked up for drug dealing.

But others think mandatory minimum sentences in general are not helpful. Each case should be reviewed separately, and harsher punishments should be handed down to those that supply and deal the drugs. Most importantly, we need to look at the pros and cons of incarceration. Research has clearly shown that to stop the drug/prison cycle, you need to provide help and treatment for those convicted of drug abuse. Prison alone is not the answer. If someone is caught involved with a drug crime, punishment is most likely in order. But to get the person back into society someday, they need real treatment for their drug problem.

Sources

President Obama signs bill reducing gap in cocaine sentences

Race and the Drug Laws

A step toward racial fairness in cocaine penalties

Drug sentencing reform doesn’t go far enough

Friday brought the report of yet another tragic death of a talented individual, which appears to be drug related. I don’t want to jump to conclusions but the New York Times is reporting that he was found with a crack pipe, crack and prescription medication.

I could write a lot about this situation since it has become an all to common headline, however I would like to focus on one aspect of this particular set of circumstances. In one of the articles I read, it was mentioned that Adam Goldstein (DJ AM) had just finished filming 8 episodes of a highly anticipated series for a major network, in which he attempted to help kids and their families, struggling with drugs. I happen to know a little bit about this production because I was approached by the show’s producers to assist them in finding individuals to help, as well as assist them with finding treatment for the addicts who wanted help.

This is a role I’ve played countless times for the media and one I enjoy as long as everyone involved id focused on raising awareness and helping those without options. Nine times out of ten the experience is overwhelmingly positive; however, my experience with this particular production company was frustrating and sadly, not unusual. I found them to be largely uneducated about the disease itself and that always poses a problem for all those involved. I was basically asked to identify individuals in crisis and then asked to wait while the casting process was performed. I found this to be a hard pill to swallow for myself and my company. I found that the bulk of the decision making on everything from which subjects to pick for the show to where to place them in treatment was centered around production concerns, logistics and politics, rather than what was in the best interest of the individuals in crisis. I understand there are issues which have to be addressed during the production of a show of this nature, however I believe that this can be accomplished while keeping the subjects’ best interest in the forefront.

I found that the people I spoke with at the production company were largely ignorant to the nuances of the disease, recovery process they were attempting to portray and the proper sequence of events that takes someone from crisis to solution. I realize that sacrifices are made when creating entertainment from crisis, however, I have to ask myself if those directly involved were more thoroughly equipped with information about the disease and recovery process, would they have been able to see that the star of their show was in trouble himself, or did they see it but determine that the show must go on? I am certainly not assigning responsibility to the network or the production company for this tragedy; however, I am just asking some questions that I believe need to be asked about this situation and to the entertainment industry as a whole.

Earlier this year I attended the Prism awards in Beverly Hills. These awards are given to the entertainment industry for the accurate portrayal of addiction and mental health issues in entertainment vehicles. There are many great shows out there that through their craft are raising the awareness of these issues in the consciousness of their viewers. Shows like A&E’s “The Cleaner” are very cutting edge; however “The Cleaner” is a fictional drama and certainly not reality. When you get into reality realm, it is a different beast altogether. Cops was probably the mother of all reality shows, where the film crew follows the professionals and films whatever happens. They are not involved in the decision making process and they do not cast the subjects. If the entertainment industry wants to do a reality series why don’t they identify a recovery professional and film them doing what they do without interfering, then they can go back to the editing room where it is completely safe and ethical to make decisions. When I need to produce a video, I go to the professionals and follow their guidance, when these production companies want to do a show about addiction shouldn’t they do the same.

Just a thought.

Jim Bevell

CEO TSN

561 577-3174

jimb@tsnemail.com

One of the most widely used illegal drugs in the United States is cocaine, and like many other drugs, it comes from a plant that has been used for thousands of years in other parts of the world.  Cocaine comes from the coca leaf, a plant that has a long history in spiritual rituals.

Coca and Andean Indians

It used to be that in the Andean Indian culture, the coca plant was linked to a sacred goddess.  These cultures believed that they had to please the coca goddess in order to have a successful harvest.  The leaves of the coca plant were chewed or smoked to help these natives connect with spiritual beings, as well as provide magical protection and powers.

Traditionally, coca leaves were chewed only by the leaders or royalty.  Over time, however, even lower classes were encouraged to chew the leaves to experience the benefits.  When the Spanish invaded the Incas land, they tried to outlaw the chewing of coca leaves.  But it soon became apparent that the Incas worked better when they were given leaves to chew.  Coca leaves give the user a boost of energy, as well as prevents hunger.  Mood stabilizes and stamina also increases in those that chew coca leaves.

First use of cocaine

Cocaine was first extracted from the coca plant in the 1860s.  At first it seemed to be a miracle drug that was useful in treating depression and morphine addiction, and it was prescribed by many physicians for various reasons.  However, it became evident that there were some serious problems with using cocaine, and it decreased naturally in popularity by the 1920s.

It was still being produced heavily in South America and other areas though, and cocaine made a comeback to the United States in the 1970s and 1980s.  At that time, it was illegal, yet in great demand.  The cost for cocaine was high, and violence became connected to the use and selling of cocaine.  Areas of cities that had many drug dealers became dangerous because of the guns and violence they brought with them.

Cocaine has had a rocky history in the United States.  There has been much controversy about the connection between the United States government and cocaine dealers.  There have been articles and books written about the CIA working with cocaine dealers to help win the war on communism.  Others argue that the aggressive role the U.S. government played in banning the drug actually led to the smuggling of it into our country.

Cocaine today

Cocaine is still being used illegally in our country by many today.  Cocaine stimulates the central nervous system, which increases heart rate and blood pressure.  The user feels a high and a feeling of satisfaction and energy.  Cocaine causes the user to disregard everything else besides the drug, leading to addiction.  For those dealing with cocaine addiction, the best help is most likely a treatment facility that offers detox, as well as long term residential care.

Sources

The History of Cocaine

http://www.infoplease.com/ce6/sci/A0812715.html

U.S. Drug Plague Of 1980s Was Spurred By Earlier Interventions In Andes March 20, 2009

Ayma, Evo Let Me Chew My Coca Leaves March 13, 2009

If you or someone you love is considering treatment for a drug or alcohol addiction, there are many decisions you may need to make in order to find the right facility. Below are some things to consider when choosing a facility, as well as things to expect once you get there.

First of all, it might be necessary to call a hotline to get immediate help for an addiction. This would be used when a person doesn’t know where else to go for help, or possibly someone is in immediate danger. If this is the case, the individual on the other end of the phone can give you valuable information about immediate treatment options.

Types of Facilities and Programs

If the decision is something that is thought about for a while and discussed, there are many different types of programs that might be useful. The first questions might be whether the facility offers residential, in-patient, or out-patient treatment, or a recovery house or long-term care. Some facilities are gender or age-specific, which might be particularly helpful to adolescents or females who might feel more comfortable in a setting with their peers.

It may be necessary for the treatment facility to have a detoxification program for the individual to rid their body of harmful substances while being monitored by a staff of medical professionals. After the physical dependency of the substance is addressed, the patient can begin counseling and treatment to manage the psychological dependency. Many treatment facilities have different activities to aid in this part of the recovery process. Things such as group therapy and family involvement have proven successful in treatment, as well as the 12-Steps for recovery. Some specialized facilities also provide programs such as equine therapy, recreational activities, cooking opportunities, and other things geared toward giving the mind and body something positive to focus on.

Recovery is an Ongoing Process

It is important for patients to be directed to long-term care to assist them in staying sober in the future. By learning about the risks of relapse and the skills needed to cope with stress and addiction triggers, an individual will be more likely to stay substance-free. A facility should provide follow-up services to give the recovering patient a support base when they move back into their lives. Recovery is an ongoing process. The groundwork is laid when an individual goes through treatment, but recovery continues on as the person is put back into their lives and families and has to effectively put what they learned into practice.

Entering into a treatment facility is a scary thing for most people. The unknown is hard to face. But the right facility can ease discomfort with their caring staff and positive programs. It still won’t be easy, but the goal is for the treatment to be successful. By working with counselors and staff to learn about oneself and taking accountability for the addiction, an individual can actually aid in the recovery process. So while you can expect treatment to be a challenge, it will hopefully be the best thing you’ve ever done.

Sources

T., Buddy Components of Effective Treatment Programs What Makes Alcohol Treatment Programs Work? January 22, 2008

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drug_rehabilitation

How would you feel if your insurance provider told you that the doctors’ visits and treatment costs for your illness were not going to be covered, or that you would have to pay a high deductible? Many people in our country are being told just that, and the reason is that the illness they have is substance abuse. There has long been a view in the world that substance abuse is a choice, or a character flaw, not a mental illness. Things are changing, however, and more and more research is being done on the complexities of the brain and its reaction to substance abuse. People today are beginning to see that while substance use might start as a decision to try something new, it quickly becomes an addiction that can’t be controlled.

Congress approves Mental Health Parity Act

Congress approved legislation last week that would change the way insurance providers handle claims for mental illness and substance abuse. The Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 provides “equity in the coverage of mental health and substance use disorders by ensuring that group health care plans do not charge higher co-payments, coinsurance, deductibles, and impose maximum out-of-pocket limits and lower day and visit limits.” Supporters of this measure include many in the House and Senate, businesses, insurance companies, and physicians. However, a few questions remained and until last week, it was uncertain whether or not the bill would pass before Congress went into recess this year. By attaching it to the Wall Street bailout bill, however, Congress was able to pass it quickly.

Help is needed

Help can’t come soon enough for many Americans struggling with drug or alcohol addiction. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness and the National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare, mental illness is the leading cause, and substance use is the second leading cause, of disability among adults. Many of these adults are not getting the help they need to recover from their mental illness, and often it is because of the high cost of treatment. Another reason is fear of discrimination from their employer if they do seek treatment.

Equal Coverage for an epidemic

With legislation such as the Mental Health Parity Act, those with a substance abuse disorder can be reassured that their insurers will not be able to set a cap on healthcare coverage for mental illness or substance abuse that isn’t set for other illnesses.

In order to deal with the epidemic of substance abuse, we need more good addiction treatment facilities, more affordable health care to addicts, and more support behind families dealing with substance abuse. Through the passage of this bill, those with addiction should be encouraged to move forward and seek treatment, so that we can work toward decreasing the incidence of drug and alcohol abuse.

Sources

Congresswoman Shea-Porter Hails Passage of Mental Health Parity Act September 24, 2008

Many State Reform Initiatives Are Neglecting Mental Illness, Says Study July 08, 2008

Layton, Lyndsey Congress Approves Mental Health Bill Private Insurers Would Provide More Benefits Sept. 24, 2008

Ault, Alicia Equal Coverage For Mental Health?
Many States Require Parity, and Congress May Order It Nationwide November 6, 2007

Curley, Bob Congress, Bush Approve Addiction and Mental Health Parity Legislation October 3, 2008