New Designer/Synthetic Drugs: Bath Salts, K2, etc…- “Not for Human Consumption” (HSP 537)
This workshop will describe the emergence of a new generation of designer drugs. We live in a time where Spice is not for cooking and Bath Salts are not for bathing. Products such as Bath Salts, Plant Food, Incense, and others, all legal household items, can now contain powerful psychoactive compounds capable of producing severe psychosis and other life threatening effects. These drugs are attractive to many drug abusers since they are initially unknown and therefore undetectable in toxicology tests and available locally and legally. The history of these new products will be discussed as well as the impact of both the internet and the use of social media to create a market for these toxic substances. Legal and legislative responses will be described as well such as the recently passed "Synthetic Drug Control Act (H.R. 1254)". Drugs such as mephadrone, MDPV, (and their related analogs), synthetic marijuana and related cannabinoids as well as emerging drugs such as Kratom etc. will be described with attention to their: desired effects, toxic effects, mental/emotional effects, physical effects, how used, who uses, how marketed, toxicology testing, signs and symptoms of use, forms used and appearance, withdrawal syndromes and treatment issues. Very little science exists due to the newness of these substances but this presentation will present the very latest scientific and medical research. Additionally a compilation of anecdotal information that has been collected from various web sites and forums frequented by persons making, selling and using these compounds will be discussed. Actual case studies will be presented to demonstrate the effects and toxicities associated with these drugs. An update regarding the current status of toxicology labs which labs test as well as what testing methods used will be reviewed.4/29, Monday (1 session)
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
ACM: CE-12-14
Instructor: Ken Dickinson
Course Cost: $94.00
Maryland Senior Course Cost: $89.00
