The ambulance screeched to a halt in front of the ER doors. The
Trauma Team ran out to meet the paramedics as they rush the 17 year old in. Kyle's body looked lifeless as he fought for each breath. Just hours earlier Kyle was at a party where he smoked a joint that had been soaked in PCP (Zombie Weed). What happened afterwards was a blur. At first, the high was awesome. He had an amazing amount of energy and believed that he was a superhero. In his full character role, he climbed to the top of the house before plummeting to the ground below. He learned the hard way that superman only files in the movies. Now the trauma team worked hard to revive Kyle as his body laid shattered from the fall. Another case of Zombie Weed in the ER, a drug that makes you feel immortal and oblivious to pain.
Unfortunately, Zombie weed's not the only drug related case they are dealing with in the ER. There's another popular drug circulating around the teen population called "Spice". A synthetic cannabis that doesn't even show up on drug test. Scary stuff, isn't it?
While it may be the season for goblins and ghouls, you don't want to experience "zombies" this Halloween. Ask anyone who works in the ER about "Zombie Weed" and "Spice" and odds are they'll know.... After speaking with a medical colleague, I was amazed to find out what is experienced in the ER on a typical late Friday and Saturday night. We started talking about young adults coming in tripping on "zombie weed" and their super human abilities and kids who've doped up on the ever more popular, "spice" drug. Do you know what these are? As parents, of teens you know many teens are highly impulsive and adventurous and may "take" before they "think". Pre-education is the best thing when it comes to drugs.
What is Zombie Weed?
Zombie Weed is a marijuana joint that has been dipped in a liquid mixture (embalming fluid) containing PCP. Originally, PCP was developed as a surgical anesthesia. It was discontinued after the bizarre effects it had on post surgical patients. Zombie weed can also cause extreme psychosis. Psychosis is a state where people lose a grip on reality - during these states, they may respond to imagined voices or visions. People have committed some violent acts while high on zombie weed. Most people who are high describe having super human capabilities. There have even been reports of people breaking handcuffs! We're talking super hero strength.
Other symptoms include:
- Numbness
- Dissociative states
- Hallucinations
- Animation
- Euphoria
- Intoxication
- Anger/rage
What is Spice?
The drug known as "Spice" or "K2" is synthetic cannabis. It has really increased in popularity amongst teens. Spice is a popular option for teens because it doesn't show up in drug tests. However, it is very dangerous because it is dried plant sprayed with synthetic cannabinoid powders. Spice was marketed as "incense," but not marketed for human consumption which made it easy to get cheap and legal. About a year ago, the DEA identified several chemical compounds found in spice blends as "drugs and chemicals of concern" and initiated a nationwide ban of these chemicals. Unfortunately, teens are still getting their hands on it.
Spice is reported to give the same feeling as marijuana high, but many times stronger.
Other symptoms include:
- Elevated heart rate
- Elevated blood pressure
- Anxiety
- Numbness and tingling
- Vomiting
- Agitation (which can be severe and require sedation)
- Hallucinations
- Tremors and seizures
Parents, speak with your teen regarding the dangers associated with drug use. As you can see, these two drugs are not to be reckoned with. They can have life altering, everlasting effects on the users. If you suspect your teen is using recreational drugs, please get help immediately. There are some resources for you following this blog.
There are many dangerous drugs out there for teens to get their hands on. Regardless of whether the substance is legal or illegal, accessibility isn't hard to come by. All you need to do is know someone who knows someone and you'll get "hooked up". As a parent it's important to stay on top of the drug trends so that you can educate your teen about the dangers of drug use.
Remember the story at the beginning? You wouldn't want that to be your teen in the ER... You don't want your teen to be the one fighting for his life because of Zombie Weed or "Spice".
Helpful Resources
1. American Council for Drug Education
http://www.acde.org/parent/signs.htm
2. Treatment Center
A nationwide directory of treatment centers that
specialize in the treatment of alcoholism, addiction, eating disorders, and
drug problems. Treatment Center.com
3. The Partnership at Drugfree.org
http://www.drugfree.org/
4. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
http://teens.drugabuse.gov/utilities/resources.php
