Pick Your Poison

LSD Overview:

LSD, or lysergic acid diethylamide is the most common hallucinogen. It is one of the most potent mood-changing chemicals that is known. The drug is created from the lysergic acid, which is found in ergot. Ergot is a fungus that grows on grains, such as rye. LSD is usually found in the form of small squares of "blotter" paper (pictured above). These squares are also called "tabs" and typically have designs printed on them. LSD can also be found in the form of a clear liquid or squares of gelatin. LSD is typically taken orally, however the liquid and gelatin forms can be insert by the eyes. Street names for LSD include doses, acid, hits, microdots, tabs, sugar cubes, and trips ("Lsd," 2013).

Medicinal Use:

Currently, there is research being conducted about possible medicinal use of LSD. At the University of California at San Francisco and Harvard University, studies are underway for the use of LSD as an aid in the medical setting, for things such as chronic headaches and psychiatric uses. Also, in Switzerland, researchers were studying the use of LSD to relieve issues suffered by people with extreme anxiety, such as those suffering from a life-ending illness (Biddle, 2010).

Side Effects:

The effects of LSD are unpredictable and can vary depending on the amount consumed, the personality of the user, their moods and expectations, and the environment ("Lsd," 2013). Effects of the drug are possible 30-90 minutes after taking it. Taking LSD is referred to as a "trip" and a negative experience is considered a "bad trip." These effects could be longer if the dose is higher, lasting 10-12 hours at most ("Lsd: Consumer information," 2013).

Short term:

Short term physical effects of LSD include an increase of body temperature, dilation of the pupils a rise in blood pressure and heart rate, sweating, loss of appetite, restlessness, tremors, and dry mouth. However, the sensations and feelings from the drugs is stronger than the physical effects. Rapid changes through emotions is likely. If taken in larger amounts, LSD can also cause delusions and hallucinations and the user can lose a sense of time, depth, and self. There is also an effect where sensations cross over, where a user make thing they hear a color or see a sound. The size and shapes of objects may change to the user. These changes could all frighten the user and cause panic ("Lsd," 2013).

Long term:

LSD is not an addictive drug and does not produce compulsive drug seeking behaviors ("Lsd," 2013). However, users of LSD can build tolerance, causing users to take doses repeatedly or higher ("Lsd: Consumer information," 2013). Users of LSD may experience flashbacks a long time after their experience with the drug ("Lsd," 2013). LSD can also cause acute anxiety and depression and even schizophrenia in the long term ("Lsd: Consumer information," 2013).

Prevalence in the U.S. :

LSD is not a widely used drug and most users just try it once. The National Survey on Drug Use and Health reports that more than 200,000 people use LSD for the first time each year and only 9.7% of the population over the age of 12 has used LSD in their lifetime. Overall, the use of LSD has declined in all ages. However, ages 18-25 are still most likely to use it. The NSDUH reports that 12.1% of people ages 18-25 have used LSD at least once ("Lsd addiction," 2009).

History:

LSD was discovered in 1938 by Albert Hofmann, a chemist who was attempting to develop medicines from the fungus ergot. When LSD failed, he set it to the side until 1943, when he discovered that it could create a state of intoxication. One day that he ingested the drug, he rode home on his bicycle and experienced hallucinations and paranoia, followed by relaxation. This day is known is "bicycle day" ("Lsd addiction," 2009).

LSD was brought to the United States in 1948 to be studied for its possible use in psychiatric medicine. When it began to look promising, doctors began to experiment not just medically, but also in a recreational way. Soon, with the help of chemists, LSD was produced in large amounts and distributed for free to young people. In the 1960's it was the drug of choice and was believed to give a positive experience ("Lsd addiction," 2009).

LSD was used by a number of musicians, including the Grateful Dead, Jefferson Airplane, and Jimi Hendrix. The popular Beatles song "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds" is even said to be about LSD, and stand for it. These artists lead to the development of "acid rock," a genre of music that incorporated LSD and the Beatles are credited for making it popular. LSD was also linked to violence in the 1960's, such as the Charles Manson murders ("Lsd addiction," 2009).

The use of LSD declined in the 1980's, yet had a slight come back in the 1990's with its use at parties about drugs and music called raves. However, law enforcement increased and the popularity of raves decreased, causing the drug to fall out yet again. Today, LSD is still used and is still a concern, but it is definitely less prevalent than its history ("Lsd addiction," 2009).

Sanctions for Use:

LSD is considered a Schedule I drug and in 1966, the federal government made LSD illegal. However, it is not banned of use in research (Biddle, 2010).

The following sanctions are current for LSD use (“Federal penalties and,” 2013):
For 1gm or more mixture:

1st Offense:
• Not less than 5 years. Not more than 40 years.
• Supervised release at least 4 years.
• If death or serious injury, not less than 20 years or more than life
• Fine of not more than $5 million individual, $25 million other than individual, or both
2ND OFFENSE
• Not less than 10 years. Not more than life.
• If death or serious injury, life imprisonment.
• Fine of not more than $8 million individual, $50 million other than individual, or both
• Supervised release at least 8 years

For 10gm or more mixture:
1ST OFFENSE
• Not less than 10 years. Not more than life
• If death or serious injury, not less than 20 years or more than life
• Fine of not more than $10 million individual, $50 million other than individual, or both
• Supervised release at least 5 years
2ND OFFENSE
• Not less than 20 years. Not more than life.
• If death or serious injury, life imprisonment
• Fine of not more than $20 million individual, $75 million other than individual, or both
• Supervised release at least 10 years


Treatment Options for Abuse:

Because LSD is not an addictive drug and users do not experience withdrawal, treatment for LSD is very different than treatment for other drugs and is based on psychological treatment, not physical. These treatments may include behavior modification, counseling, or psychological therapy ("Lsd addiction," 2009).

My Thoughts: The Impact on Family and Society:

Overall, I think because LSD is not addictive and not widely used, it does not have a huge impact on family and society. However, when it is used it is very dangerous and can have horrible effects on both. Someone under the influence of LSD can act in outlandish ways and experience some scary things. If LSD were to once again become prevalent in society, it could be a negative effect on families and communities.

References:

Biddle, T. (2010, May 18). Medical uses for lsd. Retrieved from http://www.qualityhealth.com/health-lifestyle-articles/medical-uses-lsd

Federal penalties and sanctions for illegal trafficking and possession of a controlled substance. (2013). Retrieved from http://commonsense.uchicago.edu/page/federal-penalties-and-sanctions-illegal-trafficking-and-possession-controlled-substance

Lsd. (2013). Retrieved from http://www.drugfree.org/drug-guide/lsd

Lsd addiction. (2009). Retrieved from http://www.lsdaddiction.us/content/what-is-lsd.html

Lsd: Consumer information. (2013). Retrieved from http://www.drugs.com/lsd.html

Links to Pictures Used:

http://www.norcas.org.uk/youth/drug-info/lsd-youth.aspx

http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_medudxWluq1qiljkzo1_500.jpg

http://ic.pics.livejournal.com/enthusemarc/10708626/188082/188082_original.jpg

Habits - An Experiment

Habit Post #1: February 1st.

For this class, I had to choose one habit that I would be willing to break for the duration of the semester. This experiment is a simulation to experience what it is like to break a habit. While the habit I have chosen is not as serious as some of the addictions I will see in practice as an Occupational Therapist, I believe going through the process will be extremely beneficial. I will be editing this post with my progress and reflections throughout the semester.

I have chosen to give up the habit of constantly checking my phone. I have an iPhone and I find myself constantly looking at it to see if I have received any new texts, calls, emails, tweets, facebook posts, or snap chats. Half of the time, I know that it will have nothing on it, but I still feel the need to look at it in order to respond immediately if there is a notification. I chose this habit because it is very distracting when I am doing school work, driving, when I am in class, or even when I am speaking with someone. This change could help me to be more focused and to make others feel that I am more focused on them.

On a scale of 1-10 based on committment, I would say that I am at a level of 7. I want to change this happen to stop being so connected to my phone, and being more connected to in-person relations. However, I do not believe that this habit has an extreme negative impact on my life, so I do not think that it is absolutely necessary for me to stop.

My specific goal is to check my phone when it is appropriate and not to feel the need to answer things immediately. I plan to make this change through strategies like putting my phone on loud, so I know if there is definitely a notification. I also plan to keep my phone in my bag during class or while driving. I will try not to have my phone immediately with me at all times. For example, if I am in the living room talking with my roommates, it should be okay that my phone is upstairs and I may not see notifications for a short amount of time. Overall, I plan to slowly become less connected to my phone. I may turn off some notifications that are distracting when studying.

In order to be successful in this change of habit, I think I will need the support of my own will power. I will also need the help of people around me. When everyone else is also on their phone, it is hard not to be on yours. If the people around me can be more connected on a face to face basis, rather than sitting in a room all in separate conversations through texting, it will be easier for me to not feel so compelled to constantly check my iPhone.

Habit Post #2: February 8th

I made some progress this week. I used the stategy I mentioned last week of putting my phone on loud, rather than silent when I am at home or not in class. This helped me because I often knew it did not go off, so there was nothing on my phone to check. However, there still were times where even though I heard no noises, I felt the need to check my phone.

There are several triggers to this behavior that are difficult to overcome. One is if I am waiting for an important email. Another is if I am having a texting conversation with someone and I am waiting for their reply, or waiting for a phone call back. I also constantly check my phone when I am bored.

To become more successful next week, I want to start leaving my phone in a different room of the house just for a short amount of time so that I start to become less attached to it.

Habit Post #3: February 15th

This week, I decided to let my roommates in on the experiment. I told them about my assignment and what I am trying to do. I asked them to please firmly tell me to stop if I check my phone while driving or if it ever gets in the way of one of our conversations or something important around the house.

I also started to leave my phone upstairs in my room some of the times I am downstairs in the house. This is heard for me because last week I put my phone on loud to hear when I have alerts. Our house is old with thin walls and sometimes when I am downstairs I can hear that I received a text or email and I want to go upstairs to check it. Sometimes I am successful in resisting, but other times I feel the need to check right away depending on if I am waiting to hear from someone or if I am not doing anything else particularly important.

Next week, I want to count how many times I check my phone in class and be sure to reduce that number.

Habit Post #4: February 22nd

This week, I honestly have not paid much attention to my habit experiment. Games have started for lacrosse and the time of exams has come for the semester. I have been stressed and busy and have not had the energy to count how often I check my phone like I wanted to do this week.

I have still been following the other coping mechanisms I addressed earlier in the blog. However, I want my goal for this upcoming week to actually pay attention to the number of times I check my phone when I shouldn't.

Habit Post #5: March 2nd

This week, I really paid attention to when and how often I am checking my phone. I noticed that in class, it depends on what we are doing and if I am waiting for something specific. For example, last night in class I was waiting for texts regarding my ride home from class, so I was checking my phone pretty often. In another class, we were doing small group activities where we were discussing with peers, and I checked my phone more often in that than I do in lectures. While driving, I only have been checking my phone at long red lights or if I am again waiting for something specific. I noticed I really slip up after fieldwork on Fridays. During fieldwork, I am there for 8 and a half hours and have no access to my phone, not even during lunch. When I am done for the day, I have all kinds of messages and emails piled up and I find that while I drive home I am on my phone more, which I know is terrible and dangerous and needs to stop. This week at fieldwork, I want to sit in the parking lot before I leave and answer what I need to. When this is done, I will put my phone on silent for the rest of the ride back to campus.

With spring break coming up, I will have more time to be on my phone, as I will not be in class or doing too much school work. I want to make sure that I do not lose the progress that I have made. While I am at home, I want to leave my phone upstairs in my room for portions of the day so that I can spend  time with my family. This will be my goal for the 2 days I have at home for spring break. The rest of the break I will be in South Carolina with the lacrosse team. I will probably use my phone a lot then because everyone else will likely be on theirs. However, I would like to be able to bond more with my teammates and not focus on my phone when I should be having face to face conversations.

Habit Post #6: March 22nd

These past couple weeks, my lacrosse team has traveled on several long bus rides, including to and from South Carolina (11 and a half hours). I used this time to try to not be on my phone and interact with my team members instead. My one teammate who was sitting behind me on the long bus rides and I started a competition. We both have iPhones that have a percentage of battery. We had a contest of who could have the most percentage of battery left at the end of the 11.5 hours (aka who could use their phone less). This competitive aspect really helped me to focus on not using my phone as much. Also, because this was my last lacrosse spring break I wanted to spend time with my teammates and cherish the bus rides we have. Now on other bus rides, my teammate and I ask each other how much battery percent we have left. This has really helped me to engage in team activities instead of listening to music, texting, or playing games.

Habit Post #7: April 3rd

Over Easter break, I got to see my friends from home that I don't get to see often during the school year. When I was with them, I wanted to make sure I really caught up with them and paid attention to what we were saying and doing, rather than being on my phone often. Usually, when I am at home I am texting my boyfriend because we don't see each other like we do at school. However, I realized I get to spend most of my year with him and should really focus on my time with my friends who I won't see again until summer. My friends and I had a lot of plans together and the one night at the bar I noticed we were all on our phones a lot. We all agreed to put them away for a majority of the night and enjoy our time out. Having friends who agree to challenge themselves really helps me to keep working towards my goal. I really think my phone use has significantly decreased, especially during important times like these. I still have days of "relapse" where I don't put in as much effort and continue to go back to my old habits, but that is totally normal.

Habit Post #8: April 11th

Last week, I challenged myself to do what I talked about in a previous post and sit in the parking lot after fieldwork to reply to what I needed and then drive with my phone on silent. This was easy for me because I drove two other classmates to fieldwork and could socialize with them so I didn't even think to look at my phone. It's a lot easier to not use my phone when I am around other people who aren't constantly on their phone. The next challenge I have for myself is to watch a movie without checking my phone. While relaxed and watching a movie, I always find myself texting or on twitter. I want to truly engage in and watch a movie, meaning paying attention the whole time.

Habit Post #9: April 19th

This week, I watched a movie without using my phone at all during it. It was hard to do as at first I could hear all the notifications I was getting, so I had to put my phone on silent. It was nice to relax and watch a movie without thinking of a million different things. Putting my phone away gave my busy mind a break and gave me a chance to focus on something I enjoy, rather than emails from professors or peers texting me about irrelevant things or school work. Because this week was the last week I would write a post for, I wanted to really challenge myself. Friends live in the house next door to me, and when I was going over there to hang out the other night, I left my phone at home. It was hard because I was waiting on a text from someone and was not sure if I had received it or not. However, it was nice to be around my friends without any distraction. When I came back to check my phone I had the text I was waiting for and no other important notifications, indicating that it was fine to be without it for a little while.

Summary:

I selected the behavior of constantly checking my phone because it was behavior I was willing to change and felt that I needed to change. I feel as though it was interfering with important things, such as school work and social interaction. My mom always tells me to get off my phone and preserve the social skills of my generation. I think she is right that this is a problem for people my age and I wanted to change it before it got worse. I felt as though this was a challenge that was possible for me to do in small steps and therefore achieve even with my busy schedule.

It was very difficult at first for me to abstain from being engaged in the behavior. Although it was easier towards the end, in the beginning I felt restless as if I should be doing something more because I was so used to multitasking. It was hard for me to ignore my phone when I know that important emails, texts, calls, and less important things such as tweets, snapchats, and facebook notifications come through. Towards the end, as I got used to the feeling of being relaxed and disconnected, it was easier and less overwhelming.

I had support from my friends and roommates, who were sometimes willing to challenge themselves with me. It was much easier to achieve my mini goals when I had someone pushing me and reminding me. It also was easier for me at times like Easter break where if all my friends didn't agree to do this with me for the night, I would have been the only one not on my phone and felt the need to constantly check it. Having a support system really makes a difference in any situation, but especially situations that bring about change.

Through this assignment, I learned that I like to multitask and it is hard for me to focus on just one thing. However, it is important to focus on only one thing most of the time. I think I use my phone as a distraction not only to procrastinate sometimes but also just to have more to do because I like to be busy. I also learned that I can challenge myself to things like this and succeed, even if it is hard at first. I do think that was a great behavior to start with, as now I know more about the gradual process if I ever want to stop a more serious behavior.

This assignment helped me to realize how hard it is for something who struggle with an addiction to give up their behavior. My behavior has no physical dependence and it was still hard just to break a habit. I can't imagine trying to break a habit that not only consumes someones life, but could also have a physical dependence. I imagine that it is very hard to break an addiction that is a huge part of your life. However, through this assignment I have realized that it is equally as hard to break something that is not a huge part if your life. For example, I am a full time college student and athlete and I also work and make time to have fun. It was hard for me to focus on breaking a habit when I had so many other things going on and I was so busy and overwhelmed. The addiction cycle can be present in any situation, even if it does not totally consume someone's life.

I think to someone who is trying to change a behavior, the strength-based approach is best. If I were working with someone with an addiction, I would always try to focus on the positive things to build on their confidence. I think this approach is a way to really understand the client's point of view and make the treatment individualized. There are many ways to approach the situation through this approach and all of them are client-centered.

I believe that habits can be broken, although it is never easy. Habits can also be picked back up very easily and it takes a lot of determination and motivation to stay away. I do not think that addictions can ever be fully cured. I believe that it is a disease of the brain and the tendency is always there. While the addictive behaviors may end, I think the temptation and sensitivity to triggers is always there. Someone can totally cut out their addiction behaviors for the rest of their life, but I think they still are technically addicted and will never fully break away from the experience.

The History of Cocaine Use

Cocaine is a stimulant that is highly addictive. In its forms, it can smoked, snorted, or injected. All three forms of consumption are addictive and can cause serious health problems, as well as increase the risk for HIV/AIDS. Treatment for cocaine addiction is usually done through cognitive behavioral therapy. Researchers are currently working to discover a medicine that can help to fight to addiction. ("Drugfacts: Cocaine," 2010).

The faster that cocaine enters the blood stream, the faster it reaches the brain, and the stronger the high. However, the high from cocaine, depending on the method of consumption only lasts 5-30 minutes. Therefore, users may engage in binge use. The body can build up tolerance to cocaine. The brain is permanently altered and many other health issues can occur, which are featured below ("Drugfacts: Cocaine," 2010).

The History of Cocaine:

Cocaine comes from the leaves of coca plants, which grow in the Andes Mountains. Native Americans have used the chewing of these leaves for centuries to relieve pain and illness. However, in the 1880's, companies began to sell the concentrated version, called cocaine hydrochloride, which was more pure and powerful than the leaves. In 1884, Sigmund Freud wrote about cocaine from Vienna and learned a lot about the substance from medical journals. This is around the time that cocaine began to be viewed a miracle drug, which could cure just about anything. Cocaine was soon included in certain types of wine. Then, it became included in the popular soda, Coca Cola, and daily items such as ointments and margarine (Hellerman, 2011).

In the 1890's, there were reports that people were taking too much cocaine, and medical patients were becoming addicted. By 1903, cocaine was no longer in Coca Cola. By 1914, the drug was associated with a negative stigma. Finally, by 1920, under the Harrison Narcotics Act, it was illegal to use cocaine unless it was prescribed by a doctor. However, until the 1930's, cocaine was still very prevalent in the music and media. In the late 1970's to 1980's, cocaine made a comeback and was now available in the form of crack. Those who used it were rich and trendy and it was used in movies such as "Scarface" and by rock stars, such as Eric Clapton. In this time, it was viewed as a drug that could be used to keep you partying all night long and the serious effects were not publicized. However, the number of deaths from the use of cocaine was increasing. In the late 1980's, Congress passed mandatory sentencing laws. Since this outburst in the 1980's, it is estimated that the number of users has decreased by nearly half (Hellerman, 2011). 


Maryland Cocaine Laws:

Because I am from Maryland, I decided to look into the Cocaine laws for my state. I found them as follows:
" Possession: Misdemeanor with penalty of up to 4 yrs. and/or $25,000; Bringing 28 g. into state: felony with penalty of up to $50,000 and/or 25 yrs.; Subsequent offense: double penalties.

Sale: Felony with penalty of 20 yrs. and/or $25,000; Sale of more than 448 g. or 50 g. of crack: not less than 40 yrs.; Subsequent offense: double penalties; 2 yrs. mandatory, not less than 10 yr. sentence; Third offense: not less than 40 yrs. Sale to minors or near school property: stricter penalties.

Trafficking: If "drug kingpin" 20-40 yrs. and/or $1,000,000 fine. " ("Maryland cocaine laws," 2012)

My Reflection:

Going into this assignment, I really had little to no knowledge about cocaine other than things I have seen on television, which are probably false portrayals. I enjoyed learning about the history, because I had heard that it in was in Coca Cola soda, but never really knew if it was true. I also never knew that it was at some point used to benefit people. Based on my knowledge, I knew that cocaine was very dangerous and very addictive. However, I did not fully understand how it can impact the human body. As an occupational therapy major, I enjoyed learning how it affects the person as a whole, as well as finding that cognitive behavioral therapy is a common technique. Another part of this assignment I found to be interesting was looking into the laws about cocaine. The history showed how when the drug became illegal, it was not as prominent in society. When I look at the laws for my state, I can't help but wonder if people abusing this drug ever actually look up the time they could serve for what they are doing or the amount of money it could cost them. I do think the laws and mandatory sentencing are helping to keep cocaine off the street, just not enough. I know people personally who have used it at parties. The fact that college kids can get their hands on it so easily makes me believe that the government needs to do more to prevent the use of drugs such as cocaine.

References:

Drugfacts: Cocaine. (2010, March). Retrieved from http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/cocaine

Hellerman, C. (2011, July 22). Cocaine: The evolution of the once "wonder" drug. CNN health. Retrieved from http://www.cnn.com/2011/HEALTH/07/22/social.history.cocaine/index.html

Maryland cocaine laws. (2012). Retrieved from http://statelaws.findlaw.com/maryland-law/maryland-cocaine-laws.html

Links to images used:

http://londonfriend.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/cocaine1.jpg

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/dc/Side_effects_of_chronic_use_of_Cocaine.png/250px-Side_effects_of_chronic_use_of_Cocaine.png

http://www.newportacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/images/Articles/Cocaine%20Addiction%20Treatment%20copy.jpg

Post #1

I chose to take the course Addiction in Society because it seemed really interesting and I heard it was a great class to take. I also chose to take it for my major, Occupational Therapy. I expect to work with clients who are experiencing an addiction, especially in my mental health fieldwork rotations. When I do experience these clients, it will be helpful to have background knowledge from this class about how to approach the situation and understand what they are going through.

By the end of this course, I want to know more about the many things people can be addicted to, why they become addicted, and how the process of ending an addiction works. I also would like to learn strategies for helping someone who is addicted and how to understand the situation from their point of view.

Intro

I've created this blog for a class called Addiction in Society. This blog will be used for class assignments.