Are EPS/ NPS noted in your COMPANY Workplace Drug policy and how educated are your Supervisors?

Workplace Risk REALLY Worth Discussing

Emerging psychoactive substances, or EPS, or New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) is a term used to describe drugs that are relatively new to the recreational drug market and have mind-altering effects.

The UN is working on itEPS often mimic the effects of existing illicit psychoactive drugs such as cannabis, ecstasy (MDMA) and LSD, or have a chemical structure very similar to existing illicit substances. Other names given to this group of drugs include: research chemicals, analogues, legal highs, herbal highs, bath salts, party pills and synthetic drugs. The latter term derives from the fact that EPS are usually man-made and not plant-derived substances like cannabis or heroin. However this can be confusing as substances such as LSD and ecstasy are also artificially-manufactured and have been around for decades . psychoactive substance is defined as 'a new narcotic or psychotropic drug, in pure form or in preparation, that is not controlled by the United Nations drug conventions, but which may pose a public health threat comparable to that posed by substances listed in these conventions'.

Law Enforcement WARNS

Chronic users of some illegal synthetic drugs can build up a tolerance. In other words, their body becomes used to the drug and it requires a larger dose to achieve the same effects. As with many other drugs, a sudden stop in the use of the drug after a long period of use can cause the individual to experience withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms differ depending on the drug and how long the individual has been using. They can range from nausea/vomiting, to depression, insomnia, loss of appetite, weight loss, seizures, anxiety, tremors and muscle/bone pain.

Designer Drugs: Evolution

• Internationally do not have such laws– Being manufactured in other countries

• Many “designer drugs” do not test (+)• A way to “Beat the Bladder Police”

Many EFFECTS to KILL YOU

WHY times TwoWHY ARE THEY SO DANGEROUS? One reason that synthetic drugs are extremely dangerous is that buyers don’t know what chemicals they are ingesting. Individual products can contain a vast range of different chemical formulations and potencies, some of which can be two to 500 times stronger than THC.

WHY AREN’T THESE DRUGS ILLEGAL? Although some countries has implemented bans on specific formulas of synthetic marijuana and bath salts, drug makers can easily sidestep these regulations. Manufacturers adapt simply by replacing the chemical compound of a banned synthetic cannabinoid or cathinone with a newer formulation that is not yet known to authorities. This modification process poses increasing risk to its users, who are unaware of the reactions the new chemicals may cause.

Designer Drugs

• Today’s trend– Make an analog that is not listed in laws– Since legal can make an distribute as an everyday

household product e.g. “Bath Salts” “Plant Food”, potpourri, incense, jewellery cleaner, hummingbird attractant, etc.

– Then label “not for human consumption”– Market via social media and retail outlets

1. Mouth2. Stomach3. Small Intestine4. Bloodstream5. Liver6. Brain

KnownChemicals

K2 Products

• A man-made substance that mimics the effects of marijuana

• Compounds in synthetics act on the same receptors as marijuana

• Synthetic marijuana produce effects up to 800 times stronger than traditional marijuana.

What is Synthetic Marijuana?

HOW IS IT MADE?• The herbs are sprayed with chemicals that mimic the

psychoactive properties of THC• Synthetic marijuana substitutes are not produced in a

controlled environment• Their purity and dosage are not regulated or consistent• The chemicals in synthetic marijuana are stronger and bind

more permanently to the receptors in the body. The remain longer in the brain and organs

• They do not bind as quickly to receptors in the brain and this causes an increase risk of overdose due to not feeling the effects as quickly

HOW DOES SYNTHETIC MARIJUANA AFFECT THE BRAIN?

• It produces an elevated mood• A feeling of relaxation• Altered perceptions• Effects are stronger than marijuana• Some users report psychotic effects such as extreme anxiety,

paranoia, and hallucinations• There have been no scientific studies of how synthetic

marijuana effects the human brain• Because of the different chemical compositions it is likely that

some varieties also contain substances that could cause dramatically different effects than the user may expect.

SYMPTOMS OF SYNTHETIC MARIJUANA USE

• Mixture of herbal and spice plant products– Leaf can be: marshmallow leaf, parsley, etc.

• Sprayed with synthetic cannabinoids• Marketed as incense and “not for human

consumption”• No regulations to list ingredients or age

requirements to purchase• First generation called K2 or “Spice”• Second generation called K3 or “Splice”

Description of the Drug

• Yes. Until a drug is tested, it cannot be considered safe. Not only have synthetic cannabinoids not been tested, nearly all were created for experimental use in animals and cell cultures, not tested for use in humans.

• JWH-018 inventor John W. Huffman, PhD, puts it bluntly: "It is like Russian roulette to use these drugs. We don't know a darn thing about them for real."

• These synthetic cannabinoids have been associated with impaired driving incidents, attempted suicides, and emergency department visits, and have been linked to such adverse effects as increased anxiety, panic attacks, heart palpitations, respiratory complications, aggression, mood swings, altered perception, and paranoia.

Any Dangers Involved in Spice/K2 Use?

Spice is typically smoked like marijuana

K2 Products

Scooby Snacks: K2

Kratom Side Effects

• Short term (immediate)– Dry mouth– Increased or decrease urination– Loss of appetite– Nausea and/or vomiting

• Side effects– Anorexia/weight loss– Depression– Addiction

Kratom EFFECTS

•Kratom is often described as producing simultaneous, contradictory effects- both an opiate-like sedation and coca-like stimulation. The stimulating effects tend to predominate at low dose levels, which may cause alertness, energy, and mild euphoria. Higher level doses are usually more tranquilizing, causing an opiate-like dreamy effect. Excessive doses can cause severe nausea. As with opium, it is known for causing constipation, and is sometimes used as a treatment for diarrhea.

Onset •When taken orally, the effects of kratom usually become noticeable in 15-20 minutes and clearly apparent in 30-60 minutes. Strong doses tend to have a more quicker, more dramatic onset.

Duration •A moderate dose of kratom may cause strong effects that last 2-4 hours, with residual effects lasting hours longer.

KratomVisual Effects •Some visual effects have been reported, including both open-eye and closed-eye effects. Effects reported include wavering, shifting, and strobing in the visual field. There was also some patterning with eyes closed, as well as increased closed-eye visualizations. PROBLEMS •Kratom is not known to be toxic, but can cause unpleasant symptoms at high doses such as nausea and vomiting. Regular use can lead to physical dependency. Kratom use can cause constipation similar to that caused by opiates. Chronic heavy use is reported to cause darkening of skin, insomnia, dry mouth, and anorexia. Addiction Potential •There are reports of physical dependency after frequent, heavy kratom use. Individuals who use it regularly or in large doses may have trouble quitting. Withdrawal symptoms include irritability, yawning, diarrhea, runny nose, and pain in the joints or muscles. •http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=You+Tube+Kratom&view=detail&mid=EC48A0AFEDFBEA20762AEC48A0AFEDFBEA20762A&first=0&FORM=LKVR16

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Kratom & E-Cigarettes• Kratomite

Adventure Industries' Kratomite is the world's first electronic cigarette to deliver Kratom, a medicinal herb known for its concentration of alkaloids, according to the company. Kratom interacts with opioid receptors, which may offer users relaxing sensations. Unlike tobacco-alternative electronic cigarettes, Kratomite is a personal vaporizer that uses a proprietary, herbal-infused formula, said the maker. Adventure IndustriesPembroke Park, Fla. (800) 999-2483, ext. 1287sales@adventureindustries.com

Mephedrone(4-Methylmethcathinone)

Bath Salts

• Toxic psychoactive drugs “disguised” or “pretending” to be “Bath Salts”

• They are NOT• Some people have snorted real BS’s

“Bath Salts” Are

Khat

• Native to tropical East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula

• Fresh Leaves/tops chewed or consumed as tea• Stimulation and euphoria• Part of social culture in many countires

(coffee, tea, coca or khat)

Khat

• Coca ---------------cocaine• Khat ----------------cathinone (Schedule I)• Cathinones: Structure similar to amphetamines

– Euphoria– Anorexia– Stimulation– Dilated pupils– Hypnagogic hallucinations when wearing off

Bath Salts (Cathinones) Appearance

• Distinctive odor– Fishy– Vanilla– Stale urine– Bleach– Circuit boards

Cathinones Effects

• Duration– Total 2 – 5 hours– Onset 15-45 minutes– Coming up 15 – 30 minutes– Plateau 15 – 30 minutes– Coming down 30 – 90 minutes– After effects 2 – 4 hours

Cathinones Desired Effects

• Mental and physical stimulation • Euphoria, mood lift • Feelings of empathy, openness • Increase in sociability, desire to talk with

others • Pleasurable rushing • Sense of being sped up

Cathinones General Effects

• General change in consciousness (as with most psycho-actives)

• Decreased appetite • Pupil dilation • Unusual body sensations (facial flushing, chills, goose

bumps, body energy) • Change in body temperature regulation • Sweating • Increase in heart rate and blood pressure

Cathinones General Effects

• Sleep deprivation• Bruxism• Motor automatisms (compulsive repeated

hand washing)• Hyper-alertness

Cathinones Toxic Effects

• Strong desire to re-dose, craving to recapture initial euphoric rush

• Uncomfortable changes in body temperature (sweating/chills)

• Heart palpitations, sense of racing heart • Impaired short term memory • Insomnia• Skin lesions (?)

Cathinones Toxic Effects

• Severe paranoia• Psychosis (Excited Delirium)• Hypersexuality• Aggression• Hallucinations• Anxiety and depression• Seizures

Synthetic Cathinones Effects Summary Sheet

Aggression Agitation Breathing difficulty Bruxism (grinding

teeth) Confusion Dizziness Extreme anxiety

sometimes progressing to violent behavior

Fits and delusions Hallucinations Headache

Hypertension (high blood pressure)

Increased alertness/awareness

Increased body temperature, chills, sweating

Insomnia Kidney pain Lack of appetite Liver failure Loss of bowel

control Muscle spasms Muscle tenseness Vasoconstriction

(narrowing of the blood vessels)

Nausea, stomach cramps, and digestive problems

Nosebleeds Psychotic delusions Pupil dilation Renal failure Rhabdomyolysis

(release of muscle fiber contents [myoglobin] that could lead to kidney problems)

Severe paranoia Suicidal thoughts Tachycardia (rapid

heartbeat) Tinnitus

Benzo Fury

• Effects including both positive and negative ones.Increased happiness, euphoria, extreme mood lift, increased self-acceptance, feelings of a peace and love toward others, increased intimacy and closeness with others, closed-eye hallucinations, ability to discuss topics with others that would not normally be discussed, pleasurable body rushes, increased sexual interest,

Weed Oil or “Honey”

• Recent resurgence• Butane method popular

– Fires & explosions • Solvent with heat extracts the THC

– 30% and higher THC• Recipes & cook books on web• YouTube demonstrations

Weed Oil or “Honey”

• Onset of action longer 45 to 60 minutes• Duration of action 6 hours and maybe longer• Intensity of high greater due to high THC• Can also be smoked• Vaporizers used

Weed Oil or “Honey”

• Edible Marijuana• Ice Cream

Too Many NAMES to List

How do we define HARM

They are around more than you know

The list and problem GROWS

PPT-039-02 8

Learning ObjectivesSupervisors will be able to:

Identify and investigate potential crisis situations

Recognize workplace problems that may be related to alcohol and other drugs

Intervene in problem situations Refer employees who have problems with

alcohol and other drugs for assistance Protect employee confidentiality Continue to supervise employees who

have been referred for assistance Avoid enabling and supervisor traps

PPT-039-02 18

Drug Program

• Comprehensive drug free workforce approach should include these components:

- Policy- Supervisor training- Employee education- Employee assistance- Drug testing

Your Company

Drug &

Alcohol Program

PPT-039-02 31

Questions to Consider What exactly did you see?

Does there appear to be illegal activity, policy violations or unusual behavior taking place?

Is a group of people involved or just a single employee?

Are you the direct supervisor to anyone involved in the incident?

Are reliable witnesses available?

Is any physical danger involved in taking action or not taking action?

PPT-039-02 32

Questions to Consider Is the situation serious enough to require calling security or law enforcement? Is there a specific policy that applies? Does the situation require expert consultation from Human Resources, the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), if applicable, or security? Is this a situation that calls for reasonable- suspicion testing? Have you documented what you have seen and what you have done in response?

PPT-039-02 37

Signs of Addition

Examples of common performance problems that may be indicators include:• Poor attendance

- Tardiness- Unexplained absences- Long lunches

• Co-worker or customer complaints• Mistakes • Missed deadlines

PPT-039-02 38

General Signs

• Abrupt changes in attendance, quality of work and production• Unusual outbreaks of temper• Changes in mood• Acting paranoid or confused• Not taking responsibility for actions• Changes in attitude• Withdrawing from family and friends

PPT-039-02 55

Stimulants

Effects• Dilated pupils• Dry mouth• “Drug nose” look• Runny nose• Sinus/nasal problem• Nose bleeds• Bad breath• Euphoria

• Fidgeting• No interest in

food or sleep• Irritability• Argumentative• Nervous• Talkative with

no direction

So what did you talk about at work today