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Don't Skip Kids' Sun Protection on the Fourth

SUNDAY, July 1, 2018 -- When planning your Fourth of July outing, remember sun protection for youngsters. "It is imperative for parents to protect their children from the harmful effects of extreme sun exposure," said Dr. Alberto Pappo, director of...

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Psychiatric Drug Lithium Tied to Birth Defect Risk

MONDAY, June 18, 2018 -- Using the psychiatric drug lithium early in pregnancy may raise the risk of birth defects -- but not as much as previously thought, a large new study suggests. Researchers found that women who used lithium during the first...

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Newly Added Guidance Documents

Guidance documents represent the FDA's current thinking on a particular subject. New guidance documents are listed here for three months.

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Newly Identified Form of Vertigo Responds to Treatment

THURSDAY, May 24, 2018 -- Because vertigo can have many causes, treating it can be difficult, but researchers have identified a new type that may be effectively treated with medication. "These conditions can be difficult to diagnose and quite...

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More Cases in Lettuce-Linked E. Coli Outbreak, But End May Be Near

WEDNESDAY, May 16, 2018 -- Twenty-three more illnesses caused by an E. coli outbreak tied to tainted romaine lettuce were reported by U.S. health officials on Wednesday. That brings the total number of cases to 172, the U.S. Centers for Disease...

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Imodium (loperamide) for Over-the-Counter Use: Drug Safety Communication - FDA Limits Packaging To Encourage Safe Use

Audience: Consumer, Pharmacy, Family Practice ISSUE: To foster safe use of the over-the counter (OTC) anti-diarrhea drug loperamide, FDA is working with manufacturers to use blister packs or other single dose packaging and to limit the number of...

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What To Expect In A DOT Physical

Who must have a DOT Physical?

A person who is regulated by the United States Department of Transportation (DOT), and who hold a "Safety Sensitive" position of employment, is often mandated to take a DOT Physical.

FMCSA Physical

A Department of Transportation (DOT) physical examination must be conducted by a licensed "medical examiner" listed on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) National Registry. The DOT physical is required to help ensure that a person is medically qualified to safely operate a commercial motor vehicle (CMV). In the interest of public safety, CMV drivers are held to higher physical, mental and emotional standards than passenger car drivers. From the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA): Medical certification in accordance with FMCSA physical qualification standards is required when the driver is operating a commercial vehicle in interstate commerce that:

Has a combined gross vehicle weight or weight rating of 10,0001 lbs. or more.

Is designed or used to transport 9-15 passengers (including the driver) for compensation.

Is designed or used to transport 16 or more passengers (including the driver) whether for compensation or not.

Transports hazardous materials in quantities that require placarding under the hazardous materials regulations.

When a driver returns from an illness or injury that interferes with driving ability, the driver must undergo a medical examination even if the medical examiner's certificate has not expired.

USCG 719K/E Physical

The USCG-719 K/E should be used only by mariners seeking an entry-level credential. This physical examination is required to ensure that all holders of licenses and Merchant Mariner documents are physically fit and free of debilitating illness or injury.

What's The Difference Between USCG 719K/E and a 719K?

The key factor to remember the difference between a USCG 719K and a 719K/E-entry level physical examination is that anyone who can affect the change in direction of a ship is required to undergo the USCG-719K - rated physical.

Other Department of Transportation (DOT)) Modes that may require a DOT Physical are the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), Federal Transit Authority (FTA), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administation (PHMSA).

What To Expect At Your DOT Physical

Before the appointment, you'll fill out the previously mentioned Medical Examination Report form. Use the form to indicate any prior or current health conditions. These may include:

     Brain injuries or neurological disorders

     Epilepsy or seizures

     Loss of hearing

     Heart attack or heart disease

     Impaired vision

     Kidney disease

     Digestive problems

     Depression and anxiety disorders

     Dizziness or fainting

     Paralysis

     Stroke

     Missing limbs

     Spinal cord injuries

     Chronic pain

Be honest in this form. If you're not, you could have your certificate revoked.

Your doctor will review this form and ask additional questions. He or she will check your lung function, heart, digestive tract, and coordination. You'll also take some basic tests.

What Does A DOT Physical Test For?

Urinalysis A urine sample is taken: checking for protein, blood, and sugar.

Height and Weight Measure height and weight.

Vision Test You must have a distant visual acuity of at least 20/40 with or without corrective lenses:

see at least 20/40 with both eyes together

see at least 20/40 with the right eye

see at least 20/40 with the left eye.

Hearing Test

The driver must be able to perceive a forced whisper voice in one ear, at no less than five feet with or without the use of a hearing aid.

If the driver fails the whisper test, the medical examiner will refer the driver to have an audiometry test.

Blood Pressure

Blood pressure needs to be under 140/90. The visit takes about 45 minutes.

How Often Do I Need A DOT Physical?

Most medical certificates are good for two years. However, if you have low blood pressure or high blood pressure, or any other condition that may inhibit your ability to drive, you may receive a 1-year certificate. And if you have very high blood pressure or other treatable conditions, you may receive a 3-month certificate. After 3 months, if you show improvement in that condition, you'll be eligible to get a 1 or 2-year certificate.

After A Completed DOT Physical

The DOT physical is a highly regulated process established to ensure the safety of our nation's highways and failing to hold a valid DOT medical certificate can result in significant fines and penalties.

Upon completion of the DOT physical examination, the qualified medical examiner will complete your DOT physical form and note any issues requiring monitoring or any health concerns which may adversely affect your ability to receive or renew your DOT medical certificate.

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High School to Implement Hair Drug Tests

A private high school in Kentucky signed off on randomly drug testing their students on July 4th, this past week. The board at Trinity High School has been attempting to officially implement this for years with 2 years of testing under their belt.

How long have they been doing it?

Six hundred students were tested during their initial year of drug-testing, with 24 students (4 percent) testing positive. During the just-completed school year, they tested 800 students – with just 3 percent testing positive (24 students). While the rates are low, the school considers one positive test a test too high, and is doing everything they can to enforce their stance on drugs and binge drinking.

What's it costing?

Including using a hair drug test, which can detect any drug use of up to 90 days prior. The standard in the industry is a urine 5 panel drug test, which can test for up to a week prior. Adopting a hair test as the random test of choice is very expensive, one test usually goes for $139.99. This price will be covered by the tuition the families are paying for their students to attend Trinity, at $13,700 a year when paid in full and the price goes up for payment plans.

When a student tests positive, their first reaction is not punitive. The school meets with the parent(s) and student, review the results and encourage them to use community counseling resources to interrupt this risky behavior. During this phase of drug testing, no school consequences occur. School counselors are available for support and guidance. If a student tests positive, he will be tested every 100 days until further notice. If he tests positive again school consequences begin. This has been rare so far.

Parents love it!

Parents support the program because, the school says, they understand it empowers their kids to make better decisions. At parties or in unsupervised homes, teens often are pressured or forget good advice from parents, school and church. A parent told us “we hear frequently that it really does help in peer situations to be able to say, “I can't. My school tests.”” Though Trinity wasn't the first school to test in this area, several other schools have visited them to learn more and adopted their policy as their own.

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What Is The “New” DOT 5 Panel?

The United States Coast Guard has announced today that the minimum random drug testing rate for all “Covered” employees will remain at 25% effective January 1, 2018 through December 31, 2018.  It is also important to note that call employers must submit their 2017 Management Information Systems (MIS) reports on or before March 15, 2018.  Click here for the entire USCG announcement.

The USCG stated that annual MIS reports may be submitted electronically to the following email address:  DAPI@uscg.mil

Are your DOT Policies Up To Date?

With the announcement of random drug testing rate, employers should take this time to review their current DOT Policy to ensure compliance with with the new rule effective January 1, 2018.

The DOT rule changed addressed the changes to the DOT Agencies & United States Coast Guard (USCG) in regard to DOT-regulated employers what updates their DOT policies will need to contain as it relates to the changes to 49 CFR Part 40.

What Is The “New” DOT 5 Panel?

The DOT has amended its current rule to include the following substances in the 5 panel DOT Drug Test.  As specified in DOT regulations 49 CFR part 40 with the Cut Off levels listed in DOT regulations 49 CFR part 40; the following substances will be tested for:

Marijuana metabolites

Cocaine metabolites

Phencyclidine

Opioids** – codeine, heroin, morphine, oxycodone, oxymorphone, hydrocodone & hydromorphone

Amphetamines -amphetamine, methamphetamine, MDMA & MDA

**Some common names for the new semi-synthetic opioids include OxyContin®, Percodan®, Percocet®, Vicodin®, Lortab®, Norco®, Dilaudid®, and Exalgo®.

For more information on policy Development, Addendum to your current policy or to enroll in a Random DOT Drug and Alcohol Testing Pool (Consortium), please call Accredited Drug Testing, Inc. at 800-221-4291 or click here to enroll online

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Service Agents and DOT Covered Employers Are Preparing For Impacts of the DOT Part 40 Final Rule

On January 1st, 2018, the revised CFR 49 Part 40 Final rule. published November 13th, 2017, will be put into effect. This rule refers to the Drug and Alcohol testing procedures and programs to all safety-sensitive employees regulated by the U.S Department Of Transportation (DOT).

For those not currently familiar with the new revisions, a few major changes are as follows

A DOT drug test will now test for Amphetamines, Cocaine, Marijuana, PCP, Opiates, Hydromorphone, Oxymorphone, and Oxycodone.

Blind specimen testing is no longer required.

Removing MDEA as a confirmatory test analyte from the existing drug-testing panel and adding MDA as an initial test analyte.

DOT Service Agents and DOT covered employers are starting to prepare for the impacts on the industry due to these changes.

CCF Forms

Which Federal Custody and Control Form may be used for DOT regulated testing on January 1, 2018, when the Rule becomes effective?

A revised Federal Custody and Control Form (CCF) was issued for federal drug testing in August of 2017.

The August 2017 CCF replaces the current 2013 version of the federal CCF and is very similar.

The 2017 CCF added hydrocodone, hydromorphone, oxycodone, and oxymorphone to Section 5A (primary specimen report) on CCF copy 1 and changed Section 1D to have only one block checked for a DOT agency test.

The 2017 federal CCF cannot be used for DOT testing before January 1, 2018.

Laboratories will begin distributing the 2017 CCFs to collections sites and/or employer sites on January 1, 2018.SAPPA has partnered up with industry officials and testing laboratories to create the general understanding that the newly revised CCF forms will be issued out and cannot be used for testing until after January 1st, 2018. The revised forms may then be permitted for use for all DOT Drug and Alcohol Testing. The 2013 version of a CCF form is permitted up until the date of June 30th, 2018. At that time the 2013 version of the CCF form will be considered expired, and if used a detailed explanation of why will be requested by the laboratory.

While using the 2013 CCF form for a DOT Drug Test, MROs are required to exam and report for expanded opiates. If a outcome is definite the MRO suitably writes the name of the drug on the CCF copy two form that the specimen verified definite for.

MROs are allowable to balance positives for the expanded opioid drugs after January 1, 2018, using the 2013 CCF copy 2.

MRO Sections (Step 6 & 7) of CCF Copy 2 are the same on the 2013 and 2017 CCFs. The MRO simply writes in the name of the drug(s) the specimen is verified positive for.

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DOT Announces It Is Amending Its Drug-Testing Regulations

Importance Notice!

Effective January 1, 2018, The Department of Transportation is amending its drug-testing program regulation to add hydrocodone, hydromorphone, oxymorphone, and oxycodone to its drug-testing panel; add methylenedioxyamphetamine as an initial test analyte; and remove methylenedioxyethylamphetamine as a confirmatory test analyte. The revision of the drug-testing panel harmonizes DOT regulations with the revised HHS Mandatory Guidelines established by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for Federal drug-testing programs for urine testing. This final rule clarifies certain existing drug-testing program provisions and definitions, makes technical amendments and removes the requirement for employers and Consortium/Third Party Administrators to submit blind specimens.

On November 10th 2017, The United States Department Of Transportation (DOT)  announced they will be amending the mandatory 5-panel drug screen to include expanded opiates, and expanding on CFR 49 Part 40. Effective January 1st, 2018, the mandatory urine drug screening for all safety sensitive positions guided under CFR 49 Part 40 will include hydrocodone, hydromorphone, oxymorphone, and oxycodone. This new revision of HS Mandatory Guidelines with which the NPRM proposed to harmonize Part 40, comes in two parts.

Part 1

Previous to this newly added regulation, the mandatory drug screening was a 5-panel urine which consisted of testing for the 5 most common street drugs. A  5-Panel Urine Analysis consists of : Amphetamines (Meth) Cocaine Marijuana Opiates Phencyclidine (PCP) As of January 1st, 2018, under the new revisions of CFR 49 Part 40, a DOT drug screening will test for four semi-synthetic opioids (i.e., hydrocodone, oxycodone, hydromorphone, oxymorphone).  Some common names for these semi-synthetic opioids include OxyContin®, Percodan®, Percocet®, Vicodin®, Lortab®, Norco®, Dilaudid®, Exalgo®. A 5-panel expanded opiates urine analysis consists of: Amphetamines (Meth) Cocaine Marijuana Opiates Hydrocodone Hydromorphone Oxymorphone Oxycodone Phencyclidine (PCP)

What has caused this new DOT Part 40 Amendment?

Since President Donald Trumps declaration of the Opioid Crisis, America has become much more familiar of the hurriedly progressing trouble of drug addiction.On October 26th, 2017, President Trump directed the Department of Health and Human Services to declare the opioid crisis a public health emergency, striving to take action on this salient soar effecting the lives of American citizens today.

Opioid Addiction Statistics

A governmental account of drug overdose statistics shows that from the year 2015 to 2016 the death toll due to drug overdose rose 22 percent.  This upwards trend of overdose has been on a steady incline since the year 2000 and was likely to continue until President Trump declared the opioid crisis.  Knowing the disease of addiction himself through the actions of his brother, President Trump can understand the difficulties those who struggle from addiction direction, making it known and urging Americans to remember the phrase "prevention not punishment".

in the past the Opioid Crisis Americans have been made queenly up to date of theconsequencesand statistics of drug abuse. How the opioid crisis has affected the American economy, the American workplace, and just Americaas a whole. Many now know that you don't have to be an addict yourself to tone the effects of addiction.

Policy makers have quickly taken notice of these growing trends and decided to take swift action.

The DOT is one of the most prominent government sectors. The dot itself employs about 55,000 Americans, not including the employees in each DOT regulated agency. Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration (FMCSA)  "As the lead federal government agency responsible for regulating and providing safety oversight of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs), FMCSA's mission is to reduce crashes, injuries, and fatalities involving large trucks and buses." Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA)  "The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) operates in a dynamic and challenging environment. The scope and complexity of our safety mission will continue to grow, requiring that we fundamentally rethink how we will use data, information, and technology to achieve our safety goals." Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)  "Our continuing mission is to provide the safest, most efficient aerospace system in the world." Federal Railroad Administration (FRA)   "The Federal Railroad Administration's mission is to enable the safe, reliable, and efficient movement of people and goods for a strong America, now and in the future." Federal Transit Administration (FTA) "The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) provides financial and technical assistance to local public transit systems, including buses, subways, light rail, commuter rail, trolleys, and ferries. FTA also oversees safety measures and helps develop next-generation technology research." "Improving Public Transportation for America's Communities". UNITED STATES COAST GUARD (USCG)   The Coast Guard does not fall under the Department of Defense. Until recently, the Coast Guard was under the Department of Transportation.

Saftey Sensitive Positions

A safety-sensitive position refers to a job in which the employee is blamed for his or her own or extra people's safety. It also refers to jobs that would be particularly dangerous if performed under the influence of drugs or alcohol. For this reason, Safety-sensitive positions are often the focus of drug and alcohol testing. Generally, DOT regulations cover safety-sensitive transportation employers and employees. Each DOT agency (e.g. FRA, FMCSA, FTA, FAA, and PHMSA) and the USCG have specific drug and alcohol testing regulations that outline who is subject to their testing regulations.

DOT Office of Drug and Alcohol Policy and Compliance

The Director of the DOT Office of Drug and Alcohol Policy and Compliance, Patrice Kelley, has been creating processing substance abuse policies for many years. Under her jurisdiction, the new amendment to CFR 49 will help serve to uphold the ODAPC mission statement.  "Ensure that the drug and alcohol testing policies and goals of the Secretary of Transportation are developed and carried out in a consistent, efficient, and effective manner within the transportation industries for the ultimate safety and protection of the traveling public. This is accomplished through program review, compliance evaluation, and the issuance of consistent guidance material for DOT Operating Administrations (OAs) and for their regulated industries."

Part 2

HHS Mandatory Guidelines remove methylenedioxyethylamphetamine (MDEA) as a confirmatory test analyte from the existing drug-testing panel and add methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA) as an initial test analyte.

What does this mean?

An analyte is by definition a substance whose chemical constituents are being identified and measured. For example, morphine is the target analyte for codeine/morphine testing.  The DOT will now focus on the MDA analyte for its testing analysis, rather than the previous MDEA. This could lead to a test confirming positive due to the difference in the initial test analyte.

Initial test analyteInitial test cutoff concentrationConfirmatory test analyteConfirmatory test cutoff concentrationMarijuana metabolites50 ng/mLTHCA 115 ng/mL.Cocaine metabolites150 ng/mLBenzoylecgonine100 ng/mL.Opiate metabolitesCodeine/Morphine 22000 ng/mLCodeine2000 ng/mL.Morphine2000 ng/mL.6-Acetylmorphine10 ng/mL6-Acetylmorphine10 ng/mL.Phencyclidine25 ng/mLPhencyclidine25 ng/mL.Amphetamines 3AMP/MAMP 4500 ng/mLAmphetamine250 ng/mL.Methamphetamine 5250 ng/mL.MDMA 6500 ng/mLMDMA250 ng/mL.MDA 7250 ng/mL.MDEA 8250 ng/mL

Other recognizable CFR 49 Part 40 revisions 

Creating a name change from the word opiates to opioids now expands the drug testing panel to 6 commonly abused illicit and licit drugs  (Heroin); Codeine; Morphine, Hydrocodone; Hydromorphone; Oxymorphone; and Oxycodone.

The DOT added a new section reiterating that, in the DOT testing program, only urine specimens can be collected and analyzed.

The DOT added language further emphasizing the existing DOT prohibition on the use of DNA testing on DOT drug testing specimens.

The final rule made minor modifications to certain section headings.

The final rule moved the list of Substance Abuse Professional certification organizations from the rule text to ODAPC's website.

The final rule moved the MIS instructions from Appendix H to ODAPC's website.

Outdated compliance dates were removed and links were updated.

Appendices B, C, D, and H were updated.

The revision of the drug testing panel harmonizes DOT regulations with the revised HHS Mandatory Guidelines established by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for Federal drug-testing programs for urine testing. For any questions regarding DOT Drug Testing, or DOT compliance please visit us at www.Accrediteddrugtesting.com or call (800)221-4291.

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How The Opioid Epidemic Is Affecting The American Workplace

On August 10th 2017, President Donald Trump declared a state of emergency in the United States, known as the Opioid Epidemic.

More and more people are becoming aware of this rapidly growing issue that imposes a huge threat on American citizens. Opioids are a class of drugs that include licit prescription pain relievers oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine, morphine, fentanyl and others, as well as the illicit drug heroin.  About 1.9 million Americans (0.8 percent) reported full-fledged opioid addiction*

What does this mean for you?

 Opioid Epidemic Affect On Employers

The use of opioids or prescriptionpainkillers can outcome in drowsiness, absentminded behavior, dizziness, cloudiness, deficiency of motivation, and more. To ensure the safety of your staff, and others around them you should enroll yourself, and supervisors in reasonable suspicion drug training. This is a two-hour online course that informs on what signs to look out for, and the next steps one should take if these signs occur.

Reconsider becoming a drug-free workplace. later than it is known that your company is drug-free, it can limit the risk of work-relatedaccidents, as competently as prevent addiction from occurring in an employee.

Create a drug and alcohol policy that allows your employees to confidentially share information with you about themselves. create it known that your employees should quality acceptable sharing this information. Educate further employees upon the current Opioid Epidemic, and how they can help.

 Opioid Epidemic Affect On Employees

Being that the Opioid Epidemic has been declared a state of emergency, expect to see a few changes in company policies.

In the Department of Transportation, a request for a revision of the drug and alcohol policy has been made. If passed, the standardized drug test for the DOT will change from a 5-panel drug test to a 5-panel drug test with expanded opioid testing. While 5-panel drug tests include opiates, a SAMSHA regulated expanded test will examine for Hydrocodone, Hydromorphone, Oxycodone, and Oxymorphone.

Be expecting to take and pass a pre-employment drug screening for any job you are applying for.

In May 2017, the Federal Reserve took a survey on the reason why employers could not feel low skilled positions. One reason concluded that employees could not pass a drug test.

Under the American Disabilities Act or ADA, addiction itself is not considered a disability. However, if you back engaged in the usage of drugs or alcohol, and are currently participating in a rehabilitation program, or have been successfullyrehabilitated, you are eligible for social securitybenefits.

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Veteran Substance Abuse- Alcoholism and Substance Abuse In Our Military

The effects of Veteran substance abuse are substantial in the United States. Veterans often have to cope with stress after returning from multiple deployments. They may also suffer from mental illnesses and injuries that can contribute to substance abuse.

Veteran Substance Abuse Related To Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

PTSD or Post-traumatic stress disorder is an extremely common mental illness that is seen among United States Veterans. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that's triggered by a terrifying event - by experiencing it or witnessing it. Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares and severe anxiety, as well as uncontrollable thoughts. These symptoms may be provoked by obsessive thoughts leading to memories, or anything that is relatable to the trama. Many Veterans turn to substance abuse to self-medicate and numb their pain. More than 20 percent of Veterans with PTSD suffer from a drug or alcohol addiction.

Veteran Substance Abuse Related To Pain Managment

Along with mental illnesses, many of our Military become seriously injured and tend to be treated with extremely strong pain medication. Once exposed to these medications, many find it hard to stop. Perscription pain medication is one of the leading factors in drug abuse today.From 2001 to 2009, the rate of opioids prescribed to military members has quadrupled, mainly because of combat-related injuries and muscle strains. War today, like the War On Terror, is extremely different then it has been in the past. This new kind of war has increased the emotional and traumatic experiences suffered by United States Service Members.

Veteran Substance Abuse Statistics

A number of studies have shown that there are links between Veteran substance abuse, depression, and suicide. In one study that involved around 600 Veterans who were deployed to either Afghanistan or Iraq, 39% of the vets were screened and showed positive for alcohol abuse.  A larger study that involved more than 675,000 active duty personnel determined that the rate of both substance use disorders and depression has increased among active members of the military. This rounds to about 1 in 15 Veterans having a substance abuse problem.  Another study determined that the rate of suicide across all military services in the USA increased between 2005 and 2007.      

Prevention Not Punishment

The declaration of President Trumps Opioid Epidemic, a public health emergency, has heightened the awareness of the effects drug addiction is having on American citizens. With the United States Military battling the War On Terror, the rest of America will be battling the War On Drugs. Prevention, not punishment is key in changing the statistics. By regular drug testing family members have been able to get a honest look at what some of their most celibrated family members are suffering from. There are a range of methods that can be used to drug test and most are very convient to get to.

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Heavy Marijuana Use Linked To New Illness- Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome

Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, a new illness only recently acknowledged by the medical community has been seen more commonly since new states have been legalizing medical and recreational marijuana.  It affects a small population -- mostly, a subset of marijuana users who smoke multiple times a day for months, years or even decades.

Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome is characterized by cyclic episodes of nausea and vomiting and frequent hot bathing. 

Chalfonte LeNee Queen suffered periodic episodes of violent retching and abdominal pain that would knock her off her feet for days, sometimes leaving her writhing on the floor in pain. "I've screamed out for death," says Queen, 48, who lives in San Diego. "I've cried out for my mom, who's been dead for 20 years, mentally not realizing she can't come to me."

Diagnosing Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome can be frustrating and expensive.

There is no blood test to link the stomach ailment with marijuana use, so physicians often order pricey CT scans and lab tests to rule out other medical problems. One way doctors have been diagnosing the illness is when a patient says that hot baths subside the symptoms. For whatever reason, unknown, patients who develop this disease find a significant relief in hot showers and baths. Toxicologists say the heat may distract the brain from pain receptors in the abdomen but, like  Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome itself, is still very misunderstood.  The exact cause and onset of  Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome remain much of a mystery today in the medical field. The first diagnosis of this illness can be dated back to 2004 by an Australian doctor.  Since  Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome is a newly recognized illness, only been seen more commonly throughout the US due to the recent passings of Marijuana laws, it is often mistaken for something else. Toxicologists say the chemical compounds in marijuana may throw off the normal function of the body's cannabinoid receptors, which help regulate the nervous system. Some people may be genetically predisposed to the syndrome, or marijuana's potency or chemical makeup may have changed over time, says Dr. Craig Smollin, medical director of the San Francisco division of the California Poison Control System and an ER doctor at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital.  Since most people, especially cancer patients are told that marijuana is known to aid in nausea and vomiting, it seems hard for a patient to believe that the link to their aggressive and chronic vomiting spells is due to marijuana.  19-year-old student Cameron Nicole Beard, of East Moline, Ill., said she struggled to believe her doctors about the link between pot and severe vomiting. "Who wants to be told you can't smoke marijuana when you think marijuana can help?" says Beard, while recovering from a marijuana-related vomiting episode at a University of Iowa hospital in Iowa City, Iowa, last month. She said she had lost 20 pounds in 10 days. There is still no direct cure for Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, although doctors are getting better at treating the symptoms. They have been using old anti-psychotic medications and cream for muscle aches.

Effects of Substance Abuse

One of the main reasons why a potential employee is not able to become hired is the fact that they can not pass a drug test. This reason has lead employers to hire refugees that have come to America, to take the place of U.S citizens. Most refugees that come to America don't even know what drugs are. In the United States, drug use is often talked about and almost glorified through music, social media, and other aspects of life. The percentage of American workers testing positive for illegal drugs has climbed steadily over the last three years to its highest level in a decade.

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American Drug Talk | What Is Ketamine?

What is Ketamine

Ketamine is categorized as a dissociative anesthetic. A dissociative anesthetic is a drug that distorts perception of sight and sound and produces feelings of detachment or dissociation from the environment and self. On the streets, the drug is sold as either a colorless, odorless liquid or as a white or off-white powder.

History Of Ketamine

Ketamine was developed in the 1960s to replace phencyclidine (PCP) as an anesthetic agent.  Most of the time, it is used in veterinary medicine as an animal tranquilizer, although also may be used in human medicine as an anesthetic. Used improperly, on the streets, the drug is often injected, consumed in drinks, snorted, or added to joints or cigarettes. Ketamine was placed on the list of controlled substances in the US in 1999.

Teens are Primary Users

One of the most alarming facts about Ketamine is the primary age group of abusers is between the ages of 12 and 25 years old. According to the Drug Abuse Warning Network, individuals aged 12 to 25 accounted for 74 percent of the Ketamine emergency department mentions in the United States in 2000. Use among high school students is a growing concern. Nearly 3 percent of high school seniors in the United States used the drug at least once in the past year.

A Club Drug

In addition to Rohypnol and GHB, Ketamine is also considered a "club drug", or "date rape drug" and may be used in drug-facilitated sexual assault situations. Adults sometimes place the drug in the drink of an unsuspecting user and await the effects of the drug to take place. Once the individual is under the influence, there are risks of amnesia and blackout.

Effects Of Ketamine

Ketamine is a very dangerous drug and even using it a single time can have serious repercussions including the potential for long-term side-effects, coma or death. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, “Ketamine distorts perceptions of sight and sound and produces feelings of detachment from the environment and self.” At low doses, users can experience impaired attention, learning ability and memory. In higher doses, it can cause dreamlike states, hallucinations, delirium, unconsciousness, and flashbacks-reoccurrences of a certain aspect of the drug experience at any time. Other associated side effects are depression, delirium, amnesia, impaired motor function, high blood pressure, and potentially fatal respiratory problems.

Street Names

The most popular name used for ketamine in the streets is "Special K". There are also many other common street names that refer to this drug.

K

Cat Valium

Super C

Green

Ketamine street names that are brand or type-specific include:

Ketaset

Ketalar

Ketalar SV

Ketanest

Ketanest S

Drug Testing For Ketamine

As with testing for any other drug, there are specific procedures for Ketamine drug testing. Ketamine is not included in a 5-panel drug screen. The only way Ketamine use can be detected is by studying the levels of "Norketamine" in the blood and urine. The parent drug, Norketamine is detectable in the blood and urine of users for up to 7-14 days depending on dosage and frequency of use. In some cases involving regular users, Ketamine can be detected in a drug test beyond the typical 7-14 day period.