Category: How to pass

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• How it came in our lives – Methadone

  Posted on August 9th, 2011 How to pass

  During World War II German pharmaceutical companies came up with yet another form of opiate - methadone hydrochloride. This substance was first synthesized to be used as an alternative to regular opioids – synthetic form of the drug seemed to be quite helpful in treatment of severe pain. Chemical compound of the drug is very different from morphine and heroin, but methadone brings same effect on the opioid receptors in the body, therefore, it influences body in a very similar manner as the regular opiates. However, the effects of methadone last longer than the effects of heroin or morphine.

  When first synthesized, methadone was meant to become a revolutionary new type of pain killer – it was cheaper to make than the other pain killers, the effects of it were rather strong and lasted longer than those of other drugs. But one can never know what will happen and plans are not always carried out. It was noticed that people who were taking methadone could be stopped from heroine and/or morphine dependency. Methadone was turned into a drug that cured opioid addiction; methadone clinics are open all over the country.

  The substance mostly administered in a liquid form, but tablets and injections are also available. As some the effects in addition to physical pain relief that a person may experience while taking methadone are:

  -         mood change: it is less intense but lasts longer than that caused by heroin

  -         slower and shallow breathing

  -         no or little control of emotions

  -         drowsiness

  -         reduced blood pressure

  -         dryness in the eyes, nose and mouth

• Medicinal Use: Marijuana Part 3

  Posted on August 8th, 2011 How to pass

  The truth about Cannabis and its medicinal use is that to date there has not been one study done that can actually prove the so called harmful effects of Cannabis on the body. Physically speaking alone, the actual chemical of THC does not cause any long term detrimental effects to the human body, when used at proper medical doses for therapy. It is because of this unusual level of safety of this drug that many scientists would like to study it further for its potential within the medical field. Keep in mind, that this is not to say that Marijuana is not harmful to the body, but that this one specific chemical contained in Marijuana is not.

  The truth about Marijuana’s Lethal capabilities is that a lethal dose of marijuana (according to multiple studies) is about 1 third of your own body weight. Studies done on animals have shown that the only time Marijuana itself was lethal, was when it was ingested in large quantities by very small rodents. And in this case it was only lethal because their internal nervous systems simply could not handle the Cannabis like the human body can.

  And despite what the government would like you to believe – there is currently no evidence whatsoever that the use of Marijuana can lead to addictive behaviors as if the drug were an intoxicant. There is also no evidence that it causes any psychological dependence. While some people do develop an overwhelming desire to continue to use the drug, there is no actual physical dependence. Meaning that unlike with other drugs where there would be a withdrawal containing sickening symptoms of its own that Marijuana will simply make a user slightly depressed when not having used for a while.

• Dude, I’ve Got Heavy Metals In My Body! Lead (Part 3)

  Posted on August 5th, 2011 How to pass

  Lead poisoning has long been associated with children eating paint chips off of a dirty windowsill that has been painted with a lead-based paint.  Humans are exposed to lead mostly through drinking water, airborne particles or through lead-based paints.  Drinking water can be contaminated with lead by the use of lead-based plumbing materials.  When these materials break down it leads to increased concentration of lead particles in municipal drinking water.  The Environmental Protection Agency actually allows for a certain amount of lead to be present in our drinking water because of this problem.

  Lead particles can also contaminate our bodies through cigarette smoke. Of all of the natural elements on Earth, lead is one of the most toxic and dangerous to humans.  If a person is exposed to high concentrations of lead it can lead to irreversible brain damage, seizures, comas, or even death if it is not taken care of immediately.  Some of the telltale signs that a person may have lead poisoning are fatigue, memory loss, irritability, reduction in motor skills, problems with concentration and decision making.  People who have been continually exposed to lead through their jobs tend to have higher blood pressure and are at a greater risk for strokes and cardiovascular disease.  Other signs of high concentrations of lead in your system are cramps, abdominal pain, anorexia, constipation, weight loss, and problems with the liver or kidneys.

  Exposure to lead in young children is more problematic that exposure to lead as an adult.  Physical growth is impaired as well as their cognitive development.  Children can suffer hearing impairment as well as hyperactivity and attention deficit disorder if they are exposed to high levels of lead in their bodies.  Children tend to absorb lead more easily than adults do.  Lead poisoning in adult women may result in fertility problems or miscarriages.

  If a pregnant woman is exposed to high levels of lead it can flow through the placenta resulting in premature births or smaller birth weights. In men, high levels of lead can lead to cataracts and a more rapid mental decline.  Lead poisoning can cause serious damage to the brain and central nervous system.  It can also affect the blood, kidneys and your digestive system.  Lead is absorbed more easily if you have an empty stomach.  Taking vitamins like C, E and B1 will help defend against lead absorption.

  (To Be Continued)

• How it came in our lives – Methamphetamine

  Posted on August 4th, 2011 How to pass

  Amphetamine was first synthesized back in 1887 by German scientists. However, it took almost fifty years for the drug to be noticed and tested for possible applications. In the late 1920’s they started to test amphetamine as a possible remedy for anything and everything from simple cough to serious health and mental issues. A decade later Benzedrine hit the stores as an over the counter inhaler that was supposed to help nasal congestion. Needless to say, because of the active ingredient of amphetamine this product was used not only by asthmatics and sick people, but also by enthusiasts who was looking for a buzz during the years of the Great Depression and Prohibition. A few years later amphetamine became available in form of a tablet as well.

  Following this scientific discovery, in 1919 a stronger and easier to make substance was discovered in Japan. The powder that could dissolve in water had presented a perfect opportunity to develop into injections. This substance was methamphetamine. The ability of the drug to “keep you going” became very handy during the World War II – methamphetamine was extensively used to keep soldiers alert in the line of duty. After the war the substance remained popular among students, athletes, truck drivers and general pubic representatives who wished to prolong their alertness and stay awake for longer.

  Up until late 1950s methamphetamine (Methedrine pills) and dextroamphetamine (sold in the form of pills named Dexedrine) were easily available for purchase to public. Soon enough the situation had changed.

• Medicinal Use: Marijuana Part 2

  Posted on August 3rd, 2011 How to pass

  Studies about medicinal use for Marijuana have been going on for hundreds of years now. Journal articles printed as early as 1839 report findings of the therapeutic uses of THC, however, because of opiates and their medicinal uses which far outweighed the milder use of THC, studies in this area began to decline. Up until 1937 pharmaceutical companies were still selling drugs that contained Cannabis as an ingredient. The only reason that the drug was dropped from company usage was because of laws passed in 1937 that regulated the use of Cannabis in drugs. A Tax was imposed as well as strict record keeping on the drug, making it very difficult for drug companies to import the drug and use it in medicine. Because there were suddenly so many restrictions causing headaches for most pharmaceutical companies THC was eliminated from the order forms.

  While the American Medical Association did try to fight the Tax Act as well as many research scientists – claiming that the potential use of this drug far outweighed the possible dangers (because at the time no dangers were empirically evident, despite the Federal Government claiming that Marijuana was a strong intoxicant that had huge medical dangers to the consumer) – because the Tax was passed on the federal level, and the government was giving it its full support the American Medical Association was given no choice except to back off, and support the Act. They were also forced to support statements of Marijuana’s danger to the American public.

• Dude, I’ve Got Heavy Metals In My Body! Arsenic (Part 2)

  Posted on August 2nd, 2011 How to pass

  Heavy metal toxicity is more prevalent today than in the past because most of these metals are present in things we come in contact with everyday as opposed to years ago when manufacturing with these substances wasn’t as common and pollution wasn’t as rampant.  Metals such as aluminum, mercury, cadmium, arsenic, lead, and tin are the most common heavy metals that people are exposed to today.

  Some Health Authorities estimate that over ninety percent of all chronic diseases can be traced back to environmental pollution.  Some of the ways that these heavy metals enter our system are through the air, through food and the utensils we use to eat the food, cleaning products, toys, pesticides, cookware, burning fuel, vaccinations and even dental work.

  One of the most damaging heavy metals is arsenic. Arsenic is used in manufacturing in the process of smelting, refining, and galvanizing.  It is also used in pesticides, wood preservatives, antibiotics, animal feed and insecticides. Throughout history arsenic has been associated with suicide and homicide.  Exposure to too much arsenic can lead to nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, muscle cramps, anorexia and a burning of the mouth and throat area.  Direct skin contact may result in dermatitis, skin lesions and skin irritation.  There is an increased rate of cancer in people who have been exposed to high levels of arsenic.  When arsenic is inhaled or ingested, it can lead to cancers of the skin, liver, gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts. High levels of arsenic in the system can lead to depression, mood swings, chronic fatigue, weakness, kidney and liver damage, blood vessel damage, seizures, impaired facial recognition, abnormal sensations in the mouth and arms and legs, and cancer.

  Diseases such as esophagitis, gastroenteritis and colitis have been attributed to high levels of arsenic being found in the system.  Exposure to too much arsenic can also lead to hearing loss, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, blurred vision and increased sensitivity to light. Pneumonia, laryngitis, respiratory tract cancers and bronchitis can occur from being exposed to too much arsenic. High levels of arsenic in pregnant women can lead to reproductive dysfunction, premature births, spontaneous abortions, birth defects and mental retardation in the fetus.

  (To Be Continued)

• How it came in our lives – Heroin (Part 2)

  Posted on August 1st, 2011 How to pass

  With the development of morphine medical world leaped forward – this drug was sometimes referred to as “wonder drug” since it allowed eliminating severe pain caused by various reasons. However, the drug had intense euphoric side effects, and that is how it got its name – after a Greek god of dreams Morpheus. Soon enough the German pharmacist’s invention became wide spread and reached the United States. During the Civil War numbing morphine was commonly used to deal with soldiers’ wounds, and after the war the drug showed off its side effect that was finally noticed– addiction. Morphine became an epidemic, so to address this problem a new drug was created by German scientists that was called after its trade-marked name – Heroin. Soon after its invention it has been marketed in US as a safe, non-addictive alternative to morphine and the doctors started prescribing this opiate derivate instead of the other. Beginning in late 1800s up until early 1900s the substances were sold over the counter in fancy kits with engravings on the lid, and often times a combination of drugs were sold together – either cocaine and morphine, or cocaine and heroin. As a treatment to various ailments alcohol based opium, Laudanum, was administered to both kids and adults. Various opium based drugs were marketed as a cure for anything and everything – from cold and toothache to serious mental problems.

  For the longest time heroin and morphine, along with other opium derivatives were not regulated substances since the real danger was not recognized until 1920s. After the enactment of Dangerous Drugs Act it became illegal to sell and buy these substances over the counter and distribution of opium based drugs became federally regulated.

• Medicinal Use: Marijuana Part 1

  Posted on July 29th, 2011 How to pass

  THC has been studied for its medicinal uses for many years now. The actual medicinal properties are not found in the Hemp, but in the resin that covers the flower clusters and top leaves of the plant. Hemp is actually derived from the roots and stems. The actual chemical of THC (delta-1-tetra-hydro-cannabinol) can be obtained by this plant through a variety of ways, and depending on the plant itself can have a large variance of potency. Many factors come in to play when acquiring THC, like the climate the flower was planted in, or the soil it grew in, as well as the methods with which the flower was cultivated. The actual THC infused resin can be ingested in a variety of ways as well, in food and drink possibly, though the most popular way is by drying the actual flower buds and smoking them through a pipe or rolling paper, which is often referred to as a joint.

  We don’t know when the medicinal properties of the plant were first discovered, but we can say that the plant has been known for its medicinal uses for at least 4000 years at least from the findings of an herbal remedy book written by a Chinese Emperor that dates back to 2800 B.C. The main use of this “narcotic” as medicine was as a sedative and pain reducer. It was considered milder than other narcotics, but clearly with far fewer dangers than the stronger pain medications that were available during that time period.

• Dude, I Got Heavy Metals In My Body! (Part 1)

  Posted on July 28th, 2011 How to pass

  Whoa, Dude! Gnarly! Radical! Heavy Metals, Righteous Dude!  Bang Your Head!

  Well, you can bang your head all you want but those heavy metals won’t come out through your ears.  The only way to rid your body of these harmful toxins is to purge them through use of a dietary supplement like Daily Clean or System Fresh.

  First of all, what exactly are heavy metals and how do they get into our bodies?  Heavy metals are elements that are found in nature and our bodies require some of them to function properly.  Metals such as zinc and copper are required for our immune system and for the growth of new blood vessels but high levels of these two metals can be detrimental to our health.

  Heavy metals can be found in the air that we breathe, the ground that we walk on and even the water that we drink.  They are present in building materials, fuel, processed foods, medicines and even the personal care and cosmetic products that we use.  When we get too much of any of the heavy metals in our bodies, it can affect both our physical and mental health.

  High levels of some of these heavy metals can lead to diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis and some cancers.  Some symptoms of high levels of heavy metals in your system are: depression, fatigue, sore joints, digestive problems, blood sugar irregularities, infertility, premature births, miscarriages, hypertension and cancer.

  (To Be Continued)

• How it came in our lives – Heroin (Part 1)

  Posted on July 27th, 2011 How to pass

  Heroin is an opium derivative that is now more popular than the original drug. Back in middle of 19th century opium was widely used as it was not illegal and the access to obtaining it was not restricted or enforced by government. All through out the Wild West there were opium dens where people could come in to indulge in opium smoking activity. Chinese immigrants who came over the ocean to work on railroads were primary the main carriers of the drug into the country. With them the fashion and, consequently, the addiction to the drug spread out to the West. There is a quite a number of clear evidence that proves that getting loaded on whiskey in a bar after a long ride through prairies was not the only favorite activity of hard working men at that time, but also chilling out in dim rooms filled with opium smoke. It is worth mentioning that smoking of opium was not a big problem as alcoholism was a bigger issue for the government since it caused more violent fights and death in some cases. Subsequently, opium was suggested to be taken as a cure to alcoholism.

  Somewhere around 1810 another derivative form of opium was produced – morphine. This pain killer rapidly became popular since it was stronger than any other pain killer known at the time and could allow medics to perform longer operations on patients when trauma or disease demanded a surgical interference. It was truly a breakthrough in the world of medicine.