UNODC receives donation from the Japanese

20 March 2014 - UNODC signed a funding agreement with the Japanese Drug Abuse Prevention Centre (DAPC) that provides grants to NGOs who work in the area of drug prevention. Speaking at the signing ceremony, UNODC Executive Director Yury Fedotov said, "I would like to express my sincere appreciation for the close to US$5.5 million the DAPC has raised in support of UNODC's work during this time." He added that the need to raise awareness of the drug problem is more urgent than ever and that the UNODC/DAPC partnership shows just how much good work can be done when young people play an active role in these efforts.During the signing ceremony, Ambassador Toshiro Ozawa, the Permanent Representative of Japan to the International Organizations in Vienna, presented a cheque of around US$190,000 to Mr. Fedotov and signed a new funding agreement with UNODC. Ambassador Ozawa also received a report setting out how UNODC distributed funding to NGOs in 2013.  Since the partnership started, more than 600 grass-root NGOs in some 90 developing countries in Asia, Africa, Eastern Europe and Latin America and the Caribbean have been given funding for their vital work in preventing drug use.The DAPC is an NGO that organizes annual public campaigns throughout Japan and aims to increase awareness among young Japanese of the dangers of drug abuse. It also raises funds for UNODC to spend in support of NGOs working around the world.

What is N-Bomb or 25i ?

N-Bomb is a powerful hallucinogen, which means it changes the way you see objects and reality. You might see or hear things which aren’t there (known as hallucinations). The experience of taking hallucinogens is often referred to as a ‘trip’. Trips can be good or bad, but until you take it you don’t know how it will affect you – and once you’re on a ‘trip’ you can't stop it.The main effects and risks of taking hallucinogens, like N-Bomb, are:

o   Time and movement can appear to speed up and slow down.

o  Colour, sound and objects can get distorted and you can experience doublevision.

o   These distortions of your senses can be quite unpredictable, sometimes pleasant, but sometimes very frightening (these are called 'bad trips').

N-Bomb is a term for a member of the NBOMe ‘family’ of drugs. They are highly powerful hallucinogens, similar to LSD and are also related to the 2C ‘family’ of compounds.

What are the effects of N-Bombs?

The effects of N-Bombs can last between six and ten hours and include:

• Feeling of euphoria (intense happiness) and love/empathy.
• Mental and physical stimulation.
• A pleasant or positive change in consciousness.
• Unusual body sensations.    

What are the effects of N-Bombs?

The effects of N-Bombs can last between six and ten hours and include:

• Feeling of euphoria (intense happiness) and love/empathy.
• Mental and physical stimulation.
• A pleasant or positive change in consciousness.
• Unusual body sensations

Because N-Bombs are similar to LSD, they are likely to have similar effects to LSD. The experience of taking hallucinogens, like LSD, is often referred to as a ‘trip’.

A positive trip can make you feel happy, euphoric and relaxed. A negative or bad trip can make users feel tense, nervy and confused. You might even experience unpleasant and scary hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t there).

 Other effects:

• During a time and your movements can appear speeded up or slower down. Colours, objects and sound can appear very differently to normal.
• Feeling tired, anxious, panicky and depressed.
• Trips can feed off your imagination – so if you’re unhappy or nervous it can make these feelings a lot worse.

What are the risks of using N-Bombs?

The effects can last between six and ten hours and include:

• Feelings of confusion and paranoia.
• Insomnia, this is where someone founds it very hard to fall asleep or to stay asleep for a normal amount of time.
• Feeling sick and nauseous.
• Body tremors and shaking.

Doctors who have treated people who have taken N-Bombs have reported the following common effects/risks:

• Increased heart rate and blood pressure, which can put pressure on your heart and circulation system and in extreme cases can lead to heart failure.
• Agitation and aggression.
• You may see and hear things that aren’t there (known as hallucinations).
• Some people might have seizures and a fever or high body temperature

N-Bombs are very powerful, with only a small amount needed to have an effect. For example, the average dose of the N-Bomb 25I-NBOMe is between 0.000050 and 0.0001gram. Because of this it can be easy to overdose if you are using the powder or liquid forms of NBOMe.N-Bombs are similar to LSD  so there some of the risks of LSD may apply to N-Bombs as well.

6 dead from drug overdose

KUALA LUMPUR, March 15 — Three women were among six people, who died from drug intake after they suffocated while attending the Future Music Festival Asia concert at the Bukit Jalil Stadium early this morning.Kuala Lumpur Police Chief, Datuk Mohmad Salleh said in the 2 am incident, three other men were reported to be in critical condition due to the drugs.“The six, who died were locals, aged between 19 to 28, and were pronounced dead on the way to the University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC) and the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre (PPUKM) early this morning,” he told a media conference here today.The six, who died from the drug intake were known as Kamal Zekry Kamal Basha, 22, Victor Wong E Hern, 26, Sabreena Kamaruddin, 21, M.Suresh, 28, Syazana Sohaime, 23, and Nor Faizza Mohd Wazir, 27.he men who were in critical condition, including two foreigners were being treated in UMMC and PPUKM.Two of them were Singaporeans and the third a local, aged between 19 to 27, he said.Mohmad said, discussions with the organisers found that the three-day concert, which was supposed to end tonight, had been cancelled after the safety of the patrons was compromised.“The six victims who died were believed to have taken the drug methamphetamine before going to the concert.“The drug is known as ‘designer drug’ or synthetic drugs, which is called meth,” he said.He added that autopsies conducted on the victims found that they had died from drug overdose.Mohmad said the drugs were sold at between RM60 to RM100 a pill, depending on its contents.During the two days of the concert police also arrested 19 patrons, including seven locals and 12 foreigners from Singapore, Australia and Indonesia for possession of drugs, he said -Bernama

What is Steroids?

What Are Anabolic Steroids?

Anabolic steroids are a class of steroid hormones based on the androgen testosterone. Anabolic steroids are also known as anabolic-androgenic steroids or AAS or performance enhancing drugs.

What Do Anabolic Steroids Do?

Anabolic steroids increase the rate of protein synthesis within cells. The building of cellular tissue (anabolism) is especially noticeable in muscles. Anabolic steroids also have androgenic and virilizing effects. They influence masculine characteristics such as the growth of the vocal cords and body hair.

How Are Anabolic Steroids Used as Drugs?

Anabolic steroids have been attractive to athletes and bodybuilders because they increase the size and strength of muscles. They also increase aggressiveness and competitiveness, which can be desirable traits in sports. Anabolic steroids may be prescribed to promote appetite, stimulate bone growth, induce male puberty, to lessen the effects of muscle wasting from chronic diseases, such as cancer or AIDS, and may show promise as a male contraceptive. The drugs are available as oral pills, injectable steroids, and skin patches.

How Do Anabolic Steroids Work?

Anabolic steroids change muscle mass and strength by two processes. First, the steroids lead to an increased production of proteins, which are the building blocks of muscle. The steroids also block the effect of the hormone cortisol on muscle tissue, so that existing muscle is broken down at a slower rate. Additionally, anabolic steroids lead to cells differentiating into muscle more readily than fat.

What Are the Risks of Using Anabolic Steroids?

In addition to increasing muscle strength and mass, the effects of taking anabolic steroids include harmful changes in cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, acne, liver damage, and changes to the structure of the left ventricle of the heart. Anabolic steroids have an androgenic or virilizing effect, meaning they affect male characteristics. Anabolic steroids affect the onset of puberty, growth of the clitoris in females and the penis in male children 

oes not affect the size of the penis in adults), increased size of the vocal chords and deepening of the voice, increased body hair, and premature baldness in people predisposed to it. Another side effect is decreased fertility and testicular atrophy.

Why Are Anabolic Steroids Dangerous for Teens?

Many of the side effects of taking performance enhancing drugs can be countered by combining them with other drugs and exercise and are somewhat reversible in adults. However, anabolic steroid use can have permanent negative consequences if used by adolescents. One side effect can be early onset of puberty. More significantly, the drugs can stunt growth by prematurely stopping the lengthening of the bones.

The Effects of Heroin Use

As a derivative of morphine-a naturally occurring product of the poppy plant- heroin has plenty of negative consequences. For one thing, street drugs have no quality assurance; you have no idea what might be mixed in with them. At the same time, heroin is powerfully addictive. Frequent users understand what the heroin high is like and are always ready to recreate the sensation. In fact, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, heroin is the most abused drug in its class. Users who inject the drug are at an increased risk of several communicable diseases including HIV and hepatitis.

Short-Term Effects of Heroin

The immediate effect of being high on heroin is described as a rush, an intense feeling of pleasure. This occurs because the drug passes into the brain very quickly. The skin may feel warm, and the user may experience a heavy feeling in the arms and legs. After the rush subsides, users often feel drowsy and uncoordinated for several hours.

As a short-term effect, heroin also dulls pain, and similar drugs such as morphine are very effective medications for severe and chronic pain. The active components of heroin bind to certain nerve receptors in the brain, preventing the transmission of pain signals. Some users view their use of heroin as a form of self-medication, but the negative effects are too serious for this to be a wise choice

Side Effects

Not all side effects of heroin are pleasant. Sometimes the initial rush can be accompanied by nausea, vomiting or itching. Even worse, taking too much of the drug at once can result in depressed breathing, a slow heart rate and unconsciousness. A heroin overdose is a potentially fatal event if not treated quickly. Fortunately, there are effective medical remedies for a heroin overdose. A quick injection of adrenaline will counteract the depressant effects of the drug, speeding up the heart and returning respiration rates to normal.

Long-Term Effects of Heroin

Addiction is the primary long-term effect of heroin abuse. The longer you use heroin, the stronger the addiction becomes. A true addict has one purpose in life-to acquire more of the drug. Other responsibilities, such as work and family, fall by the wayside.

Users who inject heroin often suffer from collapsed veins, bruising, bacterial infections, arthritis and serious infectious diseases like AIDS. These users are often injecting themselves with dirty shared needles. The rush experienced from intravenous drug use is significantly more powerful than other methods of ingestion, which explains its popularity.

With addiction comes tolerance and dependence. Tolerance to heroin means that over time, more of the drug is required to reach the same level of euphoria. Dependence often coexists with tolerance, but they are not the same thing. The Cleveland Clinic explains that dependence means a person’s body has adapted to the drug. Removing the drug will create a series of withdrawal symptoms.

Heroin Dependency

Like all opiate drugs, heroin leads to dependency in users who have maintained the habit for long enough. If someone dependent on heroin suddenly stops taking the drug, he will experience unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. These include body aches, muscle aches, nausea, insomnia, restlessness, cold flashes and leg twitches. These symptoms usually peak within two days of the last dose of heroin disappear completely within a week. While not fun, heroin withdrawal is not a dangerous medical condition. The symptoms, however, often compel a user to keep using rather than experience withdrawal.

Heroin Withdrawal Treatment

Treatment for heroin addiction and heroin withdrawal begins with admitting that there’s a problem. Rehab and recovery requires a serious commitment to get healthy. Once that commitment is made, treatment is not that difficult-and the rewards are immense. A life without heroin is an attainable goal, no matter how strong your addiction is.

A heroin rehab center offers a safe and welcome environment in which to overcome the initial withdrawal symptoms. Certain medications can ease the body aches or nausea normally associated with heroin withdrawal.

Natural remedies, including a healthy diet and exercise, can also smooth out the bumps of detox and withdrawal. Long-term recovery, however, calls for a different approach, one centered on mental wellbeing more so than physical.

Sustained recovery from heroin addiction requires a strong social network. This includes both individual and group therapy sessions with fellow recovering addicts. A licensed therapist or psychiatrist can help identify the reasons for heroin abuse and suggest steps to take to prevent relapse. Being honest with friends and family about your struggles is another way to safeguard a healthy future.

Methamphetamine Facts

Methamphetamine Facts

The history of the use of methamphetamine is intertwined with the history of its chemical cousin amphetamine. Their chemical structures are similar, although the effect of methamphetamine on the central nervous system is more pronounced.

Amphetamine was first synthesized in 1887, and methamphetamine was discovered in 1919. By 1943, both drugs were widely available to treat a range of disorders, including narcolepsy, depression, obesity, alcoholism and the behavioral syndrome called minimal brain dysfunction, known today as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Following World War II, during which amphetamine was widely used to keep combat duty soldiers alert, both amphetamine (Adderall, Benzedrine, Dexidrine) and methamphetamine (Methedrine, Desoxyn) became more available to the public.

Facts

§  Methamphetamine can be swallowed, snorted, smoked and injected by users. The effects usually last from four to eight hours or more, depending on dosage.

§  Like amphetamine, methamphetamine increases activity, decreases appetite and causes a general sense of well-being.  Amphetamine has been used for weight control, for athletic performance and endurance, for treating mild depression, and to help truckers complete their long hauls without falling asleep. Methamphetamine has been widely marketed to women for weight loss and to treat depression.

§  Increased or prolonged use of methamphetamine can cause sleeplessness, loss of appetite, increased blood pressure, paranoia, psychosis, aggression, disordered thinking, extreme mood swings and sometimes hallucinations. Many users become physically rundown, which leaves them susceptible to illness. The discontinued use of methamphetamine by heavy users will create withdrawal symptoms, including severe depression, lethargy, anxiety and fearfulness. Such effects are less pronounced with oral use and in lower dosages.

§  Methamphetamine production is a relatively simple process, especially when compared to many other recreational drugs. It is frequently reported on in the media when home meth-producing labs are busted.

§  Pharmaceutical methamphetamine is still available legally under the brand name Desoxyn, but only infrequently prescribed to treat severe obesity, narcolepsy and ADHD. Pharmaceutical amphetamine is available by prescription under a number of brand names (most notably Adderall), while other amphetamine-like stimulant medications are also widely prescribed (such as Ritalin), and are commonly prescribed to treat narcolepsy, ADHD, fatigue and depression. Although ostensibly not available to enhance productivity or wakefulness, amphetamine is commonly used that way. This has created a divide between those with health insurance who are able to obtain stimulants through legal means, and those who seek out black-market stimulants and face arrest.

§  Contrary to a common misperception, methamphetamine is not “instantly addictive” for most people who use it. Most people who use methamphetamine do not develop an addiction. For those individuals who do develop an addiction, treatment for methamphetamine addiction is similar to that for cocaine and other stimulants and just as likely to succeed.

The Tragedy of Philip Seymour Hoffman: How We Can Prevent Overdose Deaths

What makes the death of Philip Seymour Hoffman all the more tragic is that it happened in New York, a state with a wide array of policies and services designed to reduce drug overdose deaths and save the lives of people who use drugs. New York has a 911 Good Samaritan law, which offers some protection from drug charges for people who call 911 to report a suspected overdose. Many people panic at the scene of an overdose, fearing they or the overdose victim will be arrested for possessing small amounts of drugs. Good Samaritan laws in over a dozen states, including New York, encourage people to act quickly to save a life without fear of drug charges for minor violations. New Yorkers also have limited access to the opiate overdose reversal medicine naloxone. If administered right away, naloxone can can reverse an overdose and restore normal breathing.

Naloxone is generic, inexpensive, non-narcotic, works quickly and is not only safe, but also easy to use. It's been around since the 1970s and has saved tens of thousands of lives. New York also just this week introduced legislation to expand access to it.

So many states are just now starting to take some great steps to get naloxone in the hands of more people. Hoffman's death perfectly illustrates how terribly urgent this is. Even the Office of National Drug Control Policy is supporting naloxone in the hands of cops. But we can't stop there. It's not enough for law enforcement and EMT's to have access to naloxone -- people who use drugs and others who might witness an opiate overdose must have that same access. Whoever is the first to respond to the overdose, the actual "first responder," must be permitted access to naloxone, period. We need to make sure that local and federal governments are on board and that we're getting naloxone into as many pharmacies as possible.

Over the coming days, we'll likely learn a great deal more about Hoffman, his drug use and his personal demons. Some will likely call his death a "teachable moment." But we need to ensure that what we're teaching includes basic drug user safety information -- information that can absolutely save lives. We need to start talking about harm reduction and how to help people stay alive if they use drugs. If you use heroin and no one has ever told you to avoid mixing alcohol or other sedatives with heroin because it increases your risk of overdose, we have failed you. We don't have to like a persons drug use, in fact, we can hate it. But at the very least, we need to do some very basic, lifesaving education about it.

There is much left to discover about the death of Philip Seymour Hoffman. And much left to say about how we so very urgently need to significantly shift not only our conversations about drug use, but our drug policies, as well. We need doctors, not jail cells. We need compassion, and we need research-backed science and medicine to help people most in need of a therapeutic intervention. We need to acknowledge that we all have our secrets, our shame, our hidden darknesses and our realities that we keep safely out of public view. I hope as details emerge, we remember him as one of the greatest actors of the modern era and don't decide to write him off "just another celeb who died from drugs." I hope we do more to help others like him stay alive, even if they use drugs.