Transcript Excellent Healthcare, Clinical Currency What is Spice?

Air Force Medical Operations Agency
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Training on “Spice” for Medical
Professionals
ADAPT/DDR
AFMOA/SGHW
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Overview
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What is Spice?
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Be On Alert
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Effects of Spice
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Dispelled Myths
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Interventions & Referrals
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Summary
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Questions
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What is Spice?
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Mixture of herbs/spices sprayed with synthetic
compound similar to THC
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Marketed as an aromatic incense
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Appearance similar to dried leaves or potpourri
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Commonly purchased in “head” shops,
tobacco shops, & on the internet
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Typically smoked in joints or pipes
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Can also be made into tea
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Be On Alert
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Street Names
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Black Mamba
Black Magic
Bliss
Bombay Blue (Black)
Fake Weed
Genie
Herbal High
K2
Mojo
Serenity Now
Zohai
Red X Dawn
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4
Be On Alert
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More Street Names…
 Bombay Extreme
 AMPED
 DR Green Thumb
 Magic Gold
 Smoke XXX
 Smoke XXX Vanilla
 Pep Spice
 Fire and Ice
 Power Sceletium
 Kratom 15X Extract
 Bali Kratom
 Blaze
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5
Effects of Spice
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Affects on the mind:
Psychological effects are
similar to those of marijuana
and include paranoia, panic
attacks, and giddiness.
Other symptoms:
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Paranoia
Panic attacks
Hallucinations
Delusions
Increased agitation
Overdose effects: There have
been no reported deaths by
overdose.
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Affects on the body:
Physiological effects of spice
include increased heart rate
and increase of blood pressure.
Other Symptoms:
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Vomiting
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Dilated pupils
 Headaches
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It appears to be stored in the
body for a long time,
therefore long-term effects
are not yet known.
Drugs causing similar
effects: Marijuana
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Dispelled Myths
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MYTH 1: Spice is legal in all states. I can use it without consequence.
 FACT: The military has banned its use and prosecuted many Airmen.
 FACT: Multiple states have outlawed spice.
 FACT: The DEA has taken action to make ingredients in Spice a Schedule
I controlled substance
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MYTH 2: Spice is fake weed. It is not a drug.
 FACT: AFI 44-121 defines a drug as any intoxicating substance, other
than alcohol…ingested to alter mood or function.
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MYTH 3: The AF cannot test for spice, so there is no risk.
 FACT: As of 22 Feb 2011, the AF began testing to detect spice.
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MYTH 4: Spice gives a natural high without causing physical ailments.
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FACT: Use of spice has numerous physical side affects; long term effects
are not yet known.
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7
Intervention & Referrals
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AD member:
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A medical provider must notify the unit CC and ADAPT when an AD
member:
Is observed, identified, or suspected to be under the
influence
 Receives treatment for an injury or illness that may be the
result of spice use
 Is suspected of abusing spice
 Is admitted as a patient due to effects of spice
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CC notification must be registered in the HIPAA disclosure log
Non-active duty beneficiaries:
 Provider education is indicated for patients with
limited/experimental use and no significant life impact
 Refer to ADAPT or TRICARE for more extensive use
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Intervention & Referrals
(cont.)
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Provide the appropriate level of intervention based on the presenting
symptoms or issues using a “Stepped Care” approach
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Levels of intervention:
 BRIEF counseling intervention and follow-up
 BHOP Referral
 ADAPT or TRICARE* Referral
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Civilian Employees
 May be seen for a Substance Abuse assessment IAW AFI 44-107,
Air Force Civilian Drug Demand Reduction Program (Chapter 2).
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Dependents
 All beneficiaries – dependents and retirees – are eligible for
treatment, following TRICARE guidelines for access.
* For those who are eligible
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Summary
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What is Spice? Spice is mixture of herbs/spices sprayed with
synthetic compound similar to THC
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Be On Alert – Spice is sold in many places and is known by many
names such as K2, Black Magic, Red X Dawn, etc.
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Effects of Spice include paranoia, panic attacks, and giddiness,
as well as increased heart rate and increase of blood pressure.
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Dispelled Myths
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If you suspect someone of using spice, you should provide the
appropriate level of intervention: brief counseling; BHOP referral;
and ADAPT (mandatory for AD) or TRICARE referral.
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Questions?
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