Training on “Spice” for Medical Professionals

1. Training on “Spice” for Medical Professionals ADAPT/DDR AFMOA/SGHW

2. Overview What is Spice? Be On Alert Effects of Spice Dispelled Myths Interventions & Referrals Summary Questions

3. What is Spice? • Mixture of herbs/spices sprayed with synthetic compound similar to THC • Marketed as an aromatic incense • Appearance similar to dried leaves or potpourri • Commonly purchased in “head” shops, tobacco shops, & on the internet • Typically smoked in joints or pipes • Can also be made into tea

4. Be On Alert • Street Names • Black Mamba • Black Magic • Bliss • Bombay Blue (Black) • Fake Weed • Genie • Herbal High • K2 • Mojo • Serenity Now • Zohai • Red X Dawn

5. Be On Alert • 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

6. Effects of Spice • Affects on the mind: Psychological effects are similar to those of marijuana and include paranoia, panic attacks, and giddiness. • Other symptoms: • Paranoia • Panic attacks • Hallucinations • Delusions • Increased agitation • Overdose effects: There have been no reported deaths by overdose. • Affects on the body: Physiological effects of spice include increased heart rate and increase of blood pressure. • Other Symptoms: • Vomiting • Dilated pupils • Headaches • 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

7. Dispelled Myths • 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 • 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. • 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. • MYTH 4: Spice gives a natural high without causing physical ailments. • FACT: Use of spice has numerous physical side affects; long term effects are not yet known.

8. Intervention & Referrals • AD member: • 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 • 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

9. Intervention & Referrals(cont.) • Provide the appropriate level of intervention based on the presenting symptoms or issues using a “Stepped Care” approach • Levels of intervention: • BRIEF counseling intervention and follow-up • BHOP Referral • ADAPT or TRICARE* Referral • Civilian Employees • May be seen for a Substance Abuse assessment IAW AFI 44-107, Air Force Civilian Drug Demand Reduction Program (Chapter 2). • Dependents • All beneficiaries – dependents and retirees – are eligible for treatment, following TRICARE guidelines for access. * For those who are eligible

10. Summary • What is Spice? Spice is mixture of herbs/spices sprayed with synthetic compound similar to THC • Be On Alert – Spice is sold in many places and is known by many names such as K2, Black Magic, Red X Dawn, etc. • Effects of Spice include paranoia, panic attacks, and giddiness, as well as increased heart rate and increase of blood pressure. • Dispelled Myths • 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.

11. Questions?