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First Aid for Alcohol and Drugs (EHBDD)
The EHBDD (First Aid for Alcohol and Drugs) course offers essential knowledge and skills that are of great importance to anyone involved in guiding psychedelic experiences, such as trip sitters and psychedelic therapists.
One of the most important aspects of the EHBDD course is understanding the effects of various types of drugs, including psychedelics such as psilocybin and MDMA. Supervisors must be able to recognize and understand the effects of these substances so that they can respond adequately to the needs of the person tripping. This insight helps them create a safe and supportive environment.
The course teaches tripsitters to recognize potential risks and complications that may occur during a psychedelic experience. This includes identifying symptoms of a bad trip, panic attacks, or other acute reactions. By recognizing these signals in a timely manner, the tripsitter can intervene quickly and effectively to stabilize the situation.
An important part of the EHBDD course is the first aid techniques that participants learn. This includes basic life-saving actions, such as dealing with unconsciousness, breathing difficulties, or other medical emergencies. It is crucial for a tripsitter to master these skills so that they can respond appropriately in the event of an emergency.
The tripsitters and therapists working at Triptherapie are required to complete First Aid and the Alcohol and Drugs module. In this blog, we list the various techniques for different types of drugs, including drugs other than psychedelics.
Posted : 1 October 2024 13:36
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Stages of use
The 'Pyramid of Use' is a model that schematically depicts substance use. It describes six stages that lead to dependence, or addiction.
- No useEveryone starts without substance use, influenced by upbringing.
- Introduction: Introduction to substances, often alcohol or tobacco, depending on the social environment.
- Experimenting: Curiosity leads to trying substances, which can end after just one time.
- Social use: Use has no impact on personal functioning; control and insight are present.
- Problematic use: Life events can lead to problematic use, whereby substances positively influence stress and tension.
- Dependence: The development of addiction through progressive use and the impact on life.
Posted : 1 October 2024 13:46
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Narcotics
Sedatives are substances that have a relaxing effect. This effect can contribute to reducing anxiety and can make a person feel calmer and happier.
A characteristic of sedatives is that they lower blood pressure, respiration, body temperature, and heart rate. This can cause dangerous situations for people with conditions such as diabetes or cardiovascular disease.
Posted : 1 October 2024 13:48
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Stimulants
Stimulants have an invigorating and activating influence on both the physical and mental state of an individual.
These substances lead to an increase in blood pressure, body temperature, and respiratory rate. Furthermore, stimulants make you feel energetic, alert, and cheerful. Self-confidence increases, giving the user the feeling that they can take on the world.
Posted : 1 October 2024 13:49
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Perception-altering agents
These substances influence the way the user perceives his or her environment. Sensory perception undergoes significant changes, causing the person to experience sounds, colors, tastes, and touch differently than usual. For example, a user may perceive colors as much more intense, while sounds are difficult to place in the context of the environment. In addition, physiological reactions may occur, such as a slight increase in breathing and heart rate, as well as a possible rise in body temperature.
Posted : 1 October 2024 13:51
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Alcohol
Alcohol is the most consumed drug in our society. It is a clear, colorless, and tasteless liquid with a subtle but recognizable odor. A burning sensation may occur upon consumption of alcohol. Pure alcohol is highly soluble in water, allowing it to be easily absorbed into the bloodstream and rapidly distributed throughout the total body fluids.
One of the most significant characteristics of alcohol is the influence it has on the user's consciousness. Although it is often experienced as a source of energy, the primary effect of alcohol is in fact a sedative.
The most common effects are:
- Influences consciousness
- Relieves physical pain
- Gives an energetic feeling
- Can evoke a warm feeling
- Facilitates falling asleep
- Enhances feelings of conviviality and pleasure
- Reduces inhibitions in behavior and communication
- Can lead to a happy and pleasant feeling
- Blackout or memory loss
- Loss of consciousness
- Disinhibition
- Decrease in reaction speed
- Disturbed night's sleep
- Hangover
The unwanted effects are:
Blackout / memory loss
A blackout means that the user can no longer remember a certain part of the preceding period. This is because alcohol disrupts the functioning of memory.
A blackout means that the user can no longer remember a certain part of the preceding period. This is because alcohol disrupts the functioning of memory.
Going out
Passing out means that the user becomes unconscious due to the alcohol. This is also very harmful to the body. When this happens, there is an increased risk of hypothermia, respiratory problems, and in some cases even deep unconsciousness.
Disinhibition
Alcohol can give the user a pleasurable effect, but the downside is that it can also lead to arguments, agitated behavior, or unsafe sex.
Decrease in reaction speed
Alcohol reduces reaction time. The drinker sees less clearly what is happening to their right and left (tunnel vision). This means that participating in traffic can be very dangerous.
Alcohol reduces reaction time. The drinker sees less clearly what is happening to their right and left (tunnel vision). This means that participating in traffic can be very dangerous.
Night's rest
One falls asleep faster, but also wakes up earlier. Alcohol affects REM sleep, causing one to wake up not feeling well-rested.
Hangover
Alcohol can lead to a hangover. Splitting headache, nausea, and feeling tired and weak.
The risks of alcohol
Alcohol consumption entails various risks, both in the short and long term. One of the most significant effects of alcohol is its impact on brain development. Here is a list:
Brain damage
It has been shown that alcohol use at a young age causes permanent brain damage.
Addictive effect
Heavy alcohol use can lead to addiction.
Alcohol poisoning
Excessive use can lead to alcohol poisoning, resulting in unconsciousness or a coma.
Posted : 1 October 2024 14:01
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Nitrous oxide
Nitrous oxide is a colorless gas that is non-irritating and has a sweet smell and taste. Inhaling nitrous oxide leads to an intense but short-lived high, which usually wears off within 1 to 5 minutes.
The use of laughing gas
Laughing gas, although popular, has since become illegal due to a change in the law. Users often do not consider it a drug, but rather a relatively harmless substance. Whereas it was previously used primarily in nightlife, we now see increasing popularity among young people, who also use it on the streets or around schoolyards.
The gas is typically injected into a balloon via a cylinder or cartridge, such as those used in whipped cream dispensers. Users breathe in and out of the balloon, causing the inhaled gas to remain in the lungs longer. A standard whipped cream cartridge used to fill a balloon contains 8 grams of N2O.
Desired effects
- Short-lived but intense high
- Hallucinations and trip effects
- There is a decrease in consciousness
- To become giggly
- Tingles and a distortion of reality in image and sound
- Euphoria
Unwanted effects
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Confusion
- Nausea
- Numbness or tingling
- Fainting
- Sealing off the area
- Feeling of restlessness or anxiety
Risks
Freezing
Inhaling of nitrous oxide directly from the tank, cartridge, or nozzle carries a risk of freezing of the lips or lungs.
Inhaling of nitrous oxide directly from the tank, cartridge, or nozzle carries a risk of freezing of the lips or lungs.
Hearing damage from a cold
It is dangerous to use nitrous oxide when you have a cold. Nitrous oxide is compressed inside the whipped cream dispenser and then expands in the air. Due to the extra pressure in the head, the eardrum can rupture in the case of a 'congested' head. In addition to ear pain, this can lead to permanent hearing damage.
Fainting
There is a risk of fainting due to oxygen deficiency. Since users usually use a balloon, the balloon will fly away in the event of unconsciousness, and the user will receive oxygen again.
There is a risk of fainting due to oxygen deficiency. Since users usually use a balloon, the balloon will fly away in the event of unconsciousness, and the user will receive oxygen again.
Absent/inattentive
Users may remain inattentive for hours after use. Participation in traffic is strongly advised against during and in the hours after use.
Posted : 1 October 2024 14:10
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Ketamine
Ketamine is used as a painkiller and as an anesthetic during surgical procedures. In a recreational context, ketamine is used as a psychoactive substance, often in lower doses. Colloquially, ketamine is known as Special K or Keta.
Use of ketamine:
Ketamine is typically snorted, but some users choose to take it orally, rectally, or by injection. With injection, the duration of the trip is the shortest, while oral intake results in the longest-lasting effects, although these are always limited to a few hours.
It is important to note that ketamine is one of the few psychedelic substances with which there is a significant risk of developing dependence.
At low doses, ketamine exhibits a stimulating effect, while at higher doses it has a sedative effect.
Effects
Desired effects
- Dreamlike and pleasant intoxication
- Separation of body and mind (dissociative effect)
- Anesthesia, pain relief
- Psychedelic dreams, hallucinations (higher doses)
- Falling asleep (higher doses)
Unwanted effects
- Nausea
- Impaired/deteriorated motor skills
- Unconsciousness
- Anxiety, confusion, disorientation
Risks
Requires accurate dosing
A low dose of ketamine makes the user dreamy, while a higher dose can lead to a so-called K-hole.
A low dose of ketamine makes the user dreamy, while a higher dose can lead to a so-called K-hole.
Addiction
With frequent use, the user runs an increased risk of becoming psychologically dependent on this drug. The desired effects provide a temptation to start using ketamine again.
Feeling no pain
The user can injure themselves and feel no pain. This is due to the anesthetic effect of ketamine.
The user can injure themselves and feel no pain. This is due to the anesthetic effect of ketamine.
Posted : 1 October 2024 14:14
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GHB
In the Netherlands, GHB (gamma-hydroxybutyrate) is typically sold as a colorless drink, packaged in a 5ml plastic tube containing 2 grams of GHB, or in a small bottle. In some cases, it can also be found as a powder.
It use of GHB occurs in various settings, not only within the party scene, but also at home and at smaller events.
Basically, GHB can be consumed pure or mixed with soft drinks. The effects of GHB are typically noticed by the user after approximately 15 to 30 minutes. The user reaches the peak of the effects after about 30 to 45 minutes. These peak effects last for an average of 2 to 3 hours.
Effects
Desired effects
- Relaxed, quiet
- Warm feelings for other people
- Cheerful mood, talkative
- Pleasant numbness, stoned feeling
- Reduce fears and inhibitions
- Sleeping pill
- Desire to make love, stronger sexual sensation, touch becomes stronger
- Strong orgasm
- Reduces the hangover feeling after speed and XTC
Unwanted effects
- Dizzy
- Weak feeling in muscles, trembling or falling over
- Nausea and headache
- Uncontrollable sleep, confusion, and feeling drowsy
- No inhibitions
Risks
Difficult to dose
Dosing GHB is difficult and therefore risky. The difference between a dose with desired effects and a dose with unwanted effects is small. At high doses, there is a risk of deep unconsciousness, cardiac arrest, respiratory arrest, and blood pressure problems.
Dosing GHB is difficult and therefore risky. The difference between a dose with desired effects and a dose with unwanted effects is small. At high doses, there is a risk of deep unconsciousness, cardiac arrest, respiratory arrest, and blood pressure problems.
Enhanced sedative effect
Do not combine GHB with alcohol or other sedatives. The sedative effect will then be much stronger. The user runs a greater risk of unconsciousness.
Risk of suffocation
In the event of unconsciousness, there is a risk of asphyxiation caused by vomit or the tongue. As a result, serious lung damage may occur.
Combination hazard
Combining GHB with other drugs, such as ecstasy or speed, often leads to taking more of both. Dosing becomes even more difficult. When GHB wears off, the user can suddenly experience a strong effect from the other drug. If GHB is still active, and the effect of the other drug diminishes, one can still lose consciousness.
Combining GHB with other drugs, such as ecstasy or speed, often leads to taking more of both. Dosing becomes even more difficult. When GHB wears off, the user can suddenly experience a strong effect from the other drug. If GHB is still active, and the effect of the other drug diminishes, one can still lose consciousness.
Tolerance development
In practice, it has been shown that after regular use of GHB, people become accustomed to the substance and take more to experience the same desired effect (developing tolerance).
Posted : 1 October 2024 14:24
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Cannabis
Cannabis is the umbrella term for the products weed and hash, also known as marijuana. These varieties are obtained from the flowering tops, or more specifically, the seed pods of the female plant. The chemical compound that influences human consciousness is, among others, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
Use of cannabis
Cannabis can be used as an intoxicant in various ways. A popular method is smoking a mixture of crumbled hemp blossom and tobacco, often rolled in rolling paper with a homemade paper filter, which is known as a joint.
In addition, cannabis can also be incorporated into food. A well-known example of this is the space cake, in which the blossom or resin (hash) is baked into a regular cake.
When THC, the active ingredient in cannabis, is ingested, the production of endorphins is increased. This causes people to feel happier or even euphoric.
Effects
Desired effects
- Euphoria
- Distorted perception
- Constant giggling
- Anesthesia
- Sleepiness
- Delayed perception of time
- In general, cannabis has a muscle-relaxing effect, allowing the entire body to relax better.
Unwanted effects
- Increased appetite
- Dry mouth
- Rapid heartbeat after a period of approximately two hours after consumption of the cannabis
- Difficulties performing complex mental processes, impaired judgment, and social withdrawal
Risks
Overdose
There is a risk of overdose when cannabis is processed into edible products. It takes 24 hours to leave the body. When cannabis is processed into edible products, it takes much longer for the effects to become noticeable. Consequently, there is a risk of overdose. Cannabis in edible form often does not start to take effect until after approximately an hour and a half.
There is a risk of overdose when cannabis is processed into edible products. It takes 24 hours to leave the body. When cannabis is processed into edible products, it takes much longer for the effects to become noticeable. Consequently, there is a risk of overdose. Cannabis in edible form often does not start to take effect until after approximately an hour and a half.
Panic attacks and paranoia
Acute psychiatric disorders sometimes occur among both novice and regular cannabis users. The likelihood increases due to specific personality traits and underlying psychiatric disorders that surface as a result of cannabis use. Panic attacks, depersonalization (feeling strange), and paranoia are the most common symptoms associated with cannabis use.
Becoming dependent
Due to the high THC content, there is a possibility of becoming dependent on the use of cannabis.
Due to the high THC content, there is a possibility of becoming dependent on the use of cannabis.
Posted : 1 October 2024 14:35
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