WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Navy Medicine announced the launch of a new informational video and posters detailing the health dangers associated with the use of Spice and other designer drugs Nov. 1. The videos and posters will be distributed for display throughout the Fleet and available for download at: http://www.med.navy.mil/Pages/Spice.aspx.
The information and educational communication products focus on the real and present risks, particularly the negative health effects, associated with the usage of the unregulated synthetic marijuana commonly referred to as Spice.
The campaign's slogan,"Spice: It's Not Legal. It's Not Healthy. It's Not Worth It!" has had a resonating effect with YouTube viewers and on the Navy Medicine Website as the Navy surgeon general looks to break through to Sailors and Marines and make a positive impact.
"It is paramount all Navy and Marine Corps personnel are aware of the adverse health effects of this drug," said Vice Adm. Adam M. Robinson, Jr., U.S. Navy surgeon general and chief, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery. "Serious side effects have been reported after its use including tremors, panic attacks, delirium, impaired coordination, seizures, paranoid hallucinations, and psychotic symptoms that can last for days, even months in some cases."
Although in development for months, these new products launch on the heels of an announcement from 3rd Fleet leadership last week that 64 Sailors in their area of operation were identified as users of Spice in violation of the Uniform Code of Military Justice and will be held fully accountable as a result.
The synthetic chemicals in Spice-type products have a more potent effect on the brain than traditional marijuana, and the unregulated compounds are often mixed with unknown effects. According to Robinson, these products are not approved for human consumption, and there is no oversight of the manufacturing process. Similar to other drugs on the street, experts warn that no one never knows what mixture of chemicals could be present in the drugs, and users are experimenting with the combination of multiple products which can dramatically change or increase its effects on a case by case basis.
Robinson warns that rapid tolerance in some users can lead to increased dosage and addiction. Additionally, the use of synthetic marijuana has led to a surge in emergency room visits and calls to poison control centers, according to the DEA. This past spring, Navy Medical professionals treated multiple patients at Naval Medical Center San Diego, Calif., for Spice usage, some resulting in months of inpatient treatment for persistent psychotic symptoms.
"It is not good enough to simply police our own actions with regards to Spice and other designer drugs," said Robinson. "These drugs are dangerous and we learn more about their damaging effects each day. It is essential that every Sailor and Marine be looking out for their colleagues to prevent injury to their health and their careers."
Spice and other designer drugs fall under the Navy and Marine Corps' zero tolerance policy, and Robinson further emphasizes that commanding officers do not need a positive urinalysis to begin administrative separation. Personnel found to be using, possessing, distributing or who observe an abuse and do not report the incident can be charged with violating the Navy's policies as well.
As the Navy Surgeon General and Chief, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, Robinson leads 63,000 Navy Medicine personnel that provide health care support to the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, their families and veterans in high operational tempo environments, at expeditionary medical facilities, medical treatment facilities, hospitals, clinics, hospital ships and research units around the world.
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