I worked at a Detox center last night, and during one of my admissions assessments I learned something new. I was asking this 19 y/o male who had been brought in by the local PD about his substance abuse history and the kid explained to me that he had been using "powder" by sprinkeling it in his "wig". What this means is that he uses cocaine by putting it in his hair and absorbing it through his scalp for a longer high. It also means that anyone who is handling him could also be absorbing it through their hands, neck, or any mucous membranes can be exposed to cocaine in sufficient quantity to become influenced and show positive on urine drug screenings.
Just for kicks, I scraped his scalp and tested the results with a NIK kit and yep yep it was positive for cocaine.
One of my other patients, who was also brought in by JSO, had been "huffing" paint thinner, spilled some on his clothing and then set himself on fire lighting a cigarrette. I had to shower him, and clean and dress his wound, and then open up all the doors and windows to clear the fumes before I could conduct my assessment.
You guys be careful out there.
Just for kicks, I scraped his scalp and tested the results with a NIK kit and yep yep it was positive for cocaine.
One of my other patients, who was also brought in by JSO, had been "huffing" paint thinner, spilled some on his clothing and then set himself on fire lighting a cigarrette. I had to shower him, and clean and dress his wound, and then open up all the doors and windows to clear the fumes before I could conduct my assessment.
You guys be careful out there.