Methamphetamine users’ mouths and teeth scared onlookers

During the education program organized within the scope of International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking in Samsun, the deformities in the mouths and teeth of methamphetamine users shown in the presentation frightened the audience. The event took place at a hotel in Samsun on the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. During the meeting organized in cooperation with Samsun Provincial Health Directorate, Provincial Security Directorate, and Samsun Green Crescent Branch, the presentation by police officer Serdar Saraç from Samsun Narcotics Crimes Branch, showing the deformities in the mouths and teeth of methamphetamine users, caused astonishment among the audience. Saraç also drew attention to the use of this drug in pen-shaped perfume containers.
Delivering the opening speech of the educational program, Provincial Health Director Specialist Dr. Mustafa Uras stated, ‘Today, we have come together here within the scope of June 26 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. Unfortunately, drug use is a major threat not only to individuals but also to society as a whole. Drug use not only threatens the individual but also disrupts the lives of families, communities, and society as a whole. In recent years, there has been a significant increase in drug use. The disaster that has come from this has actually been announced to the whole world. Today, to commemorate this day, we have planned an education here with the participation of our professors, Public Health Services Directorate, and participants from the Police Directorate.’
‘Methamphetamine use causes significant damage to the mouth and teeth of individuals’
Explaining the usage method and the damage caused by methamphetamine, which has been increasingly used recently, police officer Serdar Saraç from Samsun Provincial Security Directorate stated, ‘Heroin is almost not used in Samsun but we have interceptions as a transit route. Heroin used intravenously can be identified by needle marks on users. Cocaine use is very low in Samsun. Cocaine, the most expensive drug in Turkey, is used by sniffing through the nose. Methamphetamine is significant. Its usage has significantly increased in the past few years. Methamphetamine, which is a stimulant, enters our country through Iran. Its appearance is very similar to lemon salt. The most common form we encounter is the crystalline form resembling lemon salt. We rarely come across the powdered and tablet forms. The symptoms we frequently encounter include extreme insomnia, increased physical activity, irregular heartbeat, fever, dilated pupils, scabbing wounds, and mouth sores. Its psychological effects are very high. It can lead to extreme nervousness, sensitivity, and even mental disorders up to schizophrenia. It has a side effect called ‘meth mouth,’ causing significant damage to the mouths and teeth of users. It makes the body vulnerable to diseases such as hepatitis and HIV. Its usage involves ‘glass pipes,’ popularly known as ‘payps.’ The production and sale of these are prohibited in our country, but currently, pen perfumes are being used as an alternative. Pen perfume is transformed into a glass pipe device. The met placed in the tube part turns into a gaseous form even at very low temperatures. They inhale this gas orally.’
‘Bonzai is smuggled into our country by spraying it on spices’
Stating that bonzai, which was widely used in the past, is smuggled into the country by spraying it on spices, Saraç said, ‘Many drugs are used in our country. There are substances used more in our province that we intercept. Marijuana comes first among these. It is a drug made from a plant called cannabis, which is suitable for cultivation in our region. We see that 90% of drug addicts in our country start with marijuana use. Marijuana, which we see as the first step, can be considered as the first step for us. They use marijuana by inhaling the smoke like a cigarette. Marijuana, which has a high level of addiction, causes many mental and physical disorders. Bonzai, like marijuana, is one of the drugs we have seized in Samsun. It is also among synthetic drugs. It was heavily used in Samsun at one time. The chemical effects of bonzai are higher. The raw material comes from the Far East to our country. This raw material is sprayed onto dry plants we use at home, namely spices, and then released into the market after absorption. After being absorbed by the plants like thyme, mint, basil, sage, green tea, and marjoram, it is inhaled by placing it on the tip of a cigarette. There are also devices made from unique plastic bottles. It has serious consequences such as rapid heartbeat, sudden suicidal thoughts, anxiety disorders. Whether it is in our spices can be detected by smelling it. Bonzai has a strong chemical odor. Even if it is sprayed on thyme or mint, if it smells of chemicals instead of spices, it can be understood.’
Police officer Saraç also mentioned that the use of Lyrica painkiller, referred to as synthetic medicine, as a drug has increased recently and surpassed marijuana to take the first place. He emphasized that addicts try many illegal ways to access this drug sold with red and green prescriptions.
Public Health Services President Dr. Hatice Öz, in her presentation on drug use, stated, ‘There used to be a problem with addiction treatment. We have now overcome this. Addiction treatment is covered by the Social Security Institution. There used to be a responsibility for health workers to report the addict when they saw one, and this was a problem for us. That’s why they were avoiding us, not telling us. Dear mothers and fathers, we know who smokes. At least we recognize the smoker from the smell. We see the cigarette in their pocket, but we cannot detect in any way someone using substances. In the end, in order for you to know the drug, you need to closely monitor the person using it, or they need to tell you openly. When they tell you, you were also required to report them. Ultimately, there was such a contradiction in health. This was lifted. How was it lifted? If the person says they will get treatment and applies to a treatment center, as a healthcare professional, you are not obliged to report them. This was corrected by the legislation. Additional payment of 30% has been made to institutions providing addiction treatment. What was our biggest problem? You have experienced it a lot as mothers, as parents. They used to prepare the prescriptions themselves. Medicines were being obtained from pharmacies with fake seals on handwritten prescriptions. E-prescription prevented this. You all know that some drugs were very easily used in this way. There was a drug that could be easily obtained and used. It could also be sold by piece. By entering the green prescription, we have made it possible to keep its usage under control. However, is it sufficient? It is not sufficient. In fact, we have different studies and recommendations regarding this drug, and the necessary actions should be taken regarding its possession. There are also different things happening here. They are trying to pressure the elders to get a report, to force the doctors to get a report, to try to obtain the drug with a prescription. We have studies on this as well.’
The meeting, where Dr. Assistant Professor Fatih Ordu also gave a presentation, was attended by Samsun Deputy Governor Vehbi Bakır, provincial directors, NGO representatives, parents, patients undergoing addiction treatment, families, and invitees.