Drug Use and E-Cigarettes

On Saturday, September 21st, 2013 at 9:45AM PST/ 12:45PM PST Dr Gerald Grosso, Clinical Director at Morningside Recovery was interviewed on the Fox News program America’s News HQ about the recent trend of dangerous drugs being sold at smoke shops for use in electronic cigarettes, namely the substance sold under the name “Blue Blossom.

Dr Gerald Grosso Interview Transcript

Uma Pemmaraju:

Electronic cigarettes have become a billion dollar industry that’s promoted as a safe alternative to traditional tobacco cigarettes. But now, many teens are finding that this synthetic cigarette can be used to get high. Dr Gerald Grosso, the Clinical Director and Primary Therapist at Morningside Recovery, says Parents should be aware of this alarming new trend. Welcome Doctor, great to have you here today.

Dr Gerald Grosso:

It’s great to be here, thank you for having me.

Uma Pemmaraju:

Let’s talk for a moment about the concerns that are at play right now. Why are more and more teens getting access to these electronic cigarettes?

Dr Gerald Grosso:

Well it’s ease of access, there’s this misperception that somehow if there’s not the carcinogens of a regular cigarette that it makes them safe to use.

Uma Pemmaraju:

What happens if it’s misused or mishandled?

Dr Gerald Grosso:

Well what’s happening is that they’re getting substances, liquid intoxicants that they can put in there, and they’re able to ingest these substances without the ramifications or someone saying that you shouldn’t be using these things and they’re dangerous.

Uma Pemmaraju:

How can they affect the body in a way that really harms an individual?

Dr Gerald Grosso:

Well the one we’re kind of talking about is called Blue Blossom, that was the way it’s being marketed, they sell it as incense, it is marked as not for human consumption and these kids are using this and we don’t really know the impact but it’s basically synthetic THC which is the active ingredient in marijuana. But again there’s a lot of different stuff in there that we don’t know and can have some pretty dramatic effects.

Uma Pemmaraju:

Is any of this thing regulated at this time?

Dr Gerald Grosso:

Well the hard part is every time drug enforcement can identify what the substance is and make it illegal they will alter it just a little bit to make it legal. And when I say legal, legal to sell.

Uma Pemmaraju:

Are you finding though that when used in a way that’s supposed to be safe that e-cigarettes are actually beneficial to people who are addicted to tobacco?

Dr Gerald Grosso:

Well and again this is the misperception because you can kind of look at regular cigarettes and you can say “Well they’re harmful” and you can say “Well an electronic cigarette is not the same” but the fact is it depends what you put in it and this is what makes it dangerous.

Uma Pemmaraju:

Well what’s the word for parents right now if they are really concerned about the use of e-cigarettes and what can they do to get ahead of this problem?

Dr Gerald Grosso:

Well let’s first look at the fact that they’re actually using e-cigarettes. That would be an indication that there’s an issue. But look for signs of intoxication. There could be impaired judgment, poor perception, loss of coordination, poor memory; these would be the kind of things parents needs to look for to see if the ingredients that are in that e-cigarette are intoxicating.

Uma Pemmaraju:

Doctor thank you very much for joining us today.

Dr Gerald Grosso:

Okay thank you for having me.

Sobriety with Morningside Recovery

If you need help with e-cigarettes and drug use, reach out today at 855-631-2135. Learn more about Morningside Recovery and Dr Gerald Grosso. The Morningside Recovery staff is here to help you find the best treatment program for you.