Drugs & Diving

[Dave Covey]

Hi Everyone,

Regulars already know my views re this subject. This link makes interesting reading.

(Thankfully BSAC members are rarely involved)

[Steve Walker]

Hi Everyone,

Regulars already know my views re this subject.

Well Dave, I'm a regular and I certainly recognise your name but I don't know your views on the subject; clearly though, you wouldn't say that if you were pro-recreational drugs, correct?

This link makes interesting reading.

Perhaps, but not necessarily accurate: the French Doctor, Alexis2, claims it lowers the threshold to induce epilepsy, which I found interesting, but a search of the scientific literature suggests this to be incorrect:
"Marijuana, at variance with other psychostimulants, owing to its serotonin-mediated anticonvulsant action, could have a medical use for the treatment of epilepsy."
Psychostimulants and epilepsy.
Zagnoni PG, Albano C
Epilepsia 2002 43 Suppl 2:28-31


(Thankfully BSAC members are rarely involved)
Based on what/whose evidence and definitions? I've seen two BSAC ex-DOs indulging in recreational drugs on the day of diving, that's common enough for my definition (needless to say I wouldn't buddy with either one of these divers).

In the somewhat typical hyperbolae-loaded American style, I think the topic has been sensationalized by the posters on that forum. Personally I'm more concerned about the effects on divers of those more widely used and accepted recreational drugs, alcohol and tobacco.
Regards
(Dr) Steve Walker

[dave covey]

(Dr) Steve Walker


Thanks Steve. Gary Hawkes asked me to draw attention to his questions on that board. We're Diver Med Techs engaged in Hyperbarics in the far east.

BTW-Can anyone offer any proof of a link between Marijuana & 02 toxicity? Our "breakdancers" seem to be puff-heads!

[Steve Walker]

BTW-Can anyone offer any proof of a link between Marijuana & 02 toxicity? Our "breakdancers" seem to be puff-heads!

My initial reaction is that it would be more likely to be due to the effects of the tobacco taken with the cannabis, as this is likely to be the proportionately larger amount of the concotion and probabaly taken on a more regular basis, but I'll have a look through the literature out of general interest.

Personally I find diving is enough of a "buzz" without resorting to additional stimulants, and I believe the majority of divers would tend to agree.

Cheers
Steve