Tina and the body

Circulatory
Respiratory
Digestive
Oral
Liver
Kidney

Liver

The liver is the body's largest internal organ. Along with the kidneys, the liver clears the blood of drugs and poisons that might otherwise build up in the body. The liver breaks Tina down into simpler chemicals so they can be excreted. Each time blood circulates through the liver, it breaks down more of the drug. Tina competes with other drugs including HIV meds to get broken down in the liver.

Concerns:

• Sometimes the liver cannot break down an overload of toxic substances that can build up in the bloodstream when we use. This leads to dangerous drug interactions and stimulant overdose (SOD). SOD can mean a sudden and dangerous increase in blood pressure causing a severe lack of oxygen and blood to the brain. Body temperature can go up to dangerous levels. Sweating (which cools the body down) sometimes does not happen in SOD. User could see spots (due to pressure on the nerves in the eye) or pass out. Chances of heart attack, stroke, or coma go up.

• Liver stress caused by Tina and other drug use can make it difficult to process medications effectively.

• Hepatitis C virus (HCV) stresses the liver further.

TIPS

• Get tested for Hepatitis A, B, and C to determine your status.

• Get vaccinated for HAV and HBV if you haven’t already been exposed to the viruses.

• Get informed about HCV and how to reduce the risks. (Read more about HCV here)

• Get tested regularly for HCV.

• Use less and less often if you are vulnerable.

Source: CrystalNeon.org