You Asked It!

National Drug & Alcohol Facts Week®

Connecting students with science-based facts about drugs and alcohol. That is the goal for National Drug & Alcohol Facts Week® to be held January 22-27, 2019.

Did you know? A 2017 survey found 14% of students reported the use of non-prescription opioids. Another 2017 survey of teens revealed that daily marijuana use has become more popular than daily cigarette smoking.

For resources and information about this event, see https://teens.drugabuse.gov/national-drug-alcohol-facts-week.

This event helps connect teens with what science has discovered and taught us about drug use and addiction.

 

About Karen Blakeslee

The Rapid Response Center was formed in 1995 as a resource for Kansas State University Research & Extension Agents. Resource topics included Food Science, Human Nutrition, Food Service, Textiles, Home Care and other consumer topics. Since that time, the Center has grown to be of valuable assistance to Kansas State University Extension Specialists in those areas.
10 thoughts on “National Drug & Alcohol Facts Week®
  1. Ipamorelin and sermorelin are two synthetic peptides that have become popular among athletes, bodybuilders, and individuals seeking anti-aging
    therapies because they stimulate the release of human growth hormone (HGH)
    from the pituitary gland. Although both drugs ultimately increase circulating HGH levels, their chemical structures, mechanisms of action, dosing schedules, and
    side-effect profiles differ significantly. Understanding these differences is essential for
    determining which peptide may be more suitable for a particular
    individual’s goals and health status.

    Introduction to Ipamorelin and Sermorelin

    Ipamorelin (also known as Phe-Glu-D-Ala-Lys-Leu) is a pentapeptide that selectively binds to the ghrelin receptor,
    also called the growth hormone secretagogue receptor 2.
    It mimics the natural hormone ghrelin but with much higher potency and selectivity for GH release while
    sparing other ghrelin-mediated effects such as appetite stimulation.
    Ipamorelin is usually administered by subcutaneous injection once
    or twice daily, with doses ranging from 200 to 400 micrograms per kilogram
    of body weight. Its pharmacokinetic profile allows it to produce a rapid but short-lasting spike in HGH
    that returns to baseline within two to three hours.

    Sermorelin (also known as GHRH analogue) is a heptapeptide derived from the naturally occurring growth hormone
    releasing hormone (GHRH). It binds directly to the pituitary receptor for GHRH, causing a more physiologic
    release of HGH. Sermorelin is typically injected once nightly before sleep because it
    has a longer half-life than ipamorelin and produces a
    sustained overnight surge in GH levels. Standard doses are usually between 0.2 and 0.5 milligrams per kilogram.

    Understanding Human Growth Hormone (HGH)

    Human growth hormone is produced by the anterior pituitary gland and plays a critical role in regulating
    body composition, muscle and bone growth, metabolism of fats
    and sugars, and overall cellular repair. The release
    of HGH follows a pulsatile pattern that peaks during deep sleep and declines gradually with age.
    Low endogenous GH can lead to decreased lean mass, increased fat deposition, reduced exercise performance, slower wound healing, and
    diminished quality of life.

    Both ipamorelin and sermorelin aim to restore or enhance
    this natural rhythm by stimulating the pituitary gland through different
    receptors. While the ultimate result is increased circulating HGH, the pathways involved
    determine not dianabol only before and after efficacy but also side-effect profiles.

    Ipamorelin vs. Sermorelin: Which is Better for You?

    The choice between ipamorelin and sermorelin depends on several factors including desired
    timing of hormone release, tolerance for injections,
    potential side effects, cost, and personal health
    goals.

    Timing of Hormone Surge

    – Ipamorelin produces a rapid spike in HGH shortly after injection, making it useful for athletes who want to align the surge with training sessions or pre-meal periods.
    The effect is short-lived, so additional injections may be required throughout the day if continuous stimulation is desired.

    – Sermorelin’s overnight profile aligns closely with natural sleep patterns.

    For individuals who prefer a single daily dose and aim for sustained GH levels during rest, sermorelin can be
    more convenient.

    Appetite and Metabolic Effects

    – Because ipamorelin selectively activates the ghrelin receptor for growth hormone release while sparing
    appetite pathways, it is less likely to increase
    hunger or cause significant weight gain. Some users report mild stomach discomfort but not increased caloric intake.

    – Sermorelin, being a GHRH analogue, does not
    directly affect appetite. However, because its action mimics
    natural GH patterns more closely, it may indirectly influence
    metabolic rate over time.

    Side-Effect Profile

    – Ipamorelin is generally well tolerated. The most frequently
    reported side effects are mild injection site reactions such as redness or swelling, transient headaches, and occasional feelings of
    fatigue immediately after the surge. Because it does not
    stimulate other ghrelin receptors, significant fluid retention or edema is rare.

    – Sermorelin can cause similar injection-site discomfort but also has a higher
    incidence of transient water retention and mild edema
    in some users. Rarely, patients experience increased insulin resistance or glucose intolerance,
    especially when combined with other anabolic agents.

    Long-Term Safety Considerations

    – Both peptides are considered safe when used within recommended dosing ranges.

    However, ipamorelin’s selective action may pose a lower risk of long-term hormonal imbalance because it
    does not interfere extensively with other pituitary axes.

    – Sermorelin, by stimulating the entire GHRH receptor pathway,
    could theoretically affect downstream hormones such as
    prolactin or thyroid-stimulating hormone if used at high doses
    or over prolonged periods. Routine monitoring of blood hormone levels is advised for long-term users.

    Cost and Accessibility

    – Ipamorelin peptides are typically available in smaller vial sizes (e.g., 1
    mg per vial) which can be more cost-effective
    for intermittent use.

    – Sermorelin tends to come in larger doses (0.2–0.5 mg),
    making it a bit more expensive per milligram but offering
    the convenience of once-daily dosing.

    Compatibility with Other Therapies

    – If an individual is already using anabolic steroids, testosterone boosters, or other peptide
    therapies such as BPC-157 or TB-500, ipamorelin’s short action may be easier to
    integrate without overlapping peaks that could overstimulate the pituitary gland.

    – Sermorelin’s prolonged release might lead to cumulative GH exposure when combined with other
    agents, potentially increasing side-effect risk unless carefully
    monitored.

    Practical Tips for Minimizing Side Effects

    Use a fine-gauge needle and rotate injection sites to reduce local irritation.

    Dilute peptides in sterile saline or water as recommended; avoid using
    tap water.

    Maintain proper hydration before and after injections; this
    helps mitigate any mild edema.

    Keep a detailed log of dosage, timing, diet, and any symptoms.
    If headaches, dizziness, or unusual fatigue appear,
    reduce the dose or take a break for a few days.

    For those concerned about blood glucose changes, check fasting glucose or HbA1c periodically while
    on therapy.

    Monitoring and Follow-Up

    Because both ipamorelin and sermorelin affect the endocrine system,
    regular follow-up with an endocrinologist or qualified healthcare provider is prudent.

    Blood tests to assess serum HGH, insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), thyroid function, prolactin, and glucose
    metabolism can help detect any unintended hormonal shifts early.

    Conclusion

    Choosing between ipamorelin and sermorelin involves balancing the timing of hormone release, potential side effects,
    convenience, and cost. Ipamorelin offers a rapid, short-lasting
    GH surge with minimal appetite or fluid retention issues,
    making it attractive for athletes seeking targeted performance boosts.

    Sermorelin provides a more physiologic overnight pattern that aligns well with natural sleep cycles but
    may carry a slightly higher risk of transient edema and glucose disturbances if
    not monitored. Ultimately, the better option depends on individual health goals, tolerance for injections, lifestyle preferences, and willingness to engage in regular monitoring to
    ensure safety and efficacy.

  2. Many patients with 5α-reductase deficiency are initially introduced up as females, however many will
    switch to a male gender identification at puberty. Nonetheless, some instances of beforehand undiagnosed 5α-reductase deficiency
    in elite young feminine athletes of reproductive age have been detected once they were discovered to have serum testosterone
    levels in the male vary (520–640 ng/dl) during testing
    by antidoping authorities (Fenichel et al., 2013). As androgen receptors in this dysfunction are conscious of androgens,
    a feminine (XY) athlete with 5α-reductase deficiency and serum testosterone
    levels in the male vary would, a minimal of theoretically, be anticipated to have a competitive benefit in sporting events.
    Future research are wanted to systematically
    evaluate body composition and muscle strength in these patients and examine with controls.

    Every at times a medical endocrinologist
    will be visited by a patient that uses anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) or has been utilizing them up to
    now.
    This structural modification tremendously increases oral bioavailability, though
    it comes with hepatotoxicity (11). Eight of the 10 hyperlinks retrieved by searching Google for “buy steroids” met the inclusion and exclusion standards and were evaluated for content
    material (Table 1). The two excluded links were for a YouTube video and steroid shopper information site (steroid.com).
    For the eight evaluated sites, seven of eight (87%) provided injectable testosterone preparations including enanthate, cypionate, and propionate, whereas no site supplied non-injectable preparations.
    Eighty-seven % of net sites supplied essentially the most commonly abused artificial AAS including Dianabol, Deca-Durabolin, Anadrol, Masteron, and Winstrol
    (Table 2). Eighty-seven p.c of websites offered a number of non-AAS hormones generally together
    with human progress hormone, insulin-like progress factor, thyroid hormone,
    and levothyroxine.
    Using AASs can cause many undesirable unwanted aspect effects and critical health circumstances, corresponding
    to cardiovascular and liver problems. Help from healthcare professionals and counselors is on the market for folks depending on AASs.
    Long term, unregulated use of AASs can affect a variety of the similar mind
    pathways and chemicals which are affected by
    other medicine, similar to opiates. Non-medical use of steroids can contain portions from 10 to
    one hundred instances the amount used for medical functions.
    The antagonistic results of AAS use depend on the product, the person’s age and sex,
    how much they use, and for the way lengthy.
    You can’t put a price on self-assurance—and if you’ve been looking for
    a approach to really feel virile and alive once more, TRT may be
    the answer for you. Anabolic steroids also can produce jaundice,
    or yellowing of the skin or eyes, because of harm to the liver 119, 120.
    Anabolic steroids may also be used for other circumstances as decided by your physician. Corticosteroids are one other sort of steroid naturally
    produced in your body to assist regulate inflammatory immune processes.

    Whereas they work properly to regulate sure illnesses,
    they can trigger several unwanted side effects, such as elevated blood sugar levels and weight achieve.

    A further 11 research reported remedies for neuroendocrine
    disorders, primarily with males who had discontinued their AAS use previous to the onset of signs.
    Administering AAS suppresses the hypothalamic–pituitary testicular axis, significantly when used in massive
    amounts and for lengthy periods, and inhibits production of testosterone [195].
    Men who discontinue long-term AAS use are susceptible to hypogonadism and while this
    will regularly be momentary and resolve spontaneously,
    it could in some cases persist for long durations
    Post Cycle Therapy after Dianabol Use cessation, requiring medical remedy [51, 196–198].

    For this sort of tumorigenesis motion, totally different patterns of evolution have
    been described, corresponding to hepatic peliosis and focal-nodular hyperplasia/liver adenomas [40–41].
    This is an open-access article distributed under the phrases of the Inventive Commons Attribution License three.zero (CC BY 3.0), which allows unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium,
    supplied the original creator and source are credited.
    The penalties for illegally administering steroids varies for each Australian state and territory.
    The knowledge that assist the findings of
    this study can be found from the corresponding writer, [B.K.], upon affordable request.
    To assess the conventional distribution of numerical data, the Shapiro-Wilk check was employed.
    The distribution of normally distributed numerical information in two impartial teams was examined utilizing the Impartial Samples T take a look at.

    The elimination half-life of any drug or substance, including
    steroids, measures how long it takes for a 50% reduction of the steroid focus to remain within the blood or physique.
    It may also let you know what’s occurring in your physique if
    you’re faced with substance testing. The half-life of a steroid stays the identical it does not
    matter what your dosage is or how lengthy you’ve
    been utilizing it. You can get away with just 30mg of Winny right here and see exceptional results, with Anavar used at
    anything from 30mg day by day as much as 100mg – relying on how extreme
    you need your results to be. Anadrol may have you
    gaining mass inside the first few weeks, and simply how a lot is determined by your
    workouts, diet, and how many cycles you’ve already done,
    however count on impressive results either way. Tren will deliver tremendous lean muscle and power positive
    aspects with out water retention and boosting nutrient efficiency.

    This puts these steroid customers at risk for buying life threatening viral
    infections, such as HIV and hepatitis B and
    C.76 In addition, animal models point out that anabolic steroids
    suppress the immune system,77 which could worsen infections.
    Non-steroidal anabolics, embody insulin, insulin-like development hormone (IGF),
    and human growth hormone (HGH)—substances which would possibly be produced by
    the human physique and are prescribed for legitimate medical
    makes use of but additionally typically misused for efficiency enhancement.
    Testing for anabolic steroids has come a good distance since the Nineteen Seventies,
    when primary radioimmunoassay strategies had been used.

    Today, anabolic steroids and their metabolites can generally be
    detected in urine, using mass spectrometry. When anabolic
    steroids are staggered, overlapped, or substituted with one other sort of steroid to avoid creating
    tolerance, this is referred to as “plateauing.” There’s no scientific research that reveals any of these
    methods improve the drugs or scale back the danger of unfavorable results.

    Subtle laboratory strategies have developed with funding from governments and sports activities industries.
    The newest improvement in the detection of use of AASs (and other performance-enhancing drugs) has been the organic passport.
    The idea of a biological passport assumes that an individual’s serum and urine hormone
    and prohormones don’t change significantly over time (34).
    An athlete’s urinary and serum testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, epitestosterone (another endogenous testicular steroid), and their precursors are measured at baseline (before the first competitors
    that has antidoping regulations) and are followed longitudinally.

  3. Understanding these differences is necessary, particularly if you are someone who may be considering
    considered one of these choices to deal with a medical situation or to enhance your physical performance.
    This article goals to make clear what TRT and steroids are, how they work, and which one
    would possibly suit your particular wants. Also know as “Clen,”
    clenbuterol is a bronchodilator accredited of the
    treatment of bronchial asthma. Like anabolic steroids,
    it can improve lean muscle mass while burning fats, making it engaging to bodybuilders who need “cut” muscle definition earlier
    than a contest. Professional athletes like Tour de France winner Alberto Contador and Guillermo Mota of the San Francisco Giants have
    tested constructive for the banned substance.
    One of the most well-known dangers of steroid use is the potential for severe well being complications.

    Abuse of medicines can also result in low sperm
    depend, infertility, and cardiovascular ailments.
    Some information about the improvement of clitoromegaly can be found from research in female-to-male transsexual patients.

    In one examine, stretched clitoral size increased
    from 1.4 cm at baseline to three cm after 4 months of
    receiving 200 mg testosterone cypionate each other week
    (226).
    Both convert to dihydronandrolone, which grabs onto scalp receptors and shrinks hair follicles.
    NPP and Deca each assist you to construct muscle by growing
    nitrogen retention and protein synthesis.
    They additionally assist restoration by boosting collagen manufacturing,
    which is an enormous deal for anybody pushing their joints and tendons to the
    limit. NPP and Deca are each nandrolone-based, so
    their anabolic-androgenic properties are basically the identical.
    The solely real difference is the ester, not what the hormone really
    does in your physique. Deca can lead to more visible water
    retention as ranges build up over time. That extra fluid sometimes
    hides muscle definition early on, which can be a little irritating.

    It has additionally been linked with stopping the manufacturing of estrogen.
    Folks generally take between 2 to 4 IUs a day to help reduce the consequences of growing older and
    as much as 10IUs to help with constructing lean muscle.

    Protein is essential for muscle repair and the breaking
    down of fats to increase power ranges. This is actually an injectable protein which is commonly used by docs to deal with adults and children with muscle restore or progress issues.

    This injectable steroid will assist you to to work out for longer and tougher; growing the speed at
    which you build muscle.
    Like all SARMs, Andarine works by selectively binding to androgen receptors – specifically the ones that influence muscle and
    bone development in the physique. Specifically, concerning SARMs, we would be most interested within the selective receptors
    in the muscle that stimulate muscle growth10. And as a result of a selective modulator is “selective,” side effects are minimized as a outcome of non-targeted receptors are not (in theory) going
    to be activated. With Deca, you’ll most likely wait 2-3
    weeks after your last shot before you begin PCT.
    For NPP, you’re taking a glance at 3-7 days earlier than you can kick things off.
    If baldness runs in your family, you’re playing with fire—permanent hair loss is a real risk.

    Over time, as a steroid person, you’ve amassed the experience to work out
    how your body reacts to totally different compounds, cycle lengths, dosages, and every facet of a steroid
    cycle. This permits you to design an advanced steroid cycle protocol to deliver most outcomes on your
    particular objective. Another technique is to use doses which are a
    lot larger than average.
    That’s why females can shortly placed on lean muscle with very
    low doses of anabolic steroids. It’s also why those same low doses can shortly
    result in undesirable unwanted effects developing44, many of that are going
    to be very completely different from the forms of unwanted effects that male steroid users worry about.

    Steroids are often used in patterns known as “cycling.” This entails taking multiple doses
    of steroids over a selected time frame, stopping for a period, and beginning once more.

    Anabolic steroids are generally abused by human athletes to construct muscle and improve strength.
    The drugs are also used in livestock to augment muscle mass, and they’re sometimes
    given to racehorses to increase stamina and heighten performance.

    So, whereas it’s unnecessary to be a chemistry expert to know
    that metabolites are a key consider any steroid drug testing, it could be greatest to know how lengthy these metabolites can remain in your system.
    Like all areas of medication, advances in performance drug testing are
    continuously ongoing and underneath research.
    This brings about new strategies that may or may
    not turn into normal and widespread in drug testing worldwide.
    You can’t assume one 12 months to the next that the identical avoidance strategies will work.
    Some latest developments in anti-doping testing that
    labs have developed include gene doping exams,
    retroactive liquid testing, and long-term metabolites.
    Testers will usually test for all recognized
    steroids, but if sources are restricted, then solely essentially
    the most commonly used steroids will be examined for.
    As A End Result Of the testing has to target a selected steroid, the method must
    embrace every attainable steroid to cover all bases.

    Cutting and contest prep cycles can profit from both Proviron or S-4, however if you need
    to enhance strength and muscle positive aspects, the S-4 is
    the higher choice. Proviron is a poor muscle builder,
    however on the flip aspect, it’s the stronger of
    the two in the aesthetics department. One of the significant differences between SARMs and steroids is how you’re taking them.
    What this means for you is that if you need to use probably the most potent steroids,
    you need to get comfortable injecting. On the opposite
    hand, SARMs require no injections, irrespective of which
    kind you are taking them in. Hair shedding and gynecomastia
    are rare unwanted side effects of SARMs, potentially attributable
    to imbalanced hormone ranges (estrogen and testosterone).

    Different research shows that specializing in the prevention of high-risk
    habits in general could be a catchall to help beat back anabolic steroid use.
    Diuretics are drugs that change the body’s balance of fluids and salts.
    They could cause the body to lose water, which can decrease
    an athlete’s weight. Diuretics also could help athletes move drug exams that check for indicators of medicine within the urine.
    In the Nineties, it was widespread for pro cyclists to use erythropoietin. Doping with erythropoietin may elevate the risk of great health issues.

    References:

    Natural supplement comparison

  4. Many women, from track and field to bodybuilding and even health and
    figure have planned and accomplished numerous Winstrol cycles and for many it stays a staple.
    For the strong majority of women who run Winstrol cycles oral
    tablets might be used. Stanozolol tablets are typically present in 10mg and 50mg energy with 10mg every different day generally being the
    optimal feminine beginning dose. While 10mg every different day is a good start line some women will find a daily dosing
    to be wanted; assuming they’ll deal with it with out virilization. Past
    10mg per day you actually open the door to some attainable harsh impacts and when any
    girl plans a Winstrol cycle we cannot advise going above
    the 10mg mark.
    This contradicts the propaganda designed to dissuade
    people from taking these medicines which would end in a loss for pharmaceutical firms.
    As a results of its anabolic qualities, Winstrol stimulates protein synthesis, inflicting your muscle tissue to expand while concurrently lowering your physique fat.
    Researchers did not find Winstrol to be an efficient therapy
    for weight problems till the middle of the Sixties.
    As a results of its capacity to aid users in rising
    muscle, it also helps users in shedding harmful fats.

    A Winstrol PCT with Nolvadex for females typically spans three weeks, with the dose steadily decreasing every week.

    During the primary week, Nolvadex is taken at 20mg per day, adopted by 10mg per day in the second
    week, and 5mg per day in the third week. Due to their increased sensitivity
    to androgens, ladies often comply with lower-dose cycles. Female users usually range from
    5mg to 20mg per day, with more skilled people
    typically opting for the higher end of this dosage spectrum.
    Winstrol enhances energy and power output by boosting red
    blood cell manufacturing and enhancing oxygen supply to muscles.
    This makes it a favourite among athletes in sports requiring velocity,
    agility, and explosive power, such as observe and area or combat sports.

    Winstrol is a synthetic anabolic steroid derived from dihydrotestosterone
    (DHT).
    Winstrol (Stanozolol) is taken into account milder in phrases of psychological
    and hormonal disruptions, but it carries distinctive risks—especially related to joint health and lipid balance.

    Trenbolone dramatically reduces recovery time between classes, allowing lifters
    to train tougher and more usually. Its anti-catabolic properties
    assist prevent muscle breakdown, even underneath caloric restriction or during periods of overreaching.
    This twin mechanism is ideal for recomposition phases, the
    place users purpose to realize muscle and lose fats simultaneously.
    Two of probably the most discussed anabolic agents are Trenbolone and Winstrol.

    If muscle gain tops your precedence record, then the composition of your cycle should
    comply with go nicely with. Given its potent nature, this steroid may help you pile on lean mass.

    Nevertheless, it’s typically not the primary alternative for those solely
    looking to bulk up, as there are other steroids out
    there which will yield heftier gains.
    Aromatase inhibitors are medicines that work by blocking
    the enzyme responsible for changing testosterone into estrogen, minimizing the
    degrees of estrogen within the physique. Additionally,
    participating in common physical exercise, managing stress levels,
    and avoiding extreme alcohol consumption can positively influence hormone levels.

    It’s necessary to do not forget that restoration time can range for each individual, and consulting with a healthcare professional
    or endocrinologist might help tailor a specific plan based
    mostly in your needs and goals.
    As alluded to above, Stanozolol is amongst the few
    anabolic steroids that might be tolerated
    pretty properly by many women; no, there is no guarantee but when the dose is saved low the
    odds are in your favor. After doing the cycle it is
    normal to have a suppressed natural testosterone manufacturing.
    Going on a Post Cycle Remedy (Nolvadex, Tribestan etc.) will
    allow you to kick begin your pure testosterone ranges again. Feminine athletes want far lesser
    doses to expertise considerable results. The normal dosage is 5 mg per day, though some females can double that dose.
    When it involves injectable Winstrol, 20 mg each 4
    days is taken into account the golden standard.

    Nevertheless, you probably can still include Winstrol in a bulking cycle, if so, then 60mg.

    In order to maximise our anabolic steroid use we
    must have a plan and a part of the plan ought to revolve across
    the stacking itself. The individual doesn’t wish to arbitrarily throw a bunch of steroids collectively, that might defeat the purpose and one of many main purposes is effectiveness as nicely as effectivity.

    References:

    pedselite

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