As temperatures soar to unprecedented levels across the United States, the dangerous combination of extreme heat and methamphetamine use is claiming more lives, particularly in the Southwest. On a scorching day in Phoenix this past June, two individuals—one found collapsed under a freeway bridge and another outside a business—succumbed to what experts warn is an increasingly fatal mix of heat and stimulant drugs.

A recent analysis by the Associated Press, using data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), highlights a disturbing trend: methamphetamine is now involved in nearly 20% of heat-related deaths across the U.S. In states like Arizona, Texas, Nevada, and California, meth was detected in nearly one-third of such fatalities in 2023. As a powerful stimulant, methamphetamine exacerbates the body’s response to heat, impairing the brain’s ability to regulate temperature and placing immense strain on the heart.

Bob Anderson, chief of statistical analysis at the National Center for Health Statistics, points out that while other substances like alcohol and opioids can worsen the effects of heat, meth is particularly concerning. It elevates body temperature and creates a perfect storm when combined with high environmental temperatures. Even in a year when opioid overdoses have dominated headlines, methamphetamine is proving to be deadlier in heat-related cases.

The rise in meth-related deaths coincides with the emergence of cheaper, purer synthetic methamphetamine, largely manufactured in Mexico and smuggled across the U.S.-Mexico border. In Phoenix, one of the hottest cities in the country, meth was found in 75% of heat-related drug deaths in 2022. In neighboring Pima County, it accounted for a quarter of heat deaths this year. These statistics underscore the growing prevalence of the drug and its deadly interaction with record-breaking temperatures.

Phoenix, which experienced 113 consecutive days of temperatures exceeding 100°F this summer, is emblematic of the crisis. The city’s extreme heat, exacerbated by climate change, has made it increasingly perilous for those using methamphetamine. The region’s proximity to the U.S.-Mexico border also makes it a major hub for meth trafficking, contributing to the widespread availability of the drug.

Experts like Dr. Aneesh Narang, an emergency physician at Banner University Medical Center in Phoenix, have observed an alarming correlation between heatstroke cases and methamphetamine use. Narang notes that meth severely compromises the body’s natural defenses against heat, making it difficult to survive prolonged exposure to high temperatures. “All of your normal physiological ways of coping with heat are compromised with the use of methamphetamines,” he said.

Meth’s appeal, particularly among homeless populations, is linked to its low cost and potent effects. As Detective Matt Shay from the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office explains, dealers frequently target homeless individuals, who are often exposed to the elements and rely on stimulants to stay awake and protect themselves from theft. “It’s a customer base that is easy to find and exploit,” he said.

The broader context of this crisis is a warming planet. This summer, which was Earth’s hottest on record, has made it easier for people to die from heat-related causes in regions like Phoenix, Las Vegas, and California’s southeastern deserts. The combination of higher average temperatures and the prevalence of meth use is proving fatal in these vulnerable areas.

Public health officials are taking steps to address the issue, but the scope of the problem is daunting. In Maricopa County, where Phoenix is located, public health officials have distributed brochures warning of the risks associated with stimulant use during extreme heat. Dr. Nick Staab, assistant medical director of the Maricopa County Department of Public Health, says this outreach effort aims to educate people, especially those in high-risk communities.

However, outreach alone may not be enough. Stacey Cope, director at Sonoran Prevention Works, a harm reduction nonprofit, suggests that more needs to be done to accommodate those who use drugs. Many cooling centers, designed to protect people from the heat, are not welcoming to individuals actively using substances, leaving some of the most vulnerable people without access to life-saving resources.

As extreme heat events become more frequent and severe, experts fear that the intersection of climate change and methamphetamine use will continue to take a toll, particularly on the most marginalized populations. Without significant intervention—both in terms of public health initiatives and harm reduction strategies—the deadly cycle of heat and meth use could worsen in the years to come.

 Mental health issues prevents many Somalis from seeking treatment or assistance.

As the Gaza war rages, a silent epidemic of drug and alcohol abuse threatens Israel’s youth.

In the heart of Israel, where the echoes of war reverberate daily, another crisis is unfolding in the shadows—one that strikes at the very core of the nation’s youth. Yoni, a 19-year-old from Beersheba, had plans to serve his country in the military, a path chosen by many young Israelis. But those plans were derailed when he found himself spiraling into drug addiction, a struggle that worsened dramatically after Hamas’s brutal attack on October 7.

Yoni’s story is not unique. In the chaotic aftermath of that day, health professionals across Israel have observed a disturbing trend: a sharp rise in drug and alcohol abuse, along with other addictive behaviors. These aren’t just isolated incidents; they signal a growing epidemic, fueled by the relentless stress and trauma of war.

For Yoni, who lost a close friend in the Hamas attack that ignited the current Gaza war, drugs became a way to escape the harsh realities around him. “After the war, it seemed to really get worse,” he admits. What started as recreational use turned into a desperate means of coping, a common response among many who find themselves overwhelmed by grief and fear.

Dr. Shaul Lev-Ran, a psychiatrist and the founder of the Israel Center on Addiction, has witnessed this alarming trend firsthand. “We’ve seen a spectacular rise in the consumption of various addictive substances,” he says, attributing this spike to the emotional toll of living in a war zone. A study conducted by his team found a 25% increase in the use of addictive substances, from prescription medications to illegal drugs and alcohol. This surge is directly linked to the trauma of the October 7 events, which left deep scars on the Israeli psyche.

The numbers are staggering. According to the study, one in four Israelis has increased their use of addictive substances since the war began, a sharp rise from the pre-war figure of one in seven. And this isn’t just about substance abuse. The study also identified a worrying increase in other forms of addictive behavior, such as gambling, as people search for any means to distract themselves from the horrors of war.

The situation is even more dire for those who were closest to the violence. Survivors of the October 7 attack, along with those displaced from their homes near the Gaza border or in the north near Lebanon, are at the highest risk. For them, the proximity to trauma translates directly into an increased likelihood of falling into addiction.

But the crisis doesn’t end with substance abuse. The use of sleeping pills and painkillers has also skyrocketed, with increases of 180% and 70%, respectively. Dr. Lev-Ran recounts the case of a man who, in the midst of the war, demanded something—anything—to help him sleep while his son fought in Gaza. This desperate need for relief is a common thread running through the stories of many Israelis, who are turning to drugs and alcohol to dull the edges of their anxiety and fear.

Even those on the front lines aren’t immune. Matan, a soldier stationed in the Palestinian territories, admits that using drugs helps him “forget” the harsh realities of war. This sentiment is echoed by many of his comrades, who find solace in substances that temporarily mask their pain.

For Yoni, the descent into addiction was swift. What began as taking “party drugs like ecstasy, MDMA, LSD” to stave off boredom and fear soon escalated into a solitary habit, a private battle fought within the confines of his home. It was only when he hit rock bottom that Yoni realized the depth of his problem and sought help, entering rehab in a bid to reclaim his life.

Now, Yoni is determined to recover and fulfill his original goal of serving in the military. “I need to go to rehab,” he says with conviction, “to prove to myself, prove to the family, that I am indeed capable of more, and [can] contribute to the community like everyone else.”

As Israel continues to grapple with the physical and emotional toll of the Gaza war, the country faces a looming epidemic of addiction. It’s a crisis that threatens to undermine the resilience of a nation already pushed to its limits by conflict. The question now is whether Israel can confront this hidden battle with the same resolve it has shown on the battlefield—or whether this wave of addiction will become the lasting legacy of a war that has already claimed so much

Senegalese customs authorities have intercepted three significant shipments of cocaine in the past five days, totaling over $50 million in estimated value. This surge in drug seizures underscores West Africa’s growing role as a transit hub for cocaine trafficked from Latin America to Europe.

The most substantial of these recent seizures occurred near the border with Mali, where customs officers discovered 264 packets of cocaine, weighing a total of 306.24 kilograms. The drugs were concealed within the ventilation compartment of a refrigerated truck. The estimated value of this haul alone is $40 million.

In another operation conducted in the southern part of Senegal, customs officials intercepted a vehicle from a neighboring Sahel country. Inside, they found 95 packets of cocaine worth $14.2 million. This operation demonstrates the cross-border nature of the drug trafficking networks operating in the region.

A third seizure took place at Blaise Diagne International Airport near Dakar, where 18 kilograms of cocaine, valued at approximately $2.3 million, were discovered in unaccompanied luggage bound for a European Union country.

These recent seizures are part of a broader pattern of increasing drug trafficking activity in Senegal and its neighboring countries, including Guinea, Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, and Mali. These nations have become notable transit zones for cocaine produced in Latin America and destined for European markets.

Earlier this month, Senegalese customs announced several other significant drug busts, including a 1-ton seizure near the Mali border in mid-April. In November, the Senegalese army seized nearly 3 tons of cocaine from a vessel in international waters off the country’s coast.

The escalation of cocaine trafficking through West Africa poses significant challenges for regional security and governance. The large-scale drug seizures reflect the region’s strategic importance in global drug trafficking networks, highlighting the need for enhanced international cooperation and stronger regional enforcement measures.

Senegal’s efforts to combat drug trafficking are crucial in disrupting these networks and preventing the flow of illicit drugs to Europe. However, the scale and frequency of these seizures indicate that traffickers are increasingly using sophisticated methods and routes to evade detection.

The recent spate of cocaine seizures by Senegalese customs highlights the urgent need for robust anti-trafficking strategies and international collaboration. As West Africa remains a key transit point for cocaine, bolstering regional enforcement capabilities and intelligence-sharing will be critical in curbing the flow of illegal drugs and maintaining regional stability.

Alarming Findings from Sierra Leone and Guinea-Bissau Highlight Emerging Drug Threat

For the first time, traces of highly potent synthetic opioids known as nitazenes have been detected in drug users in Africa. This revelation comes from a report released by the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime (GI-TOC), indicating a worrying trend in the drug markets of Sierra Leone and Guinea-Bissau.

Nitazenes are synthetic opioids that have been prevalent in Western countries and parts of Asia, often linked to overdose deaths due to their extreme potency. Some nitazenes can be up to 100 times more potent than heroin and 10 times more potent than fentanyl. This high potency means even small amounts can lead to significant effects, increasing the risk of overdose and death among users.

The report’s findings are based on chemical testing of a drug known locally as “kush,” which is a derivative of cannabis mixed with synthetic substances like fentanyl, tramadol, and chemicals such as formaldehyde. In Sierra Leone, 83% of the kush samples tested positive for nitazenes, while in Guinea-Bissau, 55% of the samples contained these potent opioids.

The detection of nitazenes in African drug markets is a significant concern. “These results are the first indication that nitazenes have penetrated retail drug markets in Africa,” stated the GI-TOC report. The widespread use of kush, especially among young people, means that many are likely ingesting these dangerous substances without being aware of the severe risks involved.

In response to the growing drug problem, Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio has declared war on kush, labeling it an epidemic and a national threat. However, the report emphasizes the urgent need for chemical testing equipment to accurately monitor and respond to the illicit drug markets in Sierra Leone, Guinea-Bissau, and the wider subregion.

The presence of nitazenes in African drug markets marks a troubling development in the region’s drug landscape. Immediate and concerted efforts are required to tackle this emerging threat, including the deployment of chemical testing technologies and the development of evidence-based interventions to mitigate the risks posed by these highly potent synthetic opioids.

Exploring the Social, Economic, and Health Impacts of Khat and Pathways to Solutions

Overview

Khat, a stimulant drug chewed for its euphoric effects, is pervasive in Somaliland, leading to significant social, economic, and health problems. This article delves into the multifaceted impact of khat on families, individual health, finances, and the broader societal implications, while also exploring potential solutions.

Destruction of Families

Marital Strife: The habitual use of khat often results in neglect of family responsibilities and an increase in domestic violence. The drug’s effects can lead to a breakdown in communication and trust between spouses, causing severe marital issues.

Child Neglect: Parents addicted to khat may neglect their children, leading to poor academic performance and emotional distress. The lack of supervision and support can hinder a child’s development and future prospects.

Addiction and Disease

Addiction: Khat use leads to both physical dependence and psychological addiction. Users find it difficult to quit, which exacerbates the cycle of abuse and dependency.

Health Issues:

• Dental Problems: Chewing khat can lead to severe dental issues, including gum disease and tooth decay.
• Gastrointestinal Disorders: Chronic use is associated with digestive problems and other gastrointestinal disorders.
• Mental Health Disorders: Anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues are common among khat users.

Intoxicating Effects

Short-Term Effects: Users experience euphoria and increased sociability. However, these effects are temporary and can lead to compulsive use.

Long-Term Effects: Prolonged use of khat results in insomnia, appetite suppression, and malnutrition. These long-term effects can severely impact overall health and well-being.

Health Impacts

Physical Health:

• Cardiovascular Issues: Khat use is linked to heart problems, including increased heart rate and blood pressure.
• Liver Damage: Long-term use can result in significant liver damage.

Mental Health:

• Cognitive Decline: Chronic khat use can lead to deterioration in cognitive functions.
• Increased Risk of Psychosis: There is a heightened risk of psychotic episodes among heavy users.

Financial Burden

Individual Finances: The cost of khat puts a significant strain on personal finances, leading to reduced productivity and economic hardship.

Economic Impact: On a larger scale, the widespread use of khat reduces workforce efficiency and increases healthcare costs, affecting the nation’s economy.

Scale of the Problem

Widespread Use: Khat is culturally accepted and widely used among men and youth in Somaliland. This cultural acceptance exacerbates the issue and makes intervention challenging.

Government Response: Efforts to regulate khat use face numerous challenges. Policies and enforcement mechanisms are often inadequate to curb the problem effectively.

Comparison: Chewer vs. Non-Chewer

Health:

• Chewer: Faces poor dental health, malnutrition, and high stress levels.
• Non-Chewer: Generally enjoys better overall health.

Finances:

• Chewer: Experiences financial strain from the cost of khat.
• Non-Chewer: Maintains financial stability.

Social Life:

• Chewer: Suffers from strained family relations and social stigma.
• Non-Chewer: Enjoys healthier relationships.

Solutions and Strategies

Education and Awareness: Public campaigns on the health risks of khat and community engagement are crucial. Educating the population can help reduce the demand for khat.

Rehabilitation Programs: Establishing support systems for addiction treatment and providing counseling services are essential steps. Rehabilitation can help users break free from the cycle of addiction.

Policy Implementation: Stricter regulations and enforcement are needed. Supporting alternative livelihoods can provide viable options for those economically dependent on khat trade.

Conclusion

Addressing the khat problem in Somaliland requires a comprehensive approach involving education, healthcare, and policy reforms. Collaborative efforts between the government, communities, and international bodies are vital for creating meaningful change and improving the lives of those affected by khat.

The Poisoned Chalice: Battling the Khat Epidemic in Somaliland

Shocking Revelation Unveils Gruesome Plot in Port Said

An Egyptian woman was apprehended in Port Said while allegedly attempting to drug her child and sell his organs to an online trafficking network, echoing a recent incident that shook the nation’s conscience.

In a disturbing turn of events, Egyptian media reports reveal a harrowing plot unfolding in Port Said Governorate, where a mother, identified as “H.TH.D,” was apprehended by security services for attempting to drug her own child with the intent of extracting and selling his internal organs on the internet.

According to investigations into “Case No. 3593 of 2024 Misdemeanors of Flowers,” the woman, who is reportedly divorced and has two children, contacted individuals on social media known to traffic in human organs. She allegedly sent them photographs and videos of her child, Muhammad (8 years old), while he was completely naked, at the behest of these online contacts.

Further revelations emerged as it was uncovered that the mother complied with requests to administer narcotic medications to sedate her child. Subsequently, the child fell into a state of severe fatigue, necessitating his transfer to a hospital. Medical examination revealed that the child had received an overdose of the drug, prompting hospital authorities to alert security authorities.

During interrogations, the woman confessed to communicating with individuals online who instructed her to drug her child and photograph him in compromising positions. She also admitted to intending to sell her child’s organs to these online contacts.

This shocking incident evokes memories of a recent gruesome crime in the Shubra area of Qalyubia Governorate, where a young child was found mutilated, his internal organs removed and placed in a bag beside his body. Investigations into that case uncovered a similar motive – trafficking in human organs.

The apprehension of the woman in Port Said underscores the urgent need for greater vigilance against the heinous crime of human organ trafficking, as authorities work tirelessly to dismantle such networks and protect the most vulnerable members of society from exploitation.

Unveiling the Religious, Health, Economic, and Environmental Ravages of Khat Consumption in Somaliland

By Kasim Abdulkadir:

In the tranquil streets of Somaliland, an invisible enemy lurks, threatening the essence of society and corroding its foundations. This enemy is none other than Khat, a narcotic plant wreaking havoc on the religious, health, economic, moral, hygienic, and environmental spheres of Somaliland.

1. Religious Problems of Khat: Khat’s insidious infiltration into the societal fabric of Somaliland has unleashed a myriad of religious challenges. The gluttonous consumption of Khat undermines the completeness of faith, diverting individuals from their religious obligations. Fasting, the cornerstone of religious practice, is undermined by Khat consumption, hindering individuals from fulfilling their sacred duties.
2. Health Problems of Khat: The detrimental impact of Khat on public health cannot be overstated. From neurological impairment to digestive disturbances, Khat inflicts severe harm on the human body. Its consumption weakens the immune system, rendering individuals susceptible to illness and posing grave risks to their overall well-being.
3. Financial Problems of Khat: Khat’s pervasive influence extends to the economic realm, paralyzing communities and draining resources. The economic paralysis induced by Khat consumption disrupts livelihoods and perpetuates cycles of poverty. Scarce financial resources are squandered on Khat, exacerbating economic inequalities and stifling progress.
4. Moral Problems of Khat: In a society anchored in the principles of Islam, Khat engenders moral degradation, eroding the fabric of social cohesion. The vile behavior exhibited by Khat users stands in stark contrast to the moral virtues espoused by Islam, perpetuating discord and disharmony within communities.
5. Hygienic Problems of Khat: Khat’s consumption fosters neglect of personal hygiene, exacerbating societal challenges and perpetuating unhygienic living conditions. The relentless pursuit of Khat leaves individuals devoid of the inclination to maintain cleanliness, further exacerbating public health concerns.
6. Family Problems of Khat: The scourge of Khat precipitates familial discord, tearing apart the fabric of familial bonds and disrupting domestic tranquility. Marital strife, fueled by the financial strain of Khat consumption, destabilizes households and undermines familial cohesion.
7. Environmental Problems of Khat: As Khat consumption proliferates, it exacts a heavy toll on the environment, polluting ecosystems and despoiling landscapes. The wanton disposal of Khat waste contaminates soil and disrupts natural habitats, threatening biodiversity and compromising environmental sustainability.

Conclusion: The pernicious influence of Khat permeates every facet of Somaliland society, leaving devastation in its wake. Urgent measures are imperative to combat this existential threat and safeguard the future of Somaliland. Only through concerted efforts to address the religious, health, economic, moral, hygienic, and environmental ramifications of Khat consumption can Somaliland reclaim its vitality and resilience.

The Poisoned Chalice: Battling the Khat Epidemic in Somaliland

In the face of adversity, Somaliland must unite to confront the scourge of Khat and forge a path towards renewal and prosperity.