TY  - JOUR
PY  - 2012//
TI  - Substance abuse: routes, hazards and body packing
JO  - Medicine (Abingdon)
A1  - Vale, Allister
SP  - 74
EP  - 76
VL  - 40
IS  - 2
N2  - Substances taken to alter the mental state may be ingested, inhaled, absorbed through mucous membranes or injected. Accidental overdose is common. Complications result either from the presence of contaminants or from the pharmacological actions of the substance(s) involved; these include respiratory, neurological, renal and metabolic complications. Body packers often swallow large numbers of packages in the hope of financial gain. Acute intestinal obstruction may result and overdose is a hazard if a packet bursts. Immediate surgery is indicated if acute intestinal obstruction develops, or when packets can be seen radiologically and there is clinical or analytical evidence to suggest leakage, particularly if the drug involved is a central nervous system stimulant (e.g. cocaine).<p />
LA  - 
SN  - 1357-3039
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.mpmed.2011.11.015
ID  - ref1
ER  -