BIRMINGHAM – More than 300 Alabama physicians will gather in Birmingham this weekend for advanced training and education on combating substance abuse.

The training, presented by the Alabama Board of Medical Examiners and the Medical Association of the State of Alabama, will help doctors recognize signs of substance abuse, improve treatment strategies and continue progress to reduce opioid prescriptions.

It will also focus on ways Alabama doctors can educate the public about the dangers of potentially addictive and unregulated substances like Delta-8, commonly sold in gas stations, vape shops and convenience stores.

Emerging Threat of ‘Gas Station’ Drugs

Known as "gas station weed," products like Delta-8 are marketed as natural remedies but carry serious health risks.

Delta-8 is a psychoactive compound derived from hemp and often marketed as a legal alternative to marijuana. It may be addictive and is growing in popularity, especially among young users, some of whom report severe side effects such as anxiety, psychosis and even violent behavior.

“Just because a substance is available over the counter doesn’t mean it’s safe,” warns Dr. Luke Engeriser, Deputy Chief Medical Officer at AltaPointe Health Systems in Mobile.

Engeriser, who will deliver a presentation at this weekend’s conference titled “Gas Station Pharmacology,” said, “We need to educate physicians and the public on the dangers and unpredictable effects of these substances. They’re not regulated or approved for consumption, and the potential health consequences can be serious.”

Last year, Alabama set the minimum age to buy Delta-8 at 21 and required manufacturers to make its packaging less appealing to kids.

UAB Study

A study by researchers at UAB published in the journal Frontiers in Psychiatry detailed cases where people who vaped or ate Delta-8 became psychotic and violent. Two of the authors of the study – psychiatrists Dr. Badari Birur and Dr. Chelsea Miller – said in one month they saw a dozen patients at UAB for complaints related to Delta-8.

Dr. Max Rogers, Chairman of the Board of Medical Examiners, cautioned that Delta-8 is unregulated, so buyers don’t truly know what they’re getting.

“Buying Delta-8 is a huge gamble,” Dr. Rogers said. “Despite what it may say on its packaging, there’s no way to really know what’s in these products. But we know for certain it can pose serious health risks, so it’s crucial people understand the dangers.”

Where to Get Help 

For substance abuse treatment resources in Alabama, visit druguse.alabama.gov.
 

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