Special Edition Nu-Bain: A new danger in drug use within wrestling

Nu-Bain is apparently the new drug of choice within the ECW locker room, according to reports in the Pro Wrestling Torch and Observer. Paul Heyman has even confirmed these reports, the first time he has been known to publicly confirm rumors relating to drug use in his locker room. Here's some information about this threat to the health and safety of the workers in ECW, and anywhere else that this drug is being used.

The following information is from http://www.rxlist.com (RxList.com) and from http://www.mayohealth.org/usp/di/uspA-AM.htm (the Mayo Clinic's Pharmacenter Drug Database):

Nu-Bain's generic name is Nalbuphine HCL. It is part of the class of Opiate Partial Agonists, better known as narcotics. It serves as an analgesic (painkiller).

The most frightening thing about these drugs is that they are believed to be more addictive than even somas, which have been used as the recreational and painkilling drug of choice in the wrestling industry.

These opiate drugs are named after their natural source, the opium poppy, which contains several active chemicals such as morphine, codeine, and papaverine. Other synthetic opiates have been produced such as meperidine and methadone. Methadone is used in helping heroin addicts with the effects of withdrawal.

Opiates (also referred to as narcotics) are classified by the DEA according to their potential for abuse. Heroin, which readily crosses the blood brain barrier, is classified as a C1 drug because of its high potential for abuse. These drugs bind to receptors found throughout the central nervous system which cause the release of endorphins and encephalins, the bodies natural opiates.

Side effects and adverse reactions can include: central nervous system depression, coma, depression, dizziness, drowsiness, euphoria, hyper and hypo-tension, and seizures.

As I mentioned in my regular columns this week, the fact is that the Torch reports that there are those assigned to clean up evidence of needles and other drug paraphernalia. Heyman's admission of the problem is ample indication that this problem can't be covered up or made to go away.

One hopes that some of the quotes from Heyman about getting serious on drug use are the truth, and not just another one of his attempts at spin-doctoring. The future of his company may well be at stake, as investors needed to save the company and it's financial future will not likely be willing to take on the burden of a locker room with these sorts of serious problems.

The fact is that human lives are at stake here as well. Last column, I mentioned some of those who have died during the month of February due to the effects physical or emotional of drug use. Let's hope that this new drug doesn't add more names to the too long list of those that already have left us.

Until next time....

Until next time....

If you have comments or questions, I can be reached by e-mail at bobmagee1@hotmail.com