When need comes a knockin'

[i1der]

Jimbo, "Great Job" man.
Jum and your Korean friend as well.

[jimbo]

Thanks bro. My Korean wife gets kudos as well

I just got off the phone with jamaal's mom. longest conversation we've been able to have.

I'm happy to say they will pursue psychiatry and the medical.counselling plan.

And I, have a 3rd family now. (after my real Mom and ex-wife's fam in Bkk)

I am invited to Georgia whenever I can, and the next time I make it to the US....jamaal's place is HIGH on my list

[i1der]

man, that's great to hear, heartfelt indeed.

[traveler2]

This has probably been covered in the previous pages (my apologies for asking again, if so), what was Jamaal doing in Korea in the first place? How did he get there being in the state of mind he was in? As unfortunate as this story is, it intrigues me. The important thing is, there is a happy ending.

[jimbo]

He was signed up with an institute (thru a recruiter)...first training then teaching.

As far as I can tell, his problems began a few days after his arrival (june 9th or 10th). His notes in his journal, his families observations, etc....lead me to believe that anyway.

(it should be noted that sometimes a major change in atmosphere [among many other things] can trigger or bring about mental symptoms that were lingering beneath the surface,...especially in schizophrenia)

He arrives in Atlanta in three hours

[i1der]

hope he gets the treatment and futher evaluation by the expert in the field.

[traveler2]

Originally Posted by jimbo

He was signed up with an institute (thru a recruiter)...first training then teaching.

As far as I can tell, his problems began a few days after his arrival (june 9th or 10th). His notes in his journal, his families observations, etc....lead me to believe that anyway.

(it should be noted that sometimes a major change in atmosphere [among many other things] can trigger or bring about mental symptoms that were lingering beneath the surface,...especially in schizophrenia)

He arrives in Atlanta in three hours

That's interesting. I am no doctor, but I think something else had to trigger it, you'll know soon enough. I wish him the best.

Of course, most suffer from culture shock (to varying degrees) when living abroad, but I never heard of serious mental issues.

[jimbo]

And culture shock most often begins at about the 10th - 14th week of a long stay and is generally marked by simple depression, rather than voices, hyperactivity, pacing, senslessness and loss of memory.

There is still a possibility (maybe slim) that he was drugged. I have a little snooping around to do yet. Unfortunately if that is what happened his chances of full recovery will be much less than if he is schizo. (that's very treatable)

The family will get a blood test and screen for all drugs on his arrival. I'm very afraid that he was dosed with LSD without his knowledge (as that would NOT show up on any blood test.) I don't want to write it all out now....but there are a couple of things that don't make sense now (regarding others involvement). I'll rule it in or out soon enough and then report it.

[natalie8]

Originally Posted by jimbo

very afraid that he was dosed with LSD without his knowledge (as that would NOT show up on any blood test.)

If that's true, then that's very sad. Some people are horrible.

Why wouldn't LSD show up on a blood test?

[jimbo]

I don't really know why, I just believe it doesn't. I think a spinal tap would be needed, or possibly a hair-root(follicle) test(??) Quite expensive I hear.

[traveler2]

Originally Posted by jimbo

I'm very afraid that he was dosed with LSD without his knowledge (as that would NOT show up on any blood test.)

I have heard of people drugging expats in Korea but thought these expats must have done something wrong? how common is this Jimbo?

I know someone that got drugged in Thailand, unfortunately for him he was hanging out with the wrong crowd.

[jimbo]

Then again, must have been one of those Ohio Urban Myths....just found this easy enough:


Urine screening for drugs is an effective means to monitor usage. Urine is commonly tested for:

• Acetaminaphen
• Amphetamines
• Alcholoh
• Aspirin
• Barbiturates
• Benzodiazepines
• Cocaine
• Codeine
• Cyanide
• Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD)
• Marijuana (THC)
• Opiates
• Phencyclidine (PCP)
• Stimulants
• Sympathomimetics
• Tranquilizers

Originally Posted by traveler2

I have heard of people drugging expats in Korea but thought these expats must have done something wrong? how common is this Jimbo?

I dunno, I don't really hang in their crowds much at all.....less and less too.

I think I'd have heard something tho if it was all that common. In other words....doubtful it happens too often outside of Itaewon.

[re_fuse]

Originally Posted by traveler2

have heard of people drugging expats in Korea

Syringe attacks were happening in China 5 years ago in nightclubs

[Eric C]

Originally Posted by jimbo

afraid that he was dosed with LSD without his knowledge (as that would NOT show up on any blood test

Originally Posted by jimbo

think a spinal tap would be needed

You're correct Jimbo, LSD use can only be detected in the cerebral spinal fluid (CSF). Not sure how long it's retained there though.

Originally Posted by jimbo

or possibly a hair-root(follicle) test(??)

I don't believe this test can detect LSD but it's relatively new and was not in common use when I was working in the healthcare field. Incidentally it's not just the follicle but the entire length of the hair that can be analyzed so, drug use history is detectable for as long as the hair has been growing. Pretty crazy stuff.

Originally Posted by jimbo

Urine screening for drugs is an effective means to monitor usage. Urine is commonly tested for:
Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD)

Maybe detectable in urine for a day or 2 after using it but, as I understand it, LSD is metabolized very quickly.

[jimbo]

thanks that answers that.