Millionaire Igor Tsukanov took to warning the public about the dangerous new drug trend and combination known as Calvin Klein. His warning took place after he found his daughter dead on the morning of June 18. Katya Tsukanova, who was only 17 years old, was regarded as a beautiful teenage violin prodigy hailing from West London. She had performed at the Royal Opera House only days prior.
With a whole lifetime of promise in front of her, one decision changed the course of Katya’s life forever. She trained at the Royal College of Music and was granted a scholarship to attend Wycombe Abbey in Hertfordshire. Medical professionals worked tirelessly to try and revive Katya after her father desperately rushed her to the hospital. Unfortunately, their efforts were in vain.
What is Calvin Klein?
A source who was close friends with Katya told the press that she was not the only one around the area involved with Calvin Klein and that “…it’s everywhere”. Calvin Klein is a mixture of cocaine and ketamine. Cocaine is considered a stimulant, while ketamine is a hallucinogenic. Ketamine directly affects your heart, as does cocaine. They can both lead to increased blood pressure and irregular heartbeat, potentially leading to respiratory problems. Without being used by a medical professional, ketamine overdoses are common and someone could experience life-threatening side effects.
Combinations of drugs are often used by teens and young adults, especially those who are uneducated on the dangerous consequences that could ensue. Club drugs are often the most enticing, due to the environment of the drug use which could include clubs or parties. They also have trendy names that make them more appealing. The drug combination referred to as Calvin Klein sounds high-fashion, classy, and trendy. This familiar name is easier for teenagers to throw around among themselves and makes light of the drug use.
Katya’s father described her as, “…so happy, and she had such a bright future”. He also mentions that his daughter, “…made one bad choice”. Club drugs, including Calvin Klein, are often most popular with teenagers and young adults at nightclubs or parties. However, they can be abused by anyone. According to MedlinePlus, the effects of club drugs are drastic changes in mood, awareness, and behavior.
What is Ketamine?
Ketamine, a drug rarely prescribed to humans, is generally administered to tranquilize horses. However, that does not stop teenagers, as well as those suffering with addiction to take this drug that produces an intense euphoric stupor-like feeling. Even small doses can be extremely powerful and also, extremely life threatening. The downsides to this drug are incredibly dangerous, producing an effect known as a “K-hole”. This is when a victim loses complete control and may become paralyzed for hours, experiencing intense hallucinations and possible spasms.
Katya had given her first performance when she was only five years old, proving to those around her that she was destined for greatness. Last year, she was named the best young musician at a music festival in Italy. At the time of her death, Katya was on a gap year. Igor, her father, felt at a loss for how parents can combat drug abuse. Fortunately, there are steps that parents can take to try to help their teenagers when it comes to drugs.
How to Talk to Your Teen
Teens are very susceptible to peer pressure, as well as experiencing an intense desire to fit in and be understood. They often engage in risky, unexplained, and sometimes criminal behavior. The Partnership for Drug-Free kids urges parents to offer empathy and support to their children when talking about drugs. It is often difficult to have challenging conversations with your teenager and to connect with them. By simply offering them support without judgment, you are showing them that you are there to help.
Teenagers and young adults are going through one of the biggest changes of their lives: adolescence. This is often a confusing and complicated time. During this time, a person’s brain in still developing. Their frontal cortex, which is responsible for decision making, is still in the process of forming. This means that teenagers and young adults may make questionable decisions or misjudge a situation. Although this does not justify any negative behavior, it is helpful to understand that your teenager may have difficulty processing certain emotions and situations.
How do you fight a drug that is everywhere? Surgeon Any Crawford is shocked by ketamine’s popularity. He tells The Sun that, “Ketamine is a dissociative drug, which means it takes away all control of the body”. Crawford allowed The Sun to be present during a horse’s knee surgery, in which ketamine was used for sedation. A breathing tube had to be administered only moments after the ketamine entered the body to help prevent respiratory failure. He comments, “You can see for yourself the force of the drug”.
Drugs and The Brain
Every time someone mixes drugs, their risk level for potentially life-threatening consequences drastically increases. Drug use can lead to short-term, long-term, and even permanent effects that can change someone’s life. One of the most life-changing diseases, addiction, affects millions around the globe. Drugs directly affect the brain’s reward pathway, shooting it up to abnormal levels when drugs are in the body. This causes the brain to recognize the drugs as a “good” thing and causes someone to seek more and more. Despite the negative consequences that could ensue, the brain becomes impulsive and then requires treatment. Addiction cannot be treated at home.
Early prevention is key, especially when it comes to teenagers and young adults. Be honest with your child and create a plan on how you will talk to them about drugs. Talking to teenagers can be difficult, but remain firm and positive. Never come off as judgmental and always remain calm. Your teenager may not want to listen to what you have to say, but always keep the conversation open. If you find evidence of drug use, make clear boundaries for your child. Become educated on drug use and addiction. Doing so will help you gain a better understanding of those suffering and may allow you to help your teenager or others who may be in need.
1 comment
So sad!! I didn’t even know this drug combo existed.. I bet Calvin Klein really hates that they have named a drug mix after them too.