Pubdate: Sun, 14 Jul 2013
Source: Ballymena Times (UK)
Copyright: 2013 Johnston Press Digital Publishing
Contact: http://www.ballymenatimes.com/contactus.aspx
Website: http://www.ballymenatimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4999

BE DRUG SMART

With the holiday season in full swing, the Public Health Agency (PHA)
and Council for the Homeless have come together to issue harm
reduction advice for drug users.

Brendan Bonner, Acting Assistant Director, Health Improvement, PHA
said; "The summer has always been a time when we are more likely to
see an increase in binge drinking. In the past the PHA has issued
warnings about managing your alcohol consumption, particularly during
summer festivals and sporting events, as alcohol consumption in the
warm weather increases the risk of dehydration and
overheating.

"However, we also know that during the summer time young adults are
more likely to experiment with drugs, and this year we are issuing
advice to people who plan to use drugs, to help them reduce the risks
to their health and life."

Last year 251 new psychoactive substances were identified in the UK
and are coming onto the market at a rate of 50-60 a year, the
equivalent to one a week. These drugs are not controlled and can
therefore contain absolutely anything. It is also evident that drugs
are being mixed with other drugs.

Brendan Bonner continued: "Mixing drugs is a major risk. In Northern
Ireland, three out of four drug-related deaths involve more than one
drug. People are mixing drugs with alcohol or other drugs including
prescription drugs, illicit drugs or legal highs.

"The way in which people take drugs can increase or decrease the risks
to their health, so it is vital they have access to advice on how to
take them to help reduce the risk. This includes not mixing them with
alcohol or other drugs, always taking them with someone they can
trust, and, if they feel unwell, seeking emergency medical help
immediately. The faster they get medical help, the greater the
likelihood that any treatment will be successful".

Chris Rintoul from Council for the Homeless said; "We want people who
will use drugs over the summer to be aware that there are risks
involved. Any drug can cause harm but many of these can be reduced by
taking some simple steps such as:

Be informed; listen to up-to-date media reports on any bad batches
going around.

Try to score your drugs from someone you know and who knows what they
are selling.

Make sure you stay with your friends and watch out for them the whole
night.

Take it easy on the drink (if you can't avoid it completely).

Start with a low dose and wait for the peak effects to come on before
re-dosing.

Know your tolerance to any drug; if you are a new user don't push
it.

Set limits by thinking through what you want to do and how. Then tell
your friends what these are.

Have a clear plan of how, when and where you want to come down before
you start using and then stick to it.

To stay hydrated - Sip water or an isotonic sports drink, about a pint
per hour.

Try your best to avoid mixing drugs."
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MAP posted-by: Matt