Police and health chiefs warn of the dangers of ‘legal highs’
As the exam season begins and young people look forward to their long summer break, the dangers of using so called ‘legal highs’ are being highlighted by police and health chiefs across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
Officers from Hampshire Constabulary and NHS Hampshire are warning people not to risk their lives using legal highs.
‘Legal highs’ hit the headlines earlier this year when mephedrone was banned by the government and classified as a Class B drug.
There are many ‘legal highs’ still being sold across the country, including some known as Sparkle, MDAI and NRG-1.
Acting Superintendent Alison Scott, of Hampshire Constabulary, said: “Many people wrongly assume that these drugs are harmless because it is legal to buy them, however the effects are unpredictable for each person.
“Many of these so called ‘legal highs’ contain chemicals that are not designed for human consumption. Often, these chemicals have never been used as drugs and have not been tested to show they are safe.
“People often have no idea what they are actually taking because the substance is not labelled correctly, so your decision to experiment with these drugs could have terrible consequences for your health, life and family.”
Dr Iain Maclennan, Consultant in Public Health at NHS Hampshire said: “Referring to these substances as drugs is misleading and glosses over the fact these chemicals have never been tested for human consumption like prescription medicines are.
"They are poisons and, as such, their effects are highly unpredictable, especially when taken with other chemicals or alcohol.
"We strongly urge everyone not to take any substances even if they are deemed legal. By taking them you risk death or serious organ damage.”
If you are concerned with your, or anyone else’s drug use, whatever the drug, contact your local drug service, in confidence. Details of your local drug service can be found at:
www.hantsdaatdirectory.org.uk
Professional help and advice can also be found at:
Frank: www.talktofrank.com 0800 77 66 00
NHS Direct: www.nhs.uk 0845 46 47
Hampshire Constabulary: 101 or 999 in the event of a life threatening emergency.Crimestoppers charity (to give information anonymously) 0800 555 111.
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For more information please contact either:
Hannah O’Neil, NHS Hampshire, 023 8062 7472
Vicky O’Hare, Hampshire Constabulary, 01962 875017
