Recreational Drug Use In Medway Several controlled substances are currently widely used in Medway:...

Recreational Drug Use In Medway


• Several controlled substances are currently widely used in Medway:– Cocaine (powder)

– ‘Skunk’ cannabis

– Heroin (powder)

– Amphetamine

– Ecstasy


• What do we know about the use of these substances in Medway?

Heroin


• There have been 24 drug related deaths in Medway this year so far. Many of these have been linked directly to heroin.

• Heroin is on average 60% pure product. The remaining 40% is made of various contaminants, typically benzodiazepeines; paracetomol; brick dust, etc

• Injecting heroin leads to a vast array of complications which can ultimately lead to death:

– Hep B / Hep C

– Abscesses

– DVT

– Blood clots




Cocaine


• Cocaine powder is typically sold in £10 wraps.

• The powder is typically anywhere between 25% to 70% ‘pure’ product with the remainder made up of various contaminants.

• A ‘rock’ of crack cocaine costs about the same, but you need to smoke it in an adapted ‘pipe’.

• When you’re subject to the effects of either, you will feel more confident; stronger; aggressive, and much more

likely to get involved in fights / conflict.

• Cocaine is the easiest controlled drug to detect

both externally and internally.


The Risks?

• Stimulant drug that strips calcium

from your bones

• Rots nasal septum

• Coke + Booze = Cocaethylene



Cannabis

• Cannabis locally is sold either as ‘resin’, or as ‘skunk’ (herbal)

• Wraps cost around £10

• Resin is not as popular as ‘skunk’ cannabis, as herbal is much more potent

• Street cautions are commonly used for personal possession – a criminal conviction which will affect your career; finance; travel; driving, and future.


The Risks?

• 85% of psychiatric admissions test positive for THC

• 3 joints = 20 fags

• Memory affected for up to 6 weeks




Amphetamine

• Stimulant

• ‘Fight or flight’ response

• Increased heart rate

• Increased blood pressure

• Tomorrow’s energy


• The highest purity value of SPEED found on users in London last year was only

9%



The Risks? ........... mind–blowing rush?……..




Ecstasy

•Brain swell

•Overheating

•Damage to brain cells



•Depletes Serotonin

•Long and short

term depression


The Risks? ……..


Long-term effect of

Ecstasy on monkey brain

cells


5 yrs, Fine (Both)

3 yrs, Fine (Both)

Class C

14 yrs, Fine (Both)

5 yrs, Fine (Both)

Class B

Life, Fine (Both)

7 yrs, Fine (Both)

Class A

SupplyPossession

The Risks? ……..


Police Powers to Search

A Police Officer may searchany person he reasonably suspects

to have in their possession any drug as defined in The Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 as

Class A or Class B

If necessary a STRIP search may be demanded


• Disastrous to employment prospects

• Many professions closed

• Restricted travel

• Restrictions on driving

• Restrictions on loans


Good To Go?........

Recreational Drug Use In Medway Several controlled substances are currently widely used in Medway:...

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