Whats new in Darlington Signs and symptoms Ronnie Bage Drug and Alcohol Education Officer

Crystal Meth (May 2012) Crystal Meth is a highly addictive and dangerous drug, it is a powerful stimulant and is linked to the onset of psychosis in some people. It can be seriously damaging to physical and mental health. It is believed that a batch of cannabis and legal highs including jolly greens, bubble, and blue balls have been contaminated.

Cathinones (2010) What are cathinones? The chemical cathinone is a naturally occurring stimulant drug found in the plant, Khat. Cathinones are the family of related chemicals, including cathinone and many synthetically produced chemicals, like mephedrone, methylone (M1) and MDPV. Cathinones are cousins of the amphetamine family of drugs, which includes amphetamine itself (speed) and MDMA (ecstasy), and which have similar effects. Cathinones were sold online and in headshops as so called legal highs until they became Class B drugs in April 2010.mephedronespeedecstasy

What are Cathinones? Cathinones can cause feelings of euphoria and empathy as well as increasing alertness and talkativeness. In a situation of only recently-emerging evidence on what are the exact effects and risks each of the different cathinones, it is accepted that they broadly have a balance of effects similar to amphetamines (speed) and to MDMA (ecstasy).

Street names of Cathinones Tomato plant fertiliser Bubble MCAT NRG 1 Jollies Jolly green granules Blue balls Bath salts

Signs & Symptoms Alcohol Physical indicators Bruises, clumsy, staggering walk, stomach cramps, Dehydration, (delirium, tremors) DTs Eyes glazed red Behavioural indicators Aggressive body language, argumentative, babbling, changing hobbies, Talking rubbish, disruptive, forgetfulness, giggling, irrational behaviour, Little/no appetite, rebellious, slurred speech, not attending school Emotional indicators Loss of spark, light, low/no self esteem, mood swings, suicidal thoughts.

Signs & Symptoms Cannabis Physical indicators Appetite changes, bruises, changed energy levels Constipation, manipulated money, poor dental hygiene, pinned pupils, bloodshot eyes, brown or burnt fingertips. Vomiting Behavioural indicators Babbling, changing hobbies, forgetfulness, giggling, rebellious, not attending school, verbal diarrhoea Emotional indicators Loss of spark, light low/no self esteem, mood swings, paranoia

Signs & Symptoms Stimulants Physical indicators Appetite changes, changed energy levels, constipation, cramps, dehydration Fidgeting, excess energy levels, dental hygiene, high temperature Dilated pupils, sniffing all the time, weight loss Behavioural indicators Aggressive body language, argumentative, babbling, changing friends, Changing sex drive, talking rubbish, disruptive, irrational behaviour, little/no appetite, out of character behaviour, not attending behaviour, verbal diarrhoea Emotional indicators Mood swings, paranoia

Signs & Symptoms VSA (Volatile substance abuse) Physical indicators Acne, sores, clumsy, staggering walk Lack of hygiene, smells of solvents, Vomiting, stomach complaints, eye infections and coughs. Behavioural indicators Aggressive body language, disruptive, irrational behaviour Little/no appetite, rebellious, not attending school Emotional indicators Low/no self esteem, mood swings, neglect, paranoia, suicidal thoughts

Support

What is Switch? We are a team of Drug and Alcohol workers working with Young People aged years. We provide an holistic individual and flexible approach to Young People experiencing problems with substance misuse.

Who is Switch for? Individuals who have any one or more of these problems: Experiencing problems as a result of alcohol, drug or solvent use Having problems stopping or cutting down their alcohol, drug or solvent use Needing to use alcohol, drugs or solvents to feel normal Needing to take drugs to get through the day Injecting drugs Spending most of their time drinking, taking drugs or trying to get hold of them.

How does Switch work? Young people can be referred to SWITCH by anyone - professionals, parents, carers or even the young people themselves A choice of appointment, time and place will be discussed Confidentiality is explained and agreed on the first appointment A key worker will be allocated Individual care plan will be agreed Everything will be discussed, planned and agreed with the Young Person

Our Address: Switch Darlington Beaumount Street West Darlington DL1 5SX Tel: Fax: Website: Find us at

Thank you Any Questions?