Current Trends: NPS and Young People in Midlothian

Contents 1. Overview of MYPAS services 2. A warning from history and an experts view 3. Emerging trends in Midlothian 4. One to one support – drug of choice and how old? 5. Trends – factors affecting change 6. Young people’s NPS of choice: introducing Synthetic cannabinoids 7. Key points 8. Contact Details

Overview of MYPAS Services Sexual health = Drop-ins in Dalkeith, Bonnyrigg and Penicuik Mental health = Counselling, Art Therapy and Family Counselling Substance use = One to one support, group work and educational inputs

In 2009 the Sun ran the following headline about mephedrone: “Legal drug teen ripped his scrotum off” Other myths the media often repeated during 2010: mephedrone had led to the deaths of over 20 people (not one coroner blamed these solely on the drug) teachers were unable to confiscate the drug from pupils Mephedrone: a warning from history

An expert’s view on mephedrone “Mephedrone was the perfect drug….Water-soluble, not that toxic, and a very effective stimulant. Enormously enjoyable, users say, and very profitable for the dealers. People absolutely loved it. Well, they still do, actually – Britain is awash with the stuff.” John Ramsey – Toxicologist at St George’s Medical School

Emerging trends in Midlothian Handle this information with care: Alcohol still widely used Increasing use of energy drinks More reporting of cannabis use More reporting of use of New Psychoactive Substances – synthetic cannabinoids Ecstasy makes a comeback Increased reporting of use of Diazepam

One to one support – drug of choice April 14 to end Dec 14 = 46 young people engaged in on-going support (22 female and 24 male) Primary drug of choice reported at assessment: Cannabis:25 (13 also reported use of NPS) Alcohol:13 NPS:6 Ecstasy:1 Diazepam:1

One to one support – how old? Age range (at time of referral): 12 years:1 13 years: 7 14 years: years: years:13

Trends – factors affecting change Cost Purity Prevalence Legal status Social acceptability

Young people’s NPS of choice: introducing Synthetic cannabinoids First on sale in the early 2000s Often powder/crystal form – sprayed onto inert plant material Varying degrees of potency – pinch the size of a match head is an active dose £5 to 20 per gram – cheaper than cannabis Mostly smoked (joints, bongs) can be eaten Legality – regularly changes. Bags sold can include illegal chemicals.

Cost of synthetic cannabinoids Cost of synthetic cannabinoid brands sold in well known head shop in Edinburgh on the 29 th July 2014 Cheapest brands listed: Diesel, Hazel, Amnesia, Puff, Blend 88 1g - £5, 4g - £17.50, 0.5oz - £50, 1oz - £90 More expensive brands: Chillum Black and Puff Adder: 1g - £13, 3g - £22 Gold Seal: 1g - £12, 3g - £26 Soft Black: 1g - £8, 3g - £20 Dutchy: 1g - £8, 3g - £18 Flavoured variety: Herb – ½ g £5, 3½ g - £20

Synthetic cannabinoids Effects: Some people may get the giggles, feel hunger pangs and become very talkative. Others get more drowsy. Mood and perception can change and concentration and co-ordination may become difficult. Some will have quite bad reactions. Paranoia, panic attacks, vomiting, aggression and forgetfulness are all associated with use Dependency and withdrawals

Key points Is everything you read or are told about NPS true? Numbers of young people reporting NPS use has increased in the past few years More 12 to 14 year olds are being referred for support The popularity of drugs (including NPS) can change over short periods of time Synthetic cannabinoids are readily available, attractively packaged for young people, cheaper than cannabis and often more potent

Contact details Paul Hunter (Team Leader) Midlothian Young People’s Advice Service (MYPAS) Tolbooth Hall 176 High Street Dalkeith EH22 1AY Tel: Fax: Web: