Mephedrone drug warning for summer holidays

The Royal Borough's drug and alcohol action team (DAAT) is once again warning of the dangers of taking a drug called mephedrone following an increase in referrals to their Turning Point young people's treatment service.

Information on the drug including a poster and a local girl's account of her experience of the drug has been sent out to schools and youth clubs across the borough.

Mephedrone was originally a 'legal' high, but was classified as a Class B drug in April 2010 following its links to a number of deaths.

Mephedrone is a powerful stimulant, a synthetic drug which is closely related to amphetamines. It can be found as a white or off-white often crystal-like powder or in the form of pills. It is usually snorted up the nose or swallowed if taken in pill form. It can also be 'bombed' (the powder is wrapped in paper and swallowed). It is more commonly known on the streets as drone, magic, bubble or miaow miaow.

The effects of mephedrone are often described as similar to a mix of amphetamine, cocaine and ecstasy. These effects - which generally last around an hour and then begin to wear off - include:

• alertness
• restlessness
• euphoria
• excitement
• the urge to talk
• increased sex drive
• increased confidence
• feelings of affection.

Mephedrone use can also cause nosebleeds and can over-stimulate the heart causing palpitations; cause headaches, nausea/vomiting, anxiety and feelings of paranoia; and affect the circulation (some users report cold or blue fingers). It also risks over stimulating the nervous system causing hallucinations, agitation and fits and can be fatal if mixed with alcohol or other drugs.

Di Wright, DAAT manager and commissioner, said: "Fortunately the Royal Borough does not have a huge drug problem but anything we can do to provide young people and their friends and families with information on mephedrone is for the good.

"We can't stop young people experimenting with drugs but we can offer advice and support."

The DAAT has produced a free Families' Guide for Drugs and Alcohol. To get a copy, call 01628 796362 or email daat@rbwm.gov.uk

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