The government has launched a new drugs awareness campaign to alert young people to the dangers of ketamine, synthetic opioids in counterfeit medicines and adulterated THC vapes.
Full press notice available here: Young people given stark warning on deadly risks of taking drugs – GOV.UK
As part of the campaign, experts will highlight particular risks including:
- The potentially irreparable damage ketamine can cause to your bladder
- The dangers of counterfeit medicines containing deadly synthetic opioids purchased online
- The risks from so-called ‘THC vapes’ that often contain dangerous synthetic cannabinoids like spice rather than THC.
Resources will be available for schools and universities and local public health teams with content available on FRANK, the drug information website. Influencer content will be posted on social media platforms such as Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat. Factsheets for education settings are attached.
Awareness Fact Sheet – THC Vapes
Awareness Fact Scheet – Ketamin
Awareness Fact Sheet – Medicines
FRANK pages:
Page to request factsheets: New frank campaign launches today to raise awareness of the risks of prolonged use of Ketamine. | FRANK
Link to harms on synthetic opioids: Drugs cut with dangerous substances | FRANK
Ketamine: Ketamine | Effects of Ketamine | FRANK
Synthetic cannabinoids: Synthetic cannabinoids | Effects and Risks | FRANK
Links to film content:
Ketamine: Ket: While each high lasts minutes. For some the damage to their bladder could last forever.
Support in Northumberland:
For support for young people within Northumberland in relation to substances, Sorted are the Drug and Alcohol Service and can provide education, advice and 1:1 support. For more information, please visit https://www.northumberland.gov.uk/children-young-people-and-families/young-people/sorted
And to make a referral please follow Sorted Referral
