Anyone knows about any research on the impact of the cost of living crisis on recreational drug use, especially among young people?
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#harmreduction is our mission, our motto & our mantra! Here are the 10 highest strength pills tested by the Loop this summer, all 200+mg MDMA. These pills, like most tested by the Loop in 2019, contain 2+ x an average adult dose of MDMA. Take care of each other๐#StartLowGoSlow
CAUTION advised this weekend, after multiple hospitalisations & a fatality last weekend, all suspected MDMA overdoses, all in Bristol area.
No lab testing yet to confirm contents or strength but high strength pills are suspected.
PLEASE:
#GoSlowStayLow#takequarterandsipwater
Taking drugs is risky - but it's much more risky when you're guessing what they contain.
Checking your drugs is a key thing you can do to reduce your risk of coming to harm.
If you like what we do, support our work & letโs widen access to drug checking.
wearetheloop.org/donate
The Loopโs #harmreduction MDMA & ketamine infographics are available. Ideal for student unions, halls of residence & blocks of flats. Email us for a free super high res version.
Take care of yourselves, each other & donโt hesitate to seek medical help if needed. #GoSlowStayLow.
Momentous news from Parliament: the House of Commons Health & Social Care Committee supports "the introduction of on-site drug checking services at festivals & in night time economies" (HC143, 2019: 25). Other recommendations include decriminalisation, HAT, DCRs & naloxone.
Obviously @lostvillagefest is just 1 festival & a snapshot of wider trends, but the substances of concern in circulation in 2021 were markedly different to 2019.
~1/2 our MDMA samples were missold cathinones.
Here are our 4 key alerts: for 4-CMC, 3-MMC, eutylone, & caffeine.
Some of the Loop @lostvillagefest crew packing up to leave after 4 long days testing in 30C+ lab. Over 500 samples tested including medical emergencies due to high strength pills, that we prioritise. Thanks to all onsite agencies. Safe travels everyone & see you next year! ๐๐๐
Heatwave essential reading: you have a right to free water! UK licensed premises have a legal obligation to provide customers wth free potable (drinking) water. You do not have to buy bottled water in pubs, clubs or festivals (Mandatory Conditions 2014: 7) assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uplโฆ
Why yes, of course.
โJust say noโ has been UK drug policy for over 50 years, which may have worked for 2/3 of young people.
What happens to the 1/3 of young people, however, who donโt listen & who try drugs? Do we just let them overdose & die? Thatโs the target of harm reduction.