Teenagers most likely to try drugs this New Years Eve
As the party season draws to its inevitable climax this New Years Eve, research from the national drugs information service, FRANK, reveals that this is the night of the year that teenagers are most likely to try out drugs.
Just over one in ten anticipate they will come under pressure to try drugs for the first time in their life on this night.
Despite the hypocritical feelings that some parents may face as they think back to their youth, they should bear in mind that ten per cent of teenagers interviewed anticipate doing something they will regret.
More than 56 per cent of teens think that New Year’ Eve is a good excuse to get drunk though they are more likely to be one of the 62 per cent of those planning a house party or clubbing with their mates rather than attending the same party as their parents.
Jane Haywood, FRANK spokesperson, said: “For many, New Year’s Eve is an excuse for one final big night out before resolving to turn over a new leaf in the New Year. For all those with party plans, being savvy about the risks and effects associated with drugs before you hit the town will enable you to make an informed decision and even help you resist pressure to try them.
“Stick with your mates, don’t do anything you’re not comfortable with and take it easy if you start to feel out of control. Combining drugs with alcohol can be lethal and even worsen some drug’s nasty side effects. Drugs such as cocaine and ecstasy can make you lose your inhibitions, which may sound great but could leave you in a potentially risky situation. And remember that drug driving is illegal – so make sure your lift home is sorted before you leave the house.
“Essentially, KISS! Know the facts about drugs. Inform your mates if you take something. Stay with your friends and Send for help.”
What to do when drugs go wrong – Get help immediately.
Overheated on the dance floor
There’s a real chance of blackouts, collapse, fainting or fits if you get heat-exhaustion or heat stroke when you’re on pills on the dance floor.
Symptoms:
Feeling dizzy and sick Headaches, cramps or aches.
Stopping sweating, difficult breathing and not being able to wee are all signs that your body temperature is getting dangerously high.
If you notice any of these symptoms take a break and find somewhere to cool off (but not outside, you could go into shock if you get too cold).
Sip water or a non-alcoholic drink slowly, but beware, too much water consumption can also be dangerous. You should consume no more than a pint of non-alcoholic fluid, such as water, fruit juice or an isotonic drink every hour.
Anxiety attack
If someone on drugs starts to get stressed and panicky, or experience a bad trip:
Get them away from noise and lights to somewhere calmer.
Chat to them, calm them down by making them feel looked after.
If they get worse, get help.
Common drug Symptoms
Cocaine: confusion, dizziness, dry throat, erratic breathing (short gulps followed by deep gulps), rapid heart beat and chest pains
Speed: fatigue, disorientation and eventual collapse is a sure-fire sign of over-dosing
Ecstasy: overheating, dehydrating, hyperventilating, passing out
GHB: breathing trouble, convulsions, and in extreme cases, coma
Ketamine: sickness, nausea, slurring speech and near or total paralysis
Magic Mushrooms: diarrhoea, sickness, cramps, breathlessness, blackouts
Heroin: slow or erratic breathing, tiny pupils, semi-consciousness, lips and skin turning blue
Emergencies: What to do if someone falls unconscious
Don’t panic. Do get help immediately. Dial 999 for an ambulance
Remember, you won’t get into trouble with the authorities for having taken drugs – paramedics don’t call the police unless there has been a fatality. Place them on their side in the recovery position
Stay with them until the ambulance comes: try to keep calm
If you know what they have taken, tell the ambulance crew or paramedic as soon as they arrive. Then keep yourself and others clear to allow them to do their job
For friendly, confidential advice and information at any time of the day or night, talk to FRANK on 0800 77 66 00 or visit www.talktofrank.com.