HSE issues advice to anyone who uses drugs to ‘start low and go slow’ this weekend

Concerns that the drug market is changing

Ahead of the October bank holiday, the HSE is issuing advice in relation to changes in the drug market and advising people to know the signs of a drug emergency.

Findings in the HSE Emerging Drug Trends Lab shows that most newer drugs are much more potent than traditional drugs, which adds extra risks for younger people who use them.

Our message is simple: while it is safer not to use, we encourage those who choose to use to take time to understand the risks, know what supports are available and know where to go for help wherever you are.

The HSE advises anyone attending events this weekend to know the signs of a drug emergency:

• A drug emergency can include a high temperature, headache or migraine, feeling generally unwell, confusion, anxiety or pains in the arms, legs or shins.
• Avoid mixing drugs. This includes mixing drugs with alcohol or prescription medication.
• Be in the know before you go. Drug strength and contents can vary, and products sold as MDMA may contain other substances or no MDMA at all.
• Stay with people you trust. Make sure no one is left alone and be a good bystander.
• Keep cool and stay hydrated. Take breaks from dancing and check in with yourself and others. Avoid drinking excessive amounts of water.

Avoid putting powders or crystals into drinks. This can result in taking too much too quickly and lead to a drug emergency.

• If you choose to use drugs, start low and go very slowly. Take a small amount and allow time to see how you react before taking more.

If in doubt, get it checked out.

• Don’t delay getting medical help. Medics are there to help and your wellbeing is the priority.

If you have a medical emergency, tell the medics what you have taken. If possible, give them any remaining substance so it can be analysed by the HSE.

If it’s pink, stop and think

The HSE has concerns about batches of pink powder which can vary in contents. One powder was analysed and found to contain 6 substances, with other samples containing a drug never identified before in Ireland (2-FMA).

Each batch of pink powder can differ in contents, meaning those purchasing are unaware of the contents, potency, and risks. The HSE also warns that what is sold as ‘pink cocaine’ most often does not contain any cocaine, but a ketamine mixture.

Dr David Weir, HSE consultant psychiatrist specialising in addiction, said: “Our advice is that the safest option is not to use these drugs at all. The HSE issued a warning in March this year about the risks associated with pink cocaine. It’s important to understand that pink cocaine is a street name, and not a reliable indication of what it might contain. Analysis of samples submitted to the HSE Emerging Drug Trends laboratory has shown that these products are not necessarily cocaine at all. We’ve identified a range of different substances in these samples, including ketamine, MDMA, cathinones and other drugs that have never been seen in the country before.  Our message is simple: if it's pink, stop and think.”

Powder and crystal forms of MDMA

The HSE is warning of changes in the MDMA market in Ireland, including the emergence of cathinones being sold as MDMA. The HSE is also aware of shifts in use from pills to MDMA powders and crystals, which also carry the same risk.

Nicki Killeen, HSE Emerging Drug Trends Manager, added: ‘’Within Europe, we are seeing a shift in the MDMA market in a number of countries. In Spain, Austria, the Netherlands and UK, a new drug called PMMA, or para-methoxy-methamphetamine, similar to MDMA but much stronger, has been circulating, causing overdoses and causing harm. This drug comes in a number of different varieties, for example Red Bull tablets and Donald Trump tablets.’’

Vapes

The HSE is concerned about some products that are being sold through shops and the black market across Ireland. As part of the HSE Drugs Early Warning System in Ireland, the HSE Emerging Drug Trends Laboratory has identified high-risk cannabinoids in vapes, vape ‘juice’ and other products such as ‘edibles’ sold in shops and the illicit market in Ireland. These substances have been linked to serious physical and mental health harms, including losing consciousness, severe intoxication, withdrawal, and cases of psychosis across different counties. HSE lab results show that products could be mislabelled as CBD or other cannabinoids but actually contain HHC or synthetic cannabinoids.

Anyone concerned about a young person's substance use can access information and support through the updated Parents Matter booklet (PDF, 1.8 MB, 32 pages).