Issued: 23 December 2009
Angus Drugs Partnership Issues Warning On Bubbles
The Angus Alcohol and Drugs Partnership (AADP) is warning young people of the dangers of the drug bubbles, following five instances in Tayside of overdose, with two people being hospitalised.
Bubbles is a local name for a substance, the main ingredient of which is a research chemical called mephedrone. Possession of the drugs can lead to arrest and possibly to more serious charges.
Health risks linked to bubbles include increased heart rate, agitation, irritability, dizziness, nausea and severe vomiting, increased blood pressure and over stimulation of the heart and nervous system, leading to fits. Severe nose bleeds have also been reported by those that have snorted it, and some users have also experienced anxiety and paranoid states.
Dr Robert Peat, chair of the AADP said this week: "In my opinion, there is no doubt that those taking bubbles are placing themselves at risk of affecting their health.
"I would encourage young people in Angus to consider the negative affects associated with taking bubbles and make a positive choice not to take the drug.
He explained there has been growing concern in Angus about the use of bubbles amongst young people.
"There have been no clinical studies to determine the long term effects of mephedrone on the human body, " he said, "so the very clear message is that the long term effects could be detrimental to health and anyone taking bubbles is taking a risk with their own health. Mixing bubbles with alcohol or other drugs can add to the negative effectives. "
He added: "Another area of concern is that the buyer does not know what is in the capsules and is again putting themselves at risk. There has been a very recent unfortunate example where heroin in Glasgow has been contaminated with anthrax and at least one person has died as a result. Although anthrax has not been linked to bubbles, this only highlights the general danger of purchasing drugs."
The Angus Alcohol and Drugs Partnership is encouraging young people, parents and other members of the public concerned about bubbles to visit the cool2talk website, which gives up to date information on the drug.