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It is Drug arm Reduction Week here at UCCSU. In this article, learn more about drugs, how to be safe, and how to catch danger signs early.
Nitrous oxide is a depressant and dissociative drug that slows the body down and can cause a sense of detachment from yourself or your surroundings. It is commonly known as laughing gas, whippets, chargers, bulbs, NoS, N2O, or balloons.
Nitrous oxide is usually inhaled from a balloon. The gas is released into the balloon from small metal canisters known as whippets, using a whipped cream dispenser or a device called a cracker. Larger nitrous oxide containers can also be used to fill balloons directly.
Usage:
In Ireland’s 2021 European Web Survey on Drugs, 3.7 percent of adults reported using nitrous oxide in the previous year, while 23.3 percent said they had used it at some point in their lives. Use was highest among young adults aged 18 to 24, showing that almost one in four Irish adults have tried nitrous oxide.
Risks:
Inhaling directly from a canister can cause frostbite to the mouth and nose and may damage the throat and lungs. Regular or long term use can lead to vitamin B12 deficiency, which may cause nerve damage, pain or tingling in the fingers and toes, numbness, and changes in skin pigmentation. There is also a risk of suffocation if too much nitrous oxide is inhaled or if it is used continuously without taking breaths, as it can reduce oxygen levels in the body.
Reducing harm:
Nitrous oxide should never be inhaled directly from a canister or tank. It is safer to use in well ventilated spaces and not in confined areas such as cars. Sitting down can reduce the risk of falls caused by dizziness or loss of coordination. Using small amounts, taking breaks, and ensuring enough oxygen intake can reduce risk. Mixing nitrous oxide with alcohol, prescription medication, or other drugs increases harm. Frequent or heavy use is linked to long term health risks.
GHB, gamma hydroxybutyrate, and GBL, gamma butyrolactone, are depressant drugs often referred to as G or Gina. They can produce feelings of relaxation or euphoria at low doses, but only slightly higher doses can cause heavy sedation or unconsciousness. The difference between a dose that causes a high and a dose that causes someone to lose consciousness can be less than one millilitre, making overdose very easy.
G can be sold pre mixed or in pure form. In near pure form it tastes unpleasant and can cause burns. It is most commonly taken orally, mixed with water or soft drinks. Less commonly it may be snorted, inhaled, or injected.
Usage:
In Ireland UK chemsex surveys, around 6 percent of respondents from Ireland reported using chemsex associated drugs in the previous year, a category that typically includes GHB and GBL along with substances such as crystal meth, mephedrone, and ketamine. European emergency care data shows GHB and GBL were among the most commonly reported drugs in acute hospital presentations for drug toxicity in 2022.
Risks:
Reported risks include vomiting, confusion, paranoia, anxiety, aggression, hallucinations, twitching, and loss of muscle control. G is highly dose sensitive and can cause sudden unconsciousness. Dependence can develop quickly, and withdrawal can be dangerous without medical support.
Reducing harm:
G should always be carefully pre measured using a syringe barrel, pipette, or dropper marked in millilitres. Starting with a very small amount and waiting at least four hours before any further dose is important. Mixing G with alcohol or other drugs significantly increases the risk of overdose. Injecting G is extremely dangerous and should be avoided. Frequent use or using for more than two days in a row increases the risk of dependence. If someone has developed dependence, stopping suddenly can be dangerous and medical advice should be sought.
Cocaine is a strong but short acting stimulant drug, often called an upper. It usually appears as a white powder and is commonly snorted through the nose, but it can also be smoked or dissolved and injected.
Cocaine can make people feel more alert, energetic, and confident. However, it carries significant short and long term health risks, including dependence. People can react very differently to cocaine, even when taking similar amounts.
Usage:
Around 2.4 percent of people aged 15 to 64 in Ireland reported using cocaine in the past year, which is roughly one in forty adults. Nearly 9.3 percent of adults have tried cocaine at least once. Cocaine use is highest among young adults aged 15 to 34. It is currently the most common illegal drug presenting to addiction treatment services in Ireland and accounts for around 40 percent of all drug treatment cases excluding alcohol.
Risks:
Risks include anxiety, paranoia, hallucinations, aggression, insomnia, exhaustion, chest pain, heart attacks, strokes, seizures, kidney damage, and damage to the tissue inside the nose. Cocaine use can also increase the risk of dehydration, eating disorders, depression, loss of sex drive, and blood borne viruses such as HIV if injecting or sharing equipment.
Reducing harm:
Cocaine should be avoided by people with heart conditions, high blood pressure, mental health concerns, or during pregnancy. Drug strength and purity can vary, even within the same batch. Grinding cocaine into a fine powder can reduce nasal damage. Bank notes and unclean surfaces should not be used for snorting, and sharing equipment increases the risk of infection. Starting with a small amount and waiting at least two hours before further use can reduce risk. Mixing cocaine with alcohol or other drugs greatly increases harm. Medical help should always be sought if someone feels unwell or experiences severe mental distress after use.
Ketamine is a dissociative and psychedelic drug that can cause people to feel detached from themselves and their surroundings and may also produce hallucinogenic effects. It is an anaesthetic used in human and veterinary medicine.
Ketamine is usually sold as a grainy off white powder, but it can also appear in pills. In medical settings it is used in liquid form. Recreational use often involves snorting the powder, swallowing it, or placing it in drinks. Injecting ketamine carries high risk.
Usage:
Around 1 percent of adults aged 15 to 64 in Ireland reported using ketamine in the past year, and approximately 2 to 3 percent have tried it at least once. Use is more common among young adults aged 15 to 34. Ketamine related presentations to drug treatment and emergency services have increased in recent years, with health professionals reporting growing numbers of bladder and urinary problems among frequent users.
Risks:
Ketamine use can cause hallucinations, mood swings, depression, stomach cramps, and bladder damage. There is also a risk of contamination with other substances, which can increase harm. Frequent or high dose use is strongly associated with long term urinary and bladder problems.
Reducing harm:
Ketamine should be avoided by people feeling low, anxious, or experiencing mental health difficulties. It should only be taken in safe environments away from water or traffic. Eating a few hours beforehand can reduce nausea. Powders should not be taken from unclean surfaces, and bank notes should not be used for snorting. Using very small amounts first and avoiding mixing with alcohol or other substances can reduce risk.
Responding to overdose:
If someone becomes unwell, unconscious, or shows signs such as difficulty breathing, fitting, severe vomiting, or blue or pale skin, emergency services should be called immediately on 112 or 999. Place the person in the recovery position, do not give them more substances, and stay with them until help arrives. Being honest with medical staff about what was taken can save lives.
