Message goes out warning about the dangers of legal highs
Legal High guidance
The Highland Council has circulated guidance to secondary school pupils and parents ahead of the festive holidays on the dangers of legal highs.
All 29 secondary school head teachers have received a fact sheet to share with pupils explaining what a legal high drug is and outlining the likely effects they will have on the body. The fact sheet also explains that it is extremely dangerous to mix any drugs, including alcohol, and raises awareness to young people on the risk of having their drinks spiked. Guidance is also available for parents and carers with a list of helpful tips and advice on where to seek further information and help.
The Highland Council’s Chairman of the Adult and Children’s committee, Councillor Alasdair Christie said: “Because legal high drugs are so new, and because they are changing all the time, very little is known about them. By widely circulating the fact sheet to schools, youth workers, and young people it is hoped that this will contribute to reducing harmful behaviour over the festive period and beyond.
“Issues concerning drug and alcohol misuse are taught as part of the curriculum, and we are also developing a toolkit with other professionals including the police and health staff to ensure consistency of input across the area.
“There are also individual events where this is tackled such as Safe Highlander for all P7 pupils in Highland and the Rock Challenge event for Secondary pupils that communicates health and social education messages in a positive and supportive environment.”
Negative short term effects that users of legal highs have reported include nose bleeds, heart palpitations, changes in behaviour or personality, severe confusion, nausea and vomiting, anxiety and sleeplessness. Some legal highs can also cause psychosis and dependency.
Inspector Tom Ogilvie of Northern Constabulary said: “`Legal’” does not mean safe. The dangers of these so-called `legal highs’ are unknown and mixing them with another drug or alcohol, can result in even more severe consequences.
“We would strongly advise anyone against consuming any unknown substances and would urge anyone suffering from adverse effects to seek immediate medical attention.
“I would also ask anyone with information regarding the distribution of non-prescribed drugs to call 01463 715555 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.”
Deborah Stewart, Coordinator with the Highland Alcohol and Drug Partnership (HADP), said: "We are working in partnership with CREW 2000 and the Youth Action Service and have been rolling out training to staff in order to increase their knowledge of legal Highs so they can advise on the risks and provide support to young people and families.
"The Highland Alcohol and Drug Partnership will also be mounting a preventing overdose campaign over the festive period which includes information on risks associated with legal highs and other drugs as well as alcohol.
“It is important that young people are aware that these products – despite being labelled as legal – are not safe. Parents and carers have a vital role in this. They should make sure that their own knowledge about legal highs is accurate and as up-to-date as possible so that they can discuss them with their child and make their child aware of the possible risks.”
Some tips to help with this are –
1. Listen carefully to your child. Find the time and space to listen and talk with them – find out what they know and what, if any, worries they may have.
2. Young people often think that they know more than they do. So do some adults! If you don’t know, say so! And then suggest that you find out together!
3. Reassure your child that it’s OK not to take drugs – often young people feel that they have to try drugs and alcohol to be part of the crowd or be seen to fit in.
4. Try to establish a clear family position on drug and alcohol use. Explain the dangers and the reasons you have for not wanting them to experiment. Ask their views on news stories or TV story lines involving drugs or alcohol.
5. Praising your child will help to boost their self esteem and will encourage them to continue making good choices with their health. Always have positive expectations – always expect the best and not the worst.
6. Make sure you have clear rules about right and wrong behaviour
7. Repeat the messages whenever you can – listen carefully and find the time and space to talk with your child!
8. There is no set age for beginning to talk about drugs and alcohol but there are cases of very young children being offered these substances. Primary school aged children should know about the dangers of drugs and alcohol and this information can be built on as they grow older.
If you or someone you know wish to talk to someone for advice or information call the Know the Score Helpline 24/7 on 0800 587 5879. More information can be found at:
http://knowthescore.info
http://www.crew2000.org.uk/
http://choicesforlifeonline.org/