Time for action over chemical killers

DANGERS of so-called legal highs are highlighted by Georgia Loynds and Andrew Shillito

DANGEROUS legal highs should be renamed lethal highs to raise awareness of their risks.

Members of Oldham Youth Council last night told the full council meeting that councillors must recognise legal highs as a high priority issue and should commit to supporting work to rid the borough of their effects.

New Psychoactive Substances - commonly known as legal highs - are designed to mimic the effects of other illegal drugs such as cannabis, cocaine and heroin. They are commonly manufactured in China or India and are imported here by mail before being distributed in similar ways to illegal drugs, and in some cases in shops

A small change in chemical ingredients can result in the creation of new sustances that at least for a time are freely available because they aren’t on a banned list.

Youth council member Georgia Loynds said: “Though they are known as legal highs, this can be a misleading title. Many of these substances are under the control of the misuse of drugs act, but by naming them as legal highs, many young people believe they are safe to use, and aren’t as harmful as illegal substances. This is far from true.”

A variety of substances, including stimulants, tranquillisers, hallucinogens, synthetic cannabinoids (which mimic the effect of cannabis), are easily accessible.

Georgia continued: “People take these for the same reasons people use other drugs, because they enjoy the effects. They offer escapism, relaxation, shared social experiences and adventure. People believe these are legal, which adds to the attraction.

“There is little information about long-term effects, but short-term use risks include overdose or seizures, temporary psychotic states and unpredictable behaviour.”

Georgia added:: “We believe a better name for these substances is lethal highs - as the ultimate price someone could pay is death.

Oasis, Oldham’s young people’s drug and alcohol service, says just over a quarter of their clients use legal highs, but the problem is widespread among older users, the average age of whom is around 40.

Work is already underway to address the issue in Oldham. A range of agencies is developing a co-ordinated approach, and youth councillors want more work in schools to educate pupils about the dangers.

The proposal was supported unanimously by all members of Oldham Council.