December update 2021

Not everyone will use drugs this festive season, but for those who choose to, we want to raise awareness of the current risks and encourage people to reduce the harms. It is always safer not to use drugs at all, if you do, be in the know on the below points.

The latest drug trends

We’re concerned about the content and purity of drugs at the moment. Club drugs such as MDMA and cocaine have been increasing in strength throughout Europe and can increase the risk of overdose. However, the market is becoming more adulterated and new and unknown substances could appear in pills, powders and crystals.

The Loop UK recently found Metaphedrone (3-Methylmethcathinone, 3-MMC), Clephedrone (4-Chloromethcathinone, 4-CMC), Pentylone (N-ethylpentylone) and Eutylone (bk-EBDB, n-ethylbutylone ) in a variety of MDMA pills, powders and crystals.These substances are strong stimulants which can produce stimulation and mild euphoria
with less empathogenic effects compared to MDMA. People are at risk of over consuming by re-dosing, mistaking the substance for weak MDMA. Learn more about substances which have appeared in MDMA in Europe here.

Synthetic cannabinoids have been found in herbal mixtures, vape and edible products in Ireland. These increase your risk of unwanted effects, becoming unwell and overdose. These substances have been linked with poisonings and deaths internationally.You may not be able to visually tell if a product contains cannabis or a synthetic cannabinoid.

Signs of concern to look out for after consuming cannabis products include: feeling dizzy, confusion, abnormal sweating, respiratory issues (difficulty breathing), chest
pain/rapid heartbeat, nausea and vomiting, agitation, aggression, psychotic behaviour, hallucinations, delusions, seizures or fits, sudden loss of consciousness.

Check in with yourself

These are tough times and you could be in a different headspace. Avoid using drugs if you feel low, anxious, depressed or have mental health concerns. Using could make
your feelings worse.

Think about the setting you are in

Where are you and who are you with? Using in new settings or settings you have not been in for a while can impact on how you react to drugs. Be with people you trust. Using in isolated locations is a concern as no medical support may be available. It can be helpful to have one non substance using friend. It is important to get medical help immediately if someone becomes unwell, the medics are there to support you.

Use one drug at a time: Mixing drugs increases the risks

Mixing drugs, including alcohol and prescription medication can lead to unwanted and unpredictable effects and increases your risk of overdose.

Learn about drug combinations and interactions on drugs.ie.

Take a test dose: Start low and go very slow

Pace yourself and take a small amount. With high strength and new drugs in
circulation, it is important to start with smaller amounts. If you don’t feel as expected, consider binning it.

Know the signs of a club drug overdose

Temperature, hot flushed or sweaty skin, chest pain, rigid muscles, muscle pain or spasms, difficulty breathing, confusion,headache and seizures can all be signs of a medical emergency.

Don’t be afraid to get medical help

Get help immediately at a venue or by calling 999/112. If in doubt about
someone’s physical or mental health, don’t delay getting help.

Harm reduction resources

A series of harm reduction resources are available from drugs.ie/campaigns

Get support for you or a loved one

The HSE Drug and Alcohol Helpline is available Monday - Friday from 9:30 am - 5:30 pm on 1800 459 459 or email helpline@hse.ie.

You can also search for a local support service on our site here