Key Takeaways
- Multiple people have been hospitalized in Auckland due to synthetic drug use, with a sharp increase in hospitalizations reported in the last 24 hours.
- Synthetic cannabinoids can be deadly, with 117 reported deaths in New Zealand since 2017.
- The drugs can cause a range of severe symptoms, including loss of consciousness, seizures, chest pains, and temporary paralysis.
- Extreme caution is needed when consuming synthetic drugs, especially in the Auckland region.
- Free and confidential drug checking services are available to test the safety of synthetic drugs.
Introduction to Synthetic Drug Use
The use of synthetic drugs has been linked to multiple hospitalizations in the Auckland region, with a warning issued by High Alert, a drug watchdog. The cases have been linked to synthetic cannabis, with further analysis to be done by PHF Science to determine the specific synthetic cannabinoid responsible. The sharp increase in hospitalizations is a serious concern, with extreme caution needed when consuming synthetic drugs. Synthetic cannabinoids can vary in strength, and what may be a safe dose for one person can be a fatal dose for another. The drugs are often diluted and sprayed onto plant material, making it harder to predict the strength of the effects.
The Dangers of Synthetic Cannabinoids
Synthetic cannabinoids can be deadly, with 117 reported deaths in New Zealand since 2017. The Drug Foundation’s executive director, Sarah Helm, warned that the drug has caused a number of fatalities and that the number of hospitalizations is really concerning. Synthetic cannabinoids tend to be used by people who are facing challenges, such as mental health issues or experiencing homelessness. The signs to look out for when someone has taken synthetic cannabinoids include loss of consciousness, having seizures, chest pains, or being very agitated. It is essential to check on people who may have taken the drug, especially if they are alone or appear to be unwell.
Characteristics of Synthetic Drugs
Synthetic drugs are usually described as white, off-white, or yellow/brown powders that are dissolved and sprayed onto dehydrated plant material and smoked. There is often a chemical smell that is noticeably different from cannabis. The effects of synthetic cannabinoids can be made worse if used with alcohol or other drugs or medications, if a person is unwell, or if they are experiencing mental distress. People who have taken the drugs can collapse, foam at the mouth, or experience temporary paralysis. It is crucial to be aware of the potential risks and symptoms associated with synthetic drug use.
Precautions and Support
Anyone who chooses to use synthetic drugs should take precautions to minimize the risks. It is recommended to test a small amount first to see how it affects them and not to use the drug alone. Free and confidential drug checking services, such as those run by KnowYourStuffNZ, the New Zealand Drug Foundation, and DISC Trust, are available to test the safety of synthetic drugs. If someone is with somebody who is using synthetic cannabinoids or comes across a homeless person who appears to be unwell, they should check that they are still breathing and call 111 immediately if they are experiencing any severe symptoms.
Conclusion and Recommendations
The use of synthetic drugs is a serious concern, with a sharp increase in hospitalizations reported in Auckland. It is essential to be aware of the potential risks and symptoms associated with synthetic drug use and to take precautions to minimize the risks. Free and confidential drug checking services are available to test the safety of synthetic drugs. If someone is experiencing severe symptoms after taking synthetic cannabinoids, it is crucial to call 111 immediately. By being aware of the dangers of synthetic cannabinoids and taking steps to minimize the risks, we can work towards reducing the number of hospitalizations and fatalities associated with synthetic drug use.
