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Latest Campaigns:
COCAINE AWARENESS DEC 2007
December, along with the DHSS
Public Health Directorate we will be raising awareness of
the issue of Cocaine in the Island aimed at 4 areas - The
effects of Cocaine on Mental Health, Cocaine use and it's
effect on work, Mixing Cocaine & Alcohol and Support for
those concerned about another's cocaine use.
Posters and leaflets -
including the Mixing Cocaine and Alcohol leaflet (Cocaethylene)
are being distributed across the Island but if you have been
missed or want some info, just send us an
email to the usual
address, let us know what you would like, which posters from
above and we'll get those out to you.
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Press Release December 2007
COCAINE
AWARENESS CAMPAIGN
This month sees the Drug Advice Service & Helpline (DASH)
join together with the DHSS Public Health Directorate to
raise awareness about the issue of Cocaine use on the Isle
of Man.
As
in the UK, the increased popularity of Cocaine is a concern
both for its potential to become a public health issue as
well as a burden on drug and criminal justice services.
Shelly Craig, Manager of the Drug Advice Service & Helpline
(DASH) said, ‘As a service we have been concerned for some
time about the increase in popularity of cocaine use. We are
seeing much the same shift as the UK where Cocaine is more
available and just as likely to be the drug of choice for
those working in the construction industry to those working
in the finance sector, to dinner parties and workplaces and
unfortunately it is becoming popular with young people
too.’
‘Historically there were areas of society
where drug use per se was unacceptable but cocaine never
really suffered from the negative press afforded to drugs
such as Heroin which may have lead to this change in
‘acceptability’ across society. Add to that the subtle (and
not so subtle) media messages that cocaine is a glamorous
drug used by the ‘celebrities’ and the rich, the
affordability and availability make it a drug attached to an
image and lifestyle some wish to buy into.
Dawn Henley,
Senior Health Promotion Officer said “Public Health is
delighted to be working with the Drug Advice Service and
Helpline (DASH) to raise awareness of risks associated with
cocaine use. There is a perception that
cocaine is clean, not harmful and not addictive – when the
opposite is true. This is an important message we need to
get across and we will be highlighting throughout the
campaign.
The campaign
will focus on four main areas, mental health effects, drugs
in the workplace, the risks of mixing alcohol and cocaine
and support for the family”.
Shelly
added, ‘Cocaine is far from a harmless drug, like any
illicit drug it’s not pure, the majority of cocaine users
who end up addicted ‘snort it’ and those who go on to inject
have further increased risks. Of particular concern are
those who mix alcohol and cocaine. Users
are often unaware that mixing alcohol and cocaine (or crack)
causes the production in the body of another drug called
cocaethylene. Unfortunately, this is more toxic to
the liver and exerts more of a strain on your heart than
cocaine or alcohol on their own and more damaging to the
liver, nervous system and respiratory system, which is a
significant health risk. Heavy drinking with cocaine or
crack increases the risk of seriously damaging your liver no
matter how old you are.’
‘Basically, if you do use regularly then get some
information about the risks. If you’re having to keep using
to avoid feeling ‘down’, you can’t control how much you’re
spending, it’s affecting your job or relationships then it’s
time to get some help. We are a confidential service and are
here to help so I would say to anyone who uses it, thinking
of using it or are concerned about someone else to give us a
call.
Poster and leaflets will be distributed across the Island
and anyone who would like information; advice or help can
contact the confidential Drug Advice Service & Helpline
(DASH) on 615622.
JUNE 2007
CANNABIS
SMOKING SERVICE
We are encouraging those whose who currently smoke Cannabis
to consider their use and if they would like to, think about
cutting down or stopping. There is growing evidence of the
issue of cannabis dependence and from our experience some
people do have difficulty stopping or cutting down. As well as one to one
appointments to help support you find what's best for you,
telephone support, we
have some great 'How to Quit' guides for those who want to
go it alone, info on cannabis all free of charge.
For those also addicted to Nicotine because of their
Cannabis smoking we can provide smoking cessation as part of
the Quit4You programme and Nicotine Replacement Therapy if
required. If you are not sure whether your cannabis use is a
problem or not, why not have a 'check - up'? This is a quick
10 minute assessment and there's no obligation for you to
engage with any service but an opportunity for you to take
stock - AND IT'S CONFIDENTIAL!
People who have tried
the mix of support with us and working towards their goals
have been very successful in the past 12 months. It's never
too late so if you have tried before and found it difficult
to stop or cut down - give us a call - you've nothing to
lose.
DRUGS & DRIVING
Launch Date 4th October 2006
In conjunction with Health Promotion, IOM Constabulary and
Road Safety.
The Department of Health and Social
Security’s Public Health Directorate along with Isle of Man
Constabulary, Department of Transport, DASH (Drug Advice
Service Helpline) and the Island’s pharmacists launch the
fourth phase of the ‘Choice’ Campaign.
This phase of the campaign aims to raise
awareness of the risks of driving while under the influence
of drugs. Drug driving is not just confined to illicit
drugs, prescription and over the counter medicines also
poses a threat to safety.
Many drivers
appear to be unaware of the dangers of driving under the
influence of drugs and that the consequences can lead to
serious and fatal injuries to the driver, passengers, other
road users and pedestrians.
Driving whilst unfit through drugs, whether
illegal, prescribed or over- the- counter medicines, is an
offence that carries the same penalties as drink driving.
Dawn Henley, Senior Health Promotion Officer
said “Both illegal and medicinal drugs can impact on a
driver’s ability to drive safely. Illegal drugs can affect
a driver in different ways depending on the type of drug and
the amount consumed, for example, cannabis can impair
concentration and affect a driver’s reaction times. Many
over-the-counter medicines, such as remedies for colds, flu
and hay fever can cause unwanted drowsiness which may impair
driving. When taking medication always read the label,
warnings about drowsiness are not always clear so, if the
label says “may cause drowsiness” assume it will do so.
Sergeant John Kinrade said “The Isle of Man
Constabulary treats drug driving in the same way as drink
driving. The offence is the same as is the penalties. Drug
driving not only relates to illegal drugs such as cannabis
and cocaine but also medicinal drugs and medicines that can
be brought over the counter or by prescription. Do not
drive whilst unfit through drink and drugs. Driving Drugs –
Not a safe Trip.
Illegal Drugs
-
Drugs can affect a driver’s behaviour and body in a
variety of ways (depending on the drug)
These can include:
-
Slower reactions
-
Poor concentration and confused thinking
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Distorted perception
-
Over confidence, resulting in taking unnecessary risks
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Poor co-ordination
-
Erratic behaviour
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Aggression, panic attacks or paranoia
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Blurred vision
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Tremors, dizziness, cramps
-
Severe fatigue the following day
The affects of illegal drugs in more detail
Impaired concentration, resulting in slower
driver reaction times. Impaired steering control and
co-ordination. The drug can also induce feelings of
paranoia, drowsiness and disorientation.
This stimulant drug can result in drivers
misjudging speed and stopping distances. The drug can give
drivers a feeling of overconfidence, which can lead to
aggressive driving and increased risk taking.
This stimulant drug has hallucinogenic
properties and can distort the driver's vision and affect
concentration. Drivers under the influence of "E" show a
significant decrease in their awareness of road dangers
followed by severe fatigue the following day.
This hallucinogenic drug can strongly
influence a driver's senses. Drivers may react to objects or
sounds that aren't there, placing themselves and other road
users in danger.
Opiates lead to slower reaction time,
lethargy, sleepiness and impaired co-ordination.
These drugs may impair driver reaction times
and can cause drowsiness.
Over- the-Counter Drugs
-
Many of the ‘over-the-counter’ treatments
for colds, flu and hay-fever that can be bought without a
doctor’s prescription also cause drowsiness which might
impair driving ability.
Prescription Drugs
-
For many medications it is difficult to
predict whether, how, when and for how long they will
affect a person’s ability to drive safely. A driver may
not even notice that they have been impaired until it is
too late. The effects depend on how much, how often and
how a medicine is used, plus the psychological and
physical attributes of the person taking it.
Some medicines may cause:
-
Drowsiness
-
Dizziness or feeling light-headed
-
Difficulty concentrating
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Feeling edgy, angry or aggressive
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Feeling nauseous or otherwise unwell
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Reduced coordination, including shaking
-
Feeling unstable
For further information contact:
Dawn Henley, Senior Health Promotion Officer
Tel: 642144
Sergeant John Kinrade
Tel: 631449
Shelly
Craig, DASH (Drug Advice Service Helpline) Tel:
615622
Gordon Edwards, Road Safety Manager
Tel: 686901
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
WORLD HEPATITIS AWARENESS DAY
1ST OCTOBER 2006
Information leaflets, fact sheets
and posters are being distributed across the Island in
conjunction with the
Hepatitis C Trust.
Hepatitis is a virus which attacks the liver. You do not
have to be an injecting drug user to catch it and there are
number of ways in which it is transmitted. It is estimated
500,000 people in the UK have Hepatitis C but only 1 in 10
of those have been diagnosed. It is often called the 'silent
killer' and you may not feel any symptoms. See our
HEPATITIS PAGE
for further info and local contact details on hepatitis. For
an information leaflet or poster please EMAIL us with your
name and address with 'HEP C' in the Subject box and we'll
pop info in the post for you.
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