A warning has been issued by the national addiction support service Change Grow Live after a number of people reportedly collapsed in St Helens, Merseyside. The charity stated that the incidents are believed to be linked to the synthetic cannabinoid drug 'spice', which is circulating in the area.
Charity Issues Urgent Alert
In a statement, Change Grow Live said: “We have had reports of a number of people overdosing/collapsing with what we believe has been linked to SPICE which is circulating in the area.” The charity added: “Reach out to us if you require any further support or advice. Look after each other.”
Health Risks of Spice
Spice is a street name for herbal smoking mixtures containing synthetic cannabinoids. According to advice issued by Change Grow Live St Helens, the drugs are highly addictive and toxic. The charity warned: “People have died after smoking spice. Spice is potent even when you take small doses and can lead to irregular heartbeat, seizures, chest pain, muscle damage, acute kidney injury, reduced consciousness (even coma), convulsions and psychosis.”
Safety Advice for Users
In advice to users, the charity recommended: “Sit down before you smoke spice as you may lose your balance, fall over or pass out. Spice is potent even at very low doses. Don’t smoke spice neat, always mix with tobacco. Start any new batch with a tiny match head sized test dose.”
Previous Incidents
Last summer, the Liverpool Echo reported that a “bad batch of spice” led to the death of an inmate at HMP Altcourse, with prison staff responding to numerous "code blue" medical incidents each day. A spokesperson for HMP Altcourse said at the time: "The safety and wellbeing of both staff and prisoners is our top priority and we deploy a range of tactics designed to tackle any drug-related issues when identified, working closely with healthcare partners." The spokesperson added: "The conveyance of drugs in any prison is illegal, and our staff work tirelessly to stop prohibited items from being introduced to the prison."
