Youth experimenting with synthetic drugs

Officials at the National Council on Substance Abuse (NCSA) are extremely concerned about an apparent increase in the use of synthetic and other dangerous drugs among young people.

Programme Officer Paulavette Atkinson voiced this concern as she responded to a number of videos that surfaced last weekend picturing numerous young males displaying signs of severe intoxication. She has also warned persons against making a spectacle of their friends and relatives instead of seeking medical attention for them. This could be the difference between life and death, she cautioned

One video showed a group of boys at a bus stop where they appear to displaying erratic behaviour. Another video showed a young man crouched in a bathroom sobbing uncontrollably as a guardian vowed revenge against the persons responsible.

Many online commentators sought to attribute the episodes to use of a substance known as ‘lean’, which contains hydro-codeine, alcohol and candy.

Atkinson noted that the substance is most popular in the US and is also used occasionally in Barbados. The drug is known to negatively affect users mentally and physically.

She however explained that the behaviours exhibited in the recent videos may well be tied to the use of synthetic drugs. According to the programme officer, synthetic drugs are chemicals compounds that are “concocted” to resemble popular substances that are both legal and illegal.

“For example, we have synthetic marijuana that is one of those man-made chemical compounds that mimics the more naturally cultivated cannabis. But it is very dangerous because these substances are made by persons who basically have no expertise and the user is not aware of what goes into the particular concoction,” Atkinson explained.

“So it may look like what people may have seen or encountered before, but really and truly, you don’t know what is really in that synthetic drug. In some cases, persons may exhibit symptoms similar to using cannabis, but it is extremely dangerous,” she added.

The use of drugs known as “ecstasy” or “molly” are also said to be growing in popularity, and the NCSA is working with law enforcement, communities, workplaces and schools to combat it.

“Certainly the emergence of any type of drug and behaviors associated with drug use is of concern to the NCSA and we have been closely monitoring the images and activity on social media. While we are not certain and cannot verify the exact substances used by the persons, we certainly are concerned,” the NCSA official added.

She further noted that among young men, the influence of peer pressure and feelings of belonging are significant factors influencing their decision to accept unusual substances.

“What was equally concerning to the NCSA is that there were bystanders in those respective videos who seemed to be poking fun at the people who are inebriated.”

“This is something that we want people to be aware of if they find themselves or other people in these situations. They should not seek to create even more adverse problems but try to get help and seek medical attention from legitimate sources, whether at a polyclinic or doctor for those people, because this could be the difference between a person’s life or the threat of long-term health problems. This could be averted if the persons witnessing those behaviours seek help,” Atkinson further warned.

“These are issues that are of concern and we always reiterate that people need to be informed so that they can make healthy choices and not be pressured into using substances because of peer groups and trying to fit in,” she added.
(kareemsmith@barbadostoday.bb)