Harm reduction media release from ANEX (Australia):

from prism

PRISM: Psychedelic Research in Science & Medicine · 1,293 like this

10 hours ago · 


Harm reduction media release from ANEX (Australia):

Warning about fake LSD - overdose danger

There has been recent media attention about the tragic death of Henry Kwan from ingesting what is alleged to have been an NBOMe drug.

Psychologist and Addictions Studies Co-ordinator at Curtin University, Stephen Bright, fears a rise in demand for NBOMe drugs amongst people who are looking for LSD-type effects, but who underestimate how harmful they can be.

Mr Bright recently published research into the role of the media in increasing awareness and the subsequent use of new synthetic drugs. He said “the recent media interest is also likely to have unwittingly increased awareness about NBOMe drugs.”

“Consequently, there is a possibility that we will see an increase in NBOMe drugs being passed off as LSD.”

John Ryan, CEO of Anex, a not-for-profit harm reduction health organisation said “NBOMe drugs are relatively new so there is little information about their pharmacological effects and how they interact with other drugs. It is likely that they are more harmful than LSD, which is the drug that they are intended to mimic.”

Unlike LSD, NBOMe tabs can have strong physiological effects. Some NBOMe tabs are being sold online can contain up to four doses.

Mr Ryan said that one if the dangers was that its effects – the high - come on more slowly than those of LSD.

“Consequently, some people think that they are not working properly so they take more, which could cause a fatal overdose,” Mr Ryan said.

“We need to be realistic and understand that some people will continue to use these drugs. With this in mind, we need to promote messages that will help people to avoid overdose,” said Mr Ryan.

How to stay safe
If somebody is not 100 per cent sure that they have bought LSD, then:

• They should only take a 1/4 dose to begin with so they can judge the effects. If it is very weak after they have waited at least 90 minutes, only then should they consider taking more;
• They should avoid taking multiple tabs unless they are absolutely sure that they are taking real LSD.

People should never use psychedelics when they are alone. It is safest to share the experience with a more experienced guide, or with someone who is not taking any drugs but is knowledgeable about psychedelics and is able to provide support if needed.

People should ensure that they are in a stable mental state before taking any psychedelic drug and they have time to monitor their mental health.

Anex, a not-for-profit harm reduction health organisation dedicated to reducing the harms associated with drug use, is soon to release online messages to warn people about fake LSD and provide the above recommendation to reduce harm.

For further information, contact:

Stephen Bright, Psychologist and Addictions Studies Co-ordinator at Curtin University: 0419 143 773; [SBright [at] phcn [dot] vic [dot] gov [dot] au]

John Ryan, CEO, Anex via Dr Patrick Griffiths 03 9650 0699, mob: 0438 664 774. (p [dot] griffiths [at] anex [dot] org [dot] au)



Dr Patrick Griffiths
Communications and Research Liaison
Anex
95 Drummond Street
Carlton Vic 3053
F: +61 3 9650 0699
F: +61 3 9650 1600
M: 0438 664 774
E: p [dot] griffiths [at] anex [dot] org [dot] au
W: www.anex.org.au