WEBSITE TO GIVE ADVICE ON DRUGS

A new website aimed at clubbers who take drugs tells first-time users to
consider taking half a pill rather than a whole one, and tells them how to
avoid nasal damage if snorting cocaine.

Detailed information on the physical and psychological effects and
potential side effects of a range of drugs, as well as advice on safer use,
is included on the website, www.clubscene.ie.

The website's creators insist it neither condemns nor condones drug use and
that the information is designed to help drug-users make informed decisions.

However, the site may attract criticism similar to that faced by UCD
students' union six years ago when it advised first-time users of ecstasy
to take only half a tablet. This advice in a campus ecstasy information
campaign was criticised by the National Parents' Council for legitimising
use of the drug.

The club scene website has been created by Merchant's Quay Ireland, an
experienced voluntary organisation working with drug users in Dublin which
consistently advocates harm reduction measures.

Its director of services, Mr Tony Geoghegan, said the website was developed
because there was little accurate independent information for dance
drug-users who are interested in harm reduction.

The site includes guidelines for people caring for users experiencing a
"bad trip" as well as legal and practical information for pub and club owners.