CONCERNS FOR GROWING USE OF 'PARTY DRUG' IN ROYAL BOROUGH

Pockets of people experimenting with the new 'party drug' are
springing up across the Royal Borough.

With increased reports of people using ketamine, the Royal Borough's
Drug and Alcohol Action Team (DAAT) is warning about the dangerous
effects of the drug known as the 'new ecstasy'.

Recreational use of the class C drug, produced as a horse
tranquilliser, is increasing nationally and in 2008 was revealed to be
the fastest growing 'party drug' among 16 to 24-year-olds.

Di Wright, DAAT manager and commissioner, said: "We have noticed there
has started to be a lot more of an increase over the last six months.
We didn't have any cases before that but we're getting pockets of
people coming to our treatment centres now."

"It's nowhere near as popular as other drugs but we don't want it to
be. We want to stop it before it becomes the next party drug."

Mixing ketamine with other substances can cause dangerously high blood
pressure, unconsciousness, death or long-term bladder damage."

For questions and advice call the borough's advice and treatment
service, T2, on 01628 683260.