Current Drug Trends In Haringey

Cannabis is a widely used drug in Haringey, often perceived as ‘natural’ or less harmful than other substances. However, frequent cannabis use can have several negative effects, particularly on young people whose brains are still developing.

Risks and Effects:

• Mental health: Regular cannabis use can lead to anxiety, paranoia, and in some cases, trigger psychosis or exacerbate existing mental health conditions.
• Memory and concentration: Prolonged use can impair cognitive function, making it difficult to focus, learn, and remember information.
• Respiratory issues: Smoking cannabis, especially with tobacco, can damage the lungs, leading to chronic bronchitis and other respiratory conditions.
• Dependency: Cannabis can be addictive. Around 1 in 10 people who use it regularly develop a dependency.

Harm Minimization Tips:

• Avoid mixing with tobacco: This can reduce the risk of nicotine addiction and additional lung damage.
• Know your limits: If you choose to use, be mindful of how often and how much. Keep track to avoid increasing dependency.
• Take breaks: Avoid using every day and give your body and mind time to recover.
• Support available: If you or someone you know is struggling with cannabis use, reach out for support through our confidential services.

Vaping, particularly with nicotine, has grown in popularity in Haringey as a smoking alternative. While it’s often considered less harmful than smoking, there are still risks being aware of.

Risks and Effects:

• Nicotine addiction: Many e-liquids contain nicotine, which is highly addictive and can cause withdrawal symptoms, irritability, and anxiety when attempting to quit.
• Lung health: Though vaping is considered less harmful than smoking, it can still irritate the lungs and cause respiratory problems.
• Unknown long-term effects: Vaping is relatively new, and the long-term effects of inhaling substances like propylene glycol and vegetable glycerine are still being researched.
• Appeal to young people: Flavoured e-liquids can make vaping particularly appealing to young people, who may not fully grasp the risks associated with nicotine addiction and lung damage.

Harm Minimization Tips:

• Choose nicotine-free options: If you vape, consider using nicotine-free liquids to reduce the risk of addiction.
• Stay informed: New research on vaping is emerging regularly, so stay updated on health risks.
• Monitor your usage: Keep an eye on how often you’re vaping. Nicotine is highly addictive, and frequent use can make it harder to quit.
• Avoid illegal or unregulated products: These can contain harmful chemicals that aren’t found in regulated e-liquids.

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MDMA, often known as ecstasy, is a popular party drug that produces feelings of euphoria, empathy, and heightened sensory experiences. It’s typically taken as a tablet or capsule, but it can also be snorted or dissolved in liquid.

Risks and Effects:

• Dehydration and overheating: MDMA increases body temperature and heart rate, especially when used in hot environments like clubs or festivals. This can lead to dangerous dehydration or overheating (hyperthermia), which can be life-threatening.
• Mental health effects: Regular or heavy MDMA use can lead to anxiety, depression, and memory problems. Some users experience a ‘comedown’ after use, feeling irritable, exhausted, or low.
• Heart and liver damage: MDMA strains the cardiovascular system and can cause long-term damage to the heart and liver, especially with frequent use.
• Serotonin syndrome: Overuse of MDMA can lead to dangerously high levels of serotonin, causing confusion, agitation, seizures, or even death in extreme cases.

Harm Minimization Tips:

• Stay cool and hydrated: Drink small amounts of water regularly if using MDMA and take breaks from dancing to cool down.
• Know the dose and test the substance: Street MDMA can be mixed with other harmful substances. Using a reagent test kit can help verify its purity and reduce the risk of ingesting dangerous additives.
• Avoid regular use: MDMA affects serotonin levels in the brain, and frequent use can deplete them, leading to mood swings and depression. Taking long breaks between uses can help protect mental health.