Warning after 'number' of drug overdoses in Powys
A number of overdoses, including one death, are being blamed on fake drugs available over the internet according to a charity.
Kaleidoscope, a substance misuse charity, said that one person has died and three others have gone into intensive care with overdoses in Powys in the past month.
The organisation said that the increase was down to the purchase of fake drugs online.
Barry Eveleigh, service manager for Kaleidoscope’s drug and alcohol services in Powys, said: “Normally we have a small amount of overdoses involving heroin each year.
"To have this number of overdoses involving drugs bought over the internet in a few short weeks, and with such devastating effects, is deeply worrying.”
The charity said that the pandemic had limited the flow of drugs into the area, but had led to people turning to the internet instead.
They said drug users were buying fake prescription drugs like Benzodiazepines, believing they were safe because they have the same name as those supplied by GPs.
Risk
Kaleidoscope has warned that the fake drugs pose a greater risk of poisoning, overdose, and injury or death.
Mr Eveleigh said: "Initially someone may feel drowsy, which could potentially lead to unconsciousness, the risks are very serious.
"Worryingly people often believe fake medicines are safer than other types of illicit drugs, as they may think they’ve been through quality control.
"Given that taking medicine is so normalised in our society, this can create a perception of low risk, and even benefit.
"People may rely on their friends, rather than medical opinion, as to how many pills they should take.
"Unfortunately many fake Benzodiazepines aren’t safe – and the strength of the dosage often isn’t known until it’s too late.
"The risks increase when you combine benzo’s with alcohol. Both act as a respiratory depressant, and so using them together increases the chances of breathing difficulties, and even death.
"People should avoid buying or using tablets sold as Benzodiazepines, most often Diazepam, and commonly referred to as ‘Valium’. And also Temazepam and Alprazolam, often called ‘Xanax’.’"
