DRUG ALERT (Nitazenes)

 

Please be aware if you use non – opiate powders/liquids/tablets (cocaine, crack cocaine, benzos, ketamine etc), we have seen a rise in overdoses, due to these substances being cut with opioids such as Nitazenes. Opioids are synthetic versions of opiates that can be much stronger than heroin. Nitazenes can be stronger than heroin and fentanyl and can be cut into fake medication that looks real. Please carry Naloxone if you use any substances. Naloxone is a medication that can reverse an opiate overdose.  Naloxone is available at WCDAS so please talk to your key-worker. We have both Nasal and IM available and will provide training.

 

Sign of overdose

Loss of consciousness or unresponsiveness. Shallow, slow, or not breathing.

Pinpoint pupils.

Choking, gurgling, or snoring sounds

Vomiting

Limp body

Pale, blue or cold skin

Faint heartbeat

 

 

ALCOHOL

 

To stay alcohol safe the recommended safe level is 14 units per week for both men and women.

 

1 unit of alcohol is the equivalent of:

 

– ½ pint of lower to normal strength beer (larger/cider) – ABV 3.6%
– A single shot of spirit (whiskey/rum/vodka/gin/etc) (25ml – ABV 40%)

 

A small glass of wine (125ml) is about 1 ½ units of alcohol.

 

14 units is the equivalent to 6 pints of average strength beer or 10 small glasses of low strength wine (ABV 12%)

 

For more information regarding alcohol units and what these are click here.

 

Alcohol withdrawal

 

Alcohol withdrawal happens when someone who is physically reliant on alcohol abruptly stops drinking or suddenly cuts down the amount they drink.

 

Alcohol dependency is when the body and brain needs alcohol to function normally. A person who is dependent may not appear drunk but needs a certain amount of alcohol in order to feel normal. Sign of dependence include:

 

– drinking alcohol most days
– having shakes or sweats in the morning that are relieved by having a drink
– drinking above the recommended weekly limit (14 units) on most days

 

It usually takes 6 to 12 hours after a persons last drink to get symptoms of withdrawal, but the symptoms can start up to three days (72 hours). Symptoms typically get more and more intense and reach a peak in the first 48 hours. They will then begin to subside and go away altogether after about 5 to 7 days. Problems with sleep is very common and may take weeks or months to get back to a normal routine.

 

Milder symptoms of withdrawal can be managed without medical attention. These symptoms are:

 

– sweating
– feeling anxious
– feeling sick or vomiting.

 

Some symptoms of alcohol withdrawal are a medical emergency and you should call an ambulance immediately if you have any of the following:

 

– shaking or trembling
– rapid pulse or heart beat
– hearing or seeing things that aren’t there (hallucinations)
– confusion
– seizures or ‘fits’

How to reduce the amount you drink

 

If you think that you may be physically dependant on alcohol then you will probably need help and support to help you cut down.

 

It’s important to remember that stopping or drastically reducing the amount you drink is very dangerous, especially without proper advice and support. It needs to be done with professional help.

 

Staff at RCDAS will work with you to plan your reduction to do it safely.

OPIATES AND OPIATE SUBSTITUTE MEDICATION

 

You may be offered a substitute opiate medication, depending if opiates have been detected in your urine.

 

Your key-worker will help you decide if you want to stabilise your use and maintain the same dose of opiate substitute medication or work towards reduction and detox.

 

Maintenance therapy: means switching heroin to a heroin substitute such as methadone or Buprenorphine / Buvidal with the aim to keep you on a stable dose of the substitute medication.

 

It is essential to be offered Key-working and groups alongside any medication.

 

Reduction: means switching your heroin use to a heroin substitutes such as methadone or Buprenorphine / Buvidal but supporting a gradual reduction leading to abstinence over a period of time.

For information and harm reduction advise on all substances go to https://www.talktofrank.com/