Hidden Risks and Dangers:

Sports Drinks, Supplements

(including Steroids) & Legal Highs

Author: Dave Parvin (DSUK)

References: Drug Sense UK, British Medical Journal, British Dental Association (BDA), Misuse of Drugs

Act 1971, Food Standards Agency (FSA), Prof Les Iverson (Chairman for the Advisory Council for the

Misuse of Drugs - ACMD), Prof Andrew Eder (Specialist Dental Care), NHS choices website, Health

Promotion Agency website, Health Promotion Agency, University of Miami , CRI Needle Exchange, NICE

(National Institute for Health and Care Excellence)

Drug Sense UK - 2006. Unauthorised duplication or use of material from this handout is strictly

prohibited. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED (Reviewed and updated – 14th May 2014 – Dave Parvin – Drug Sense UK)

Introduction: This document was originally produced by Drug Sense UK in support of the annual Nurses and Medical Staff annual Conference organised by the British Boarding School Association (BSA) 10th July 2013. This has now been updated to include other topics including:

Increase in ‘sharps’ use by steroid users

Ketamin – pending reclassification to a Class B Drug

Dangerous Ecstasy containing PMA (Para-Methoxyamphetamine)

Herbal Incense – new range of Legal Highs The information contained in this document should be used as a guide and is purely aimed at providing a reference point for these particular topics. If you have any serious concerns about the use of or medical problems associated with these particular substances, then further advice should always be sought. Drug Sense UK over the last nine years has built up extensive links with the Education Sector delivering a range of bespoke training to Staff/Students/Parents and other specialist teams. The standard of Training provided is second to none and we are currently recognised as the No1 provider (by the independent review site – Freeindex) in this particularly area. We would always recommend Drugs Awareness Training to be regarded as ‘essential training’ by Schools/Colleges ensuring they are best placed to identify and resolve any early incidents involving suspected drugs misuse, thus ensuring a safe and healthy environment for all. We hope that the information contained in this document will be of some assistance to you.

Address: Drug Sense UK Cleveland Lodge 471 Thornaby Road

Thornaby TS17 0BN T: 01642 763229 E: dave.parvin@drugsenseuk.co.uk W: www.drugsenseuk.co.uk

CONTENTS: PAGE(S):

Steroids: (1-4) (a) Changes in the law (b) Why do people use Steroids (c) Associated Health issues (d) Short term effects (e) Long term effects (f) Sharp rise in ‘sharps’ being used

Sports drinks and supplements: (5-6)

Other popular sports supplements: (7)

Legal Highs: (8-10) (a) What are they (b) What do they look like (c) What are the effects

Ketamine – reclassification (11)

It’s no laughing matter – Nitrous Oxide (12-14)

Contact details (14)

DANGERS ASSOCIATED WITH SPORTS DRINKS AND SUPPLEMENTS (including Steroids) – and LEGAL HIGHS: STEROIDS – Possession of steroids (as of the 23rd April 2013) will not be a Criminal Offence as per the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.Prior to this ‘possession of non prescription steroids (UGL’S see notes below) would constitute an offence, as would possession of prescription steroids if you are not the person for whom they were

prescribed. Possession of steroids produced by (UGL’s) would not now be an offence – I suspect offences would still apply if you where in possession of ‘prescription’ steroids if you were not the person the prescription applied to. The British government has decided to “restrict importation of anabolic steroids for self administration to personal custody” acting upon the recommendations by the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (“ACMD”) made this summer. **Steroids are still classified as Class C Drugs for purpose of prosecution for any offences involving ‘supply’ or being ‘concerned in the supply’

What does this mean for steroid users in the UK ?

Bodybuilders and any other persons will no longer be able to order steroids over the internet or otherwise legally import them by mail into the country. It will be legal to possess steroids for personal use; they simply cannot be purchased over the internet. Body builders or any other person wishing to purchase steroids will now be required to personally transport and import the steroids into the country. The United Kingdom Border Agency will be instructed to seize personal use quantities of anabolic steroids and human growth hormone (HGH) arriving via mail.

What will be the impact of this change in law..? It is anticipated that an increase in Underground

Labs (UGL’S pictured to the left) will emerge which will introduce unregulated steroids to the market. Unfortunately, this seems largely at odds with the efforts of “harm reduction” by the government. The quality control standards of UGLs are generally inferior to those of legitimate pharmaceutical products (that have been legally obtainable over the internet prior to the current changes ) thus making these particular steroids potentially harmful to users.

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Why do people take Steroids..?

Many reasons have been given as to why men and to a lesser degree, women choose to abuse steroids. Among most abusers, it boils down to two simple concepts of ‘performance and self-image’. For over half a century, anabolic steroids have been used to enhance athletic ability. Most often, the answer lies in a need to improve a particular type of performance. Whether the goal is an increase in physical size, strength, speed or stamina, in the mind of an abuser, it is a worthwhile endeavour, regardless of the risk. . Secondly, many abusers report a greater sense of fulfilment and a healthier self- image when taking steroids. Many young men report taking steroids simply because they want to look built, to emulate the bodybuilders they see in magazines, or even more importantly, to be more appealing to

women..Moreover, a form of reverse anorexia seems to be prevalent in young males who are interested in fitness. The National Institute of Drug Abuse shows in recent studies that 325,000 teenage boys and 175,000 teenage girls are using steroids.

Are there any specific health issues in taking Steroids..? Medical research shows steroid users subject themselves to over 70 side effect’s ranging in severity from liver cancer to acne, and include psychological as well as physical reactions. The liver and cardiovascular and reproductive systems are most seriously affected by steroid abuse. When discussing the powerful effects of anabolic steroids on the human body, we look at the short term effects, which can take from a few weeks to a few years to present themselves and the long term effects, some taking up to a decade or more to appear. The CRI (a leading drugs and alcohol charity and needle exchange) has recently reported an alarming rise in the number of ‘steroid users’ requesting sharps. It stated that requests from steroid user for sharps in 2010 was 290 and by 2013 this number had risen alarmingly to 2,161 a 645% increase. This is likely to increase in the numbers of ‘sharps’ being discarded and as such pose a significant risk to others.

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Short term side effects: The short term, more immediate side effects of steroid abuse are a veritable buffet of problems. Let’s start with the men. Acne, testicular atrophy, decreased sperm count, gynecomastia (enlarged breasts in men), high blood pressure, increased LDL (bad) cholesterol, decreased HDL (good) cholesterol, fluid retention, abnormal liver function, and prostate enlargement, just to name a few. Anabolic steroids can affect women differently than men, and in some cases, dramatically so. Women can experience many of the same dangerous effects as men including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and liver damage. Many of the problems, however, are exclusively feminine representations of natural male characteristics such as male pattern balding, deepening of the voice, facial and body hair growth, and coarsening of the skin. For both sexes, increased aggressiveness, otherwise known as "roid rage," commonly accompanies the use of steroids.

ACNE: One common side effect is the onset of acne or, in cases of adolescents where acne is already present, a much more severe case can present itself. The scientific explanation is quite colourful. Steroids enlarge the sebaceous glands in the skin. Then, they cause these glands to increase sebum (oil) production. The increased sebum leads to plug formation and serves as "food" for bacteria. Normal hormones surge at puberty, which is why teens develop armpit and pubic hair, and why boys develop facial hair and deeper voices. This hormonal surge also contributes to the cause of acne in teens.

Introducing steroids to this delicate balance is just asking for trouble. GYNECOMASTIA: Gynecomastia, a pretty word for man-boobs, is another not-so-good side effect of abuse that comes from the improper balance of testosterone. When the body converts the additional testosterone into estrogen and other female hormones in the male body, female breast tissue is sometimes formed. Often, surgery with a painful recovery time is the only method of removing the female tissue build-up. Basically, the surgeon enlarges the area to be liposuctioned with a large amount of sterile fluid then employs ultrasonic liposuction using sound waves to break up the fat. HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE: The next effect on our list is high blood pressure, which is caused when the steroid forces the body to hold onto extra salt and water, rather than flushing it out as usual. Steroids also

cause an increase in the body's red blood cell count and hematocrit levels, resulting in higher blood pressure. The long term effects of high blood pressure are a list all their own. It causes the heart to get larger, which may lead to heart failure. Small bulges (aneurysms) can form in blood vessels, the main artery from the heart (aorta), arteries in the brain, legs, and intestines; and the artery leading to the spleen. Blood vessels in

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(cont’d) kidney can narrow, which may cause kidney failure. Arteries throughout the body can "harden" faster, especially those in the heart, brain, kidneys, and legs. This can cause a heart attack, stroke, kidney failure or amputation of part of the leg. Blood vessels in the eyes may burst or bleed, which can cause vision changes and can result in blindness.

(Long Term Effects) LIVER MALFUNCTION: Let’s move on to the liver, where just about everything you put in your body gets processed. In other words, just try to live without your liver. It won’t happen. Steroid abuse has been associated with liver tumours and a rare condition called peliosis hepatis, in which blood-filled cysts form in the liver. Both the tumours and the cysts can rupture, causing internal bleeding. ENLARGED PROSTATE: Next, the issue of prostate enlargement, which is a problem seen with aging males. This is not something you typically see in younger men, unless they’re taking anabolic steroids. Over the course of an average life span, the male prostate gland naturally grows thirty times its original size. It doesn’t need the help of additional testosterone to grow to the size of a grapefruit. However, when large amounts of synthetic testosterone are involved, the prostate grows faster. The long term effect of that is prostate cancer. There are several other issues that could be added to the list above, suffice to say regular use of ‘steroids’ could have a major impact on the user and in some cases prove fatal, particular those who have a history of ‘heart related’ problems, My major worry with the introduction of this New Legislation is that those seeking to use ‘steroids’ may be tempted to get hold of the steroids that will be produced by the (UGL ‘s) and as such the consistency and make up of these steroids may prove a greater danger than those that exist at present. Extreme caution should be advised of use of any steroids produced by illicit labs.

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SPORTS DRINKS AND SUPPLEMENTS:

There is still various arguments raging between medical experts and the producers of these products as to benefits of them. The industry itself is reported to be woth in the region of 20 billion world wide, with the USA heading the table in respect of regular users of these types of products. Recent reports compiled in the UK indicate that over 7 million of us (aged 16 plus) are regularly taking exercise and as such are a target market for these products. The producers of these products argue the case that they are not harmful and do have a number of benfits to those who regularly exercise. The sports drinks market in Britain rose 10 per cent last year to more than £1billion. Around 440million litres of products are drunk annually – enough to fill 400 Olympic-sized swimming pools.

Potential risks associated with energy drinks:

The researchers listed various potential problems of energy

drinks among children and adolescents, including:

cardiovascular events (high doses of caffeine may

have an adverse effect on heart conditions that prohibit

the use of stimulants).

possible effects on children and adolescents with

attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or eating

disorders

effects on calorie intake and diabetes

effects on bone mineralisation

It is the high levels of CAFFEINE in these types of products that is causing major concerns, particular for those users who may be intolerant to Caffeine. Research carried out by the University of Miami (PUBLISHED ON THE NHS CHOICES WEBSITE) PUBLISHED MAY 31ST 2011.

(Page 5)

The FOOD STANDARDS AGENCY- have recently published the following

statement on their website:

‘Energy drinks can contain high levels of caffeine, usually about 80 milligrams (mg) of caffeine in a small 250ml can – the same as three cans of cola or a mug of instant

coffee. As well as caffeine, they may contain other ingredients, such as glucuronolactone and taurine, and sometimes vitamins and minerals or herbal substances. Some of the smaller ‘shot

style’ products can contain anywhere from 80mg to as much as 175mg of caffeine in a 60ml bottle. Children, or other people sensitive to caffeine, should only consume caffeine in moderation. Pregnant women are advised not to have more than 200mg of caffeine a day, roughly two mugs of instant coffee. Drinks like espresso and lattes, which are made from ground coffee, typically contain higher levels of caffeine per mug.

So it is clear that the levels of CAFFEINE in these types of products are causing concerns. In addition to the Caffeine levels – the very same products have been tested to show that they also concern high levels of SUGAR. Experts such as Professor Eder a specialist in restorative dentistry and prosthodontics says:

'The most recent Adult Dental Health Survey suggests that over three quarters of the UK population have some form of tooth wear - and sports and energy drinks are one of the major culprits.' Sports drinks can play their part in a training programme, but play safe’. Prof Eder (Specialist Dental Care) advises:

Never swish sports drinks around your mouth: it increases contact with the teeth and therefore the risk of dental erosion.

Wait an hour after drinking a sports drink before brushing your teeth to avoid damaging the softened enamel. Swap sports drinks for

a more tooth-friendly alternative. Coconut water, for example, is less acidic than sports drinks, is hydrating, entirely natural and isotonic. Get your teeth checked by an expert. An early diagnosis of erosion is essential to catch problems early and avoid more complex treatment later on.

This advice seems to be supported by the British Dental Association (BDA) who have also raised concerns over ‘high levels of sugar’ in sports drinks. There is also some good information to be found on the following website www.healthpromotionagency.org uk, look for pdf document Nutrition and Dental Health. This is a printable pdf for professionals in the health care and dental professions.

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OTHER POPULAR SPORTS SUPPLIMENTS: There is a vast range of sports supplements available, all of which are fighting for a place in the market. They range from supplement to increase energy levels, burn fat, increase muscle growth etc...The more reputable brands (as below) have been subjected to vigourous testing in order that they comply with all current legislation regarding risks to health. Many do have comprehensive labelling in respect of the ingredients and generally do what they say they will do...particular in respect of those seeking to gain muscle mass. These are not to be confused with ‘steriods’ which are a totally differnet kettle of fish. The dangers associated with ANABOLIC STEROIDS are well documented, some of which have already highlighted in this document.

Supplements such as the popular ‘Creatine’ (as pictured above) is a nitrogenous

organic acid that occurs naturally in vertebrates and helps to supply energy to all

cells in the body, primarily muscle and is likely the most popular and best know

type of body building supplement. It is known to increase your muscle power and

energy levels which allows you to lift more heavy weights which in return enable

you to build muscles faster. There are numerous other forms of protein

supplements that are generally consumed as shakes or juices.

Protein supplements are perfectly legal and often referred to a completely natural

supplement, one needs to remember that the various kinds of protein supplements

are compiled differently with varying levels of supplements. This can cause

allergic reactions to some people and combining different kinds of supplements all

at once can have serious hazardous side effects. There are also many fake

‘supplements’ on the market which can pose substantial risk to the user. General

advice would be to give careful consideration before using any sports

supplements and users should seek advice from their own GP’s if in doubt.

No supplement is worth risking your health.

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LEGAL HIGHS: The generation of today are being bombarded with this particular group of substances. Social network and media sites are the main platform for promoting these and it is fair to say they have gained a huge following with many young people being attracted to them, not because they are technically a ‘legal substance’ to possess, therefore cannot be charged with a criminal offence, but more so because many are believing them to be a safe alternative to the vast range of illegal substances.

So what are these so called Legal Highs..? China is the biggest producer of these types of substances, and they have been designed to ‘mimic’ the banned substances such as Cocaine, Ecstasy etc. By removing the illegal chemicals and molecules found in our current illegal drugs and replacing them with chemicals that are not currently banned but offer the user similar if not more intense ‘effects’ the ‘illegal high’ market is growing at a rapid rate. There are approx 6 new legal highs hitting the UK market every week, not all of these end up as main stream drugs.

What do they look like..?? They come in many formats as you can see from the three examples below. At the moment the two main thrusts seem to be in ‘powder format’ and ‘herbal incense’.

One such ‘Legal High’snorted as powder was ‘MEPHEDRONE’ (pictured left) - Chemical name: 4- Methylmethcathinone 4-MCAT. Common street terms for this was Meow Meow and MCAT. Originally produced to be a ‘plant food’ however like many of these so called legal highs they have found a route into the main stream drug market. Users describe the effects of Mephedrone similar to that of Amphetamine, which is an illegal substance (Class B as per the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971).Mephedrone

has already been directly linked to deaths and on the 16th April 2010 was reclassified as a Class B drug as per the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. So it would now be an offence if anyone was found in possession, supplying or producing this particular substance and would be arrested. Making it an illegal substance has had some impact on the use and supply but it is still seen by many as a safe drug to use, despite all the warnings!!

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It is reported that approx 6 New Legal Highs are entering our country every week, many of those will not end up mainstream drugs but those that do will have been widely promoted via the range of social network and media sites. One of the latest ‘legal highs’ ‘Methoxetamine’ followed that route and has already been linked to several deaths and serious illness.

METHOXETAMINE (nickname MEXXY) – like all of the so called ‘legal highs’ was introduced as an alternative for the banned substance ‘Ketamine’ and as outlined above quickly gained moment as a popular main stream drug. Again, like with its predecessors this particular substance was being linked with deaths and serious illnesses, and as such the Government introduced a new piece of legislation called ‘Temporary Banning Order’. Temporary Banning Orders have been introduced by the Government in order that they can react more quickly to these types of Legal Highs which have been confirmed as a dangerous substance to use. Once granted it would make it illegal to advertise or promote for sale, but still legal to possess. Methoxetamine has now been reclassified as a Class B Drug as per the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. (as of 26th February 2013)

Herbal Incense legal

highs: These types of legal

highs are gaining rapid

momentum in this market,

particular CLOCKWORK

ORANGE (pictured left). The

Government’s senior drugs

adviser Les Iversen has

issued a stark warning about

the dangers of “legal highs”

and admitted there are now

200 potentially dangerous

synthetic drugs which have

yet to be banned. Three

young people were hospitalised recently in Northumbria, vomiting blood have taken this

particular substance. Easily accessible infact some website are offering it free delivery to

the UK with orders over £50.

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What are the effects of these types of Legal Highs..? Many are very recent to the drugs scene and as such the ‘long term’ effects may not surface for several years. What is known is that many have caused serious side effects to the user and indeed death. We do know that for example METHOXETAMINE is chemically related to ‘dissociative anaesthetics’ like ketamine and PCP, and has similar effects. Many of the physical signs and symptoms of those taking legal highs would be very similar to what you would see with our range of illegal drugs such as Amphetamines, Ecstasy, Cannabis etc – as they mimic the same effects. In many ways ‘Legal Highs’ pose a more significant risk than some of our banned substances as we do not know yet what the long terms effects of these substances will be. Unfortunately I fear we are going to have to live with the fact that these types of substances are going to be around for a very long time, so long as they continue to be promoted in the way that they are and easy to obtain, then unfortunately there will always be a market for them. The Government have introduced ‘temporary banning orders’ and are working with other agencies such as ‘trading standards’ in order to look at how the ‘legal highs’ are being packaged and marketed. This is not going to be sorted over night, so the message as far as drugs education is quite simple – ‘LEGAL HIGHS’ are not safe to use and pose a significant risk, short term and long term to anyone who is contemplating experimenting with them.

A batch of contaminated Ecstasy tablets have recently been linked to the one person dying and 5 other hospitalised. Nick Bonnie aged 30 was reported to have taken a Ecstasy tablet containing the substance whilst at a party in Manchester: PMA (para-Methoxyamphetamine) . Ecstasy containing PMA is allegedly 5-10 more potent than those tablets that contain MDMA the main substance that is found in Ecstasy thus pose a significant risk to those who are contemplating using Ecstasy.. (as reported in the Mail online – 14/4/14)

Users in the UK do not have the luxury of testing ‘pills’ prior to use – so the simple message is ‘don’t use them’ – it simply is not worth the risk.

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KETAMINE – Due to be reclassified to a Class B Drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.

What is ketamine? It’s a powerful general anaesthetic which stops you feeling pain and it’s used for operations on humans and animals. The effects don’t last long, but until they wear off, ketamine can cause a loss of feeling in the body and paralysis of the muscles. It can also lead to you experiencing a distortion of reality.

What are the effects of Ketamine use..?

It’s a general anaesthetic that can produce ‘floaty’ feelings, as if the mind and body have been separated (sometimes referred to as the K Hole). Other effects include:

It can make you feel very chilled out and relaxed.

It can make you physically incapable of moving. You can feel

completely detached from your body and surroundings, which has been

compared to having a near-death experience, sometimes called

“entering the k-hole”. For some people this is an enjoyable effect.

Like LSD, ketamine can alter perception of time and space and can

cause hallucinations. It can lead to good or bad ‘trips’ that can last from

half an hour or so to several hours, with after-effects that may be felt for

some hour

Recent medical reports and research have now proven a direct link with Ketamine use to ‘bladder/bowel and kidney failure’. This may now drive this particular drug underground as other drugs such as the range of Legal Highs gain more popularity.

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It’s no laughing matter - Nitrous Oxide (Street names: Laughing

Gas/Hippy Crack/N2O/Sweet Air)

What is Nitrous Oxide..?

Nitrous Oxide is a controlled substance

under the Medicines Act 1968 and has

traditionally been associated with pain

relief. Used in many medical professions

in particular Dentists, and as pain relief

during childbirth. It is also used in the

food industry, typically as a ‘propellant’ in

things like ‘whipped cream canisters’. It

has gained unprecedented popularity in the

last few years as a ‘party drug’ particularly

linked to large festival events. A recent survey conducted by (TAB a

Plymouth based newspaper) showed 45% of the 5573 respondents had

experimented with this particular substance, other surveys suggest this is

now the third most popular substance behind Cannabis and MDMA.

How is the substance used ...?

The most popular method is

to ‘inhale’ the substance from

balloons. The balloons

themselves are filled with the

‘nitrous oxide’ which is

generally being sold in small

canisters which can easily be

purchased on line for a couple

of pounds. The use of ‘nitrous

oxide’ has become epidemic

at many of the large music

festivals and gigs being held

around the country. Dealers are making vast amounts of money supplying

the balloons with very little control over the use and supply of this

substance. How dangerous is this substance .....??

Nitrous Oxide when inhaled is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream via

the lungs. It is then transferred very quickly to the brain. The brain is

literally starved of oxygen because the Nitrous Oxide in the blood stream

depresses the lungs, which slows down the exchange of carbon dioxide

for oxygen. The lack of oxygen in the lungs and blood stream can cause

asphyxiation which can only be remedied if users get fresh air. It also cuts

off oxygen supply to the brain, which can induce seizures and loss of

consciousness.

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If a nitrous oxide abuser vomits during unconsciousness, the airway

cannot be cleared, resulting in permanent brain damage or death. That said death from use is very rare, those that have died through direct

use of this substance tend to be persons who have put a bag over their

head to inhale it or opened a tank in a sealed space and as such been

subject to large doses without having access to fresh air. Those that are

using this substance regular are using the ‘balloon’ method thus ensuring

if they do inhale too much and pass out, the balloon they are holding

literally is released.

What should we be looking out for in respect of paraphernalia linked

with misuse of this particular substance ...?

Like many drugs that are

used it is paramount you

have staff trained to identify

the paraphernalia that is

associated with drugs,

Nitrous Oxide is no

different..!! The small silver

canisters (far left) known as

‘whippets’ and the balloons

(also pictured left) are both

very common items of

paraphernalia you can

directly link to this misuse

of this particular substance. It is more likely that you would discover

these type of items in secluded area’s such as woods, outbuildings or

area’s which may have limited view from in-house CCTV, or after

specific party type events held on campus. Is there any specific physical

signs and symptoms we could look out for...?

Persons directly under the influence may be displaying any of the

following characteristics:

Appear quite confused

Look and act drunk (Alcohol may also have been consumed)

Giggling

Slurring of speech having difficulty communicating with you

Could become unconscious

** If unconscious, remove any mask or similar item from face and

ensure they have access to fresh air. Seek medical assistance as soon

as possible.

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What is the Law in respect of ‘possession and supply’ of

Nitrous Oxide’....?

It is not illegal to possess ‘Nitrous Oxide’ however the ‘Medicines and

Healthcare products Regulatory Agency’ has warned that ‘the sale of

Nitrous Oxide gas for inhalation’ is an offence under Section 52 of the

Medicines Act 1968 which would also include the supply (for monetary

reward or not) of a pharmacy medicine not under the control of a

pharmacist. Anyone visiting any of the major festivals around the

country will see for themselves how little or no control is being enforced

in respect of this piece of legislation.

For those managing students at College/Universities sites, particular

attention should be paid to any in-house events such as parties/music

events etc...in which you suspect this substance may be on the agenda.

Because of the availability and very cheap purchase costs I believe this

particular substance will continue to be very popular amongst the

youngsters for the foreseeable future. It is therefore essential they get the

correct information particularly with the dangers when inhaling Nitrous

Oxide along with possible criminal offences linked to the supply of it.

Many will be attracted to the limited enforcement of it and the profit

margins that can be generated from the supply of it. Drug Sense UK have worked extensively with the education sector for over 9 years providing a range of Drug Awareness Staff Training days, Student insets and Parent evenings as well as specific training for your specialist teams, such as Estates, Inclusion and Safeguarding etc...all receiving exceptional feedback. Many of you may have already attended one of our external training courses, or arranged training with us for in-house delivery, if you have you will know that the training provided is informative, upto date and delivered with a ‘passion and belief’ that we can make a difference. Early intervention is the key to addressing drugs misuse, and in order to do that you need the knowledge and skills and more importantly ‘confidence’ to identify and address these types of issues. That is exactly what Drug Sense UK can provide you. Be proactive and not reactive. Please contact me direct if you are planning any Drug Awareness Training (including ‘Sharps’ training). We have also recently introduced the following half day Course (Certificated) - Conflict Resolution (non-physical intervention)

I look forward to hearing from you.

Dave Parvin: (Director and Training Co-ordinator Drug Sense UK) Tel: (direct line) 01642 763229 Mob: 07737656982 Email: dave.parvin@drugsenseuk.co.k Web: www.drugsenseuk.co.uk (Page 14)