What is in the mix? – #KILLERMIX
If you are considering taking drugs at any events this year, consider asking yourself what is in the mix? The honest answer will always be ‘I don’t know’. Without sending drugs off for proper chemical analysis, there is no way of knowing what is possibly mixed into that pill, that powder.
There has been a concerning rise in synthetic opiates (think heroin) being found in powders and pills. These can be up to 200 times stronger than heroin. A person in Essex has recently died from taking a drug they believed to be mdma, but it had cychlorphine in it, a potent synthetic opioid.
There is no way of telling whether something has been mixed in as often they are mimic the same colours, tastes and smells. Often the only way to tell is when someone has a negative reaction or goes into an overdose.
What does an opiate overdose look like?
- Unresponsiveness or unconsciousness.
- Shallow, slowed or stopped breathing.
- Pinpoint pupils.
- Snoring or gurgling sounds coming from their mouth.
- Cold or clammy skin.
- Blue lips or fingernails (cyanosis).
If this happens, seek medical support urgently.
Different drugs will have different reactions on our body, for example, alcohol is a depressant which will slow your central nervous system down, whereas cocaine is a stimulant which will speed your central nervous system up – creating opposing forces on your brain and body.
Mixing drugs can lead to unwanted negative mental and physical effects, including mixing alcohol with drugs. It can also lead to a stimulant overdose, which can be just as dangerous as an opiate overdose.
What does a stimulant overdose look like?
- Very high body temperature
- Fast, racing heartbeat
- Chest pain
- Extreme paranoia and agitation
- Confusion
As with opiates, if this happens seek immediate medical support.
Tips to keep safe:
- If it does not look or smell right, don’t take it, chances are there is something wrong with it
- Go low go slow – if you are going to use the substance take a small amount first, do not take the whole thing at once
- Have a sober buddy who can seek help if something goes wrong
The most important thing is do not be scared to seek support if things go wonky, you will never be in trouble for trying to save someone’s life!