Drug trends at UK festivals and self-reported information and treatment needs by people who use NPS

Wednesday, 23 October, 2019 - 16:50 to 18:20
Central square 3 (C3)

Abstract

This presentation discusses drug trends reported to welfare services at UK festivals in 2018 and compares with front of house and amnesty bin testing. The key drugs involved in crisis interventions are psychostimulant drugs, ketamine and psychedelics. NPS are generally sold as traditional drugs in festival settings and can significantly contribute to acute mental health reactions.

The presentation will also highlight treatment and information needs for NPS as identified by research conducted in Scotland. It outlines the overall need for targeted treatment and interventions which engage NPS users in services and which include detox and other specialist treatment. It also suggests that people who use NPS generally access information via family and friends. Therefore use of peer education and media for information should be explored, especially for populations who may not be engaged in service for their NPS use.

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