NHS Tayside, The WEB Project, Tayside Police and Addaction want to send out a clear warning that anyone who takes 'bubbles' is putting their health in danger.
Over the weekend five people in Tayside suffered non-fatal overdoses after taking 'bubbles'. While all of them recovered after consuming the substance, two of them were hospitalised.
'Bubbles' is a local name for a substance, the main ingredient o
f which is a research chemical called mephedrone.
Police in Tayside are taking the problem seriously and although mephedrone is not currently a controlled drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, possession can still lead to arrest as the home made 'bubbles' can vary in content and subsequently lead to a more serious charge following enquiries and forensic testing.
The very clear message is that this substance has not undergone any clinical studies and there is a lack of knowledge about what short or long term effects it may have on people who take it.
As with any substance, the buyer has no idea what the capsules they are taking actually contain. Mephedrone in itself is dangerous, but there are also concerns about the variety of possible unknown additives in the capsules as well.
The buyer has no idea what is in the capsules being sold to them and the dealer doesn't care what the health implications will be for the consumer.
Mixing 'bubbles' with prescribed medicines or alcohol can cause serious health problems and there can be health implications for any person using this substance.
Reported effects include increased heart rate, agitation, irritability, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, as well increased blood pressure. People who develop such symptoms after having taken bubbles must seek medical assistance immediately.
Further information on drugs can be obtained from either contacting local services such as Addaction or The Web who will advise you further or on websites such as www.talktofrank.com, www.cairscotland.org.uk or on the interactive website specifically for young people www.cool2talk.org.
