Wirral health chiefs warn about dangers of using 'fashion' drugs (From Wirral Globe)

Wirral health chiefs warn about dangers of using 'fashion' drugs

10:28am Thursday 19th July 2012 in News By Stephanie Cureton

HEALTH chiefs are warning Wirral residents to stay away from new legal or illegal “highs” that are attracting attention.

Their advice follows recent media coverage and speculation about the new drug pink ecstasy – also known as ‘Dr Death’ and ‘pink McDonalds’ – which police believe is being distributed from Merseyside.

According to drug specialists, it has already been linked with unrelated deaths of two local young men, although investigations are still on-going.

NHS Wirral drug and alcohol action team manager Gary Rickwood said: “Drug and alcohol teams and police forces around the country are aware that a wide range of new drugs are being manufactured and marketed to young people as stimulant type drugs.

“The drugs are largely being offered in tablet form and are being marketed with differences in appearance, often through colour or name, and, to some extent, in the claims for the effect it will have on the user.

"All this is intended to encourage people to buy this particular pill because it’s different or better than the one they tried last week.

“These substances are, in effect, being dressed up like fashion to generate sales.”

He added that there is no control or regulation over the manufacturing of the substance and there are worries about how much damage it could do to the user’s health.

If anyone has concerns about this drug, or any other substance, they can contact ARCH Initiatives on 0151 647 8633 for confidential advice and support.