Drug awareness campaign
Why is the campaign happening now?
The doctors at the GHA strongly advised that a drug awareness campaign was undertaken as a result of a death in a 19-39 year old male in Gibraltar directly related to cocaine usage.
The Drug Advisory Council, chaired by the Hon Minister Santos, is concerned that cocaine usage has become normalised and that the public are not aware of the increased risk when cocaine is consumed with alcohol.
When cocaine is co-consumed with alcohol a new chemical is formed called cocaethylene. This increases your risk of having a heart attack and stroke.
A heart attack is caused when the blood vessels that lead to the heart muscle narrow. Cocaethylene causes the narrowing to increase and the narrowing increases further if you smoke or vape a nicotine containing product at the same time.
This means that with every substance you take you are adding to the narrowing of the arteries to your heart. This is why we see much younger people having heart attacks related to using cocaine. The risk of having a stroke is also increased especially if you also have a family history.
What else are health professionals concerned about?
Health professionals are also concerned about what the drugs may be ‘cut’ or mixed or bulked out with. You have no idea what the cocaine you are taking may have been mixed with. This may include for example:
- Fentanyl which is a more addictive drug than morphine and greatly increases your risk of an overdose and death. Fentanyl also increases your risk of infrequent recreational cocaine usage becoming more frequent because it is a highly addictive substance
- Levamisole which is a deworming tablet used for animals that can depress your immune system and cause painful puss forming spots on your skin
- Phenacetin a banned painkiller linked to kidney damage and cancer
- Arsenic or lead which can lead to heavy metal poisoning
- Benzocaine or lidocaine which are local anaesthetics which can cause heart or neurological issues
Where can I find out more about drugs?
There are many online websites that can provide information about drugs.
We recommend this website:
Where can I go to for support?
The GHA work closely with the Care Agency to provide support for people with addictions including drugs.
As a result of this drug awareness campaign the GHA have created some additional appointments in the Primary Care Centre where you can talk to someone and explore whether you need support to help reduce or quit your drug usage.
There are a range of treatment options available from a supported detox at home through to a specialist residential program at Bruce’s Farm.
There are a range of charities who provide support for individuals and their families:
Bruces Farm: +350 20048444 http://www.drugwise.gi
Childline Gibraltar: 8008 http://www.childline.gi.
Gibsams: 116123 http://www.gibsams.gi
Narcotics Anonymous https://meetings.ukna.org/meeting/gibraltar-home-group
Families Anonymouse Support Group: +350 54070676 https://gibfanon.wordpress.com
