Team warns of dangers of mixing drink and drugs
‘It’s not fine to mix a pint with a line’ is the warning from Warwickshire Drugs and Alcohol Action Team.
To get the message out to revellers during the party season, the team will be launching a poster campaign in Rugby to make people aware of the dangerous effects of mixing alcohol and cocaine.
When taken together the body converts the two drugs to a highly toxic substance known as cocaethylene. This drug heightens the euphoric effect of cocaine and amplifies the depressive effect of alcohol, it also stays in the body much longer subjecting the heart and liver to extra stress.
Posters and contact cards are being distributed to Rugby’s pubs and clubs and establishments are already getting behind the message. Walkabout in the town centre will be supporting the campaign launch on 21 December helping to raise awareness of the potent drink and drug cocktail.
Walkabout Manager Aggie Rowe said: “It’s always great to get extra support to raise awareness of the dangers of drugs and alcohol so we’re really pleased to be involved in this campaign. We have a zero tolerance policy towards drugs in Walkabout and the posters help convey this message.
“At the end of the day we want people to come to our bar, experience our hospitality and have a good time. By pushing home how dangerous drinking and drug-taking can be to our customers we hope more of them will stay safe and healthy.”
Kit Leck, Warwickshire DAAT Manager said: “We know that the mix of alcohol and cocaine substantially increases the risk of side-effects from the drugs.
“People who mix drugs in this way are putting their health in serious jeopardy by increasing the risk of sudden death, stroke, heart attack, liver damage and depression.
“We hope people will bear these consequences in mind when partying over the festive period and that they will take steps to stay in control and out of harm’s way.”
Cllr Richard Hobbs, Warwickshire County Council’s Portfolio Holder for Community Protection, said: “Studies show that cocaine related deaths are on the increase and combining alcohol and cocaine for a prolonged high is becoming more common.
“It is important that we make people aware of the consequences of this behaviour and give them the facts so they can make informed decisions about drug use.
“Warwickshire County Council and partners, supported by local pubs and clubs are using this campaign to get the warning messages out there and signpost people to drug and alcohol support. Our hope is that people will take this on board and think twice before engaging in this dangerous activity.”
For more information about drug and alcohol support services in Warwickshire visit the DAAT website http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/drugs