The use of a potentially deadly synthetic drug sold as an alternative to LSD – known as N-Bomb – is on the increase in the Highlands, health bosses have warned.
The powerful hallucinogen can cause various effects if taken in large doses, or mixed with other drugs and alcohol, and can lead to overdose, kidney failure and heart failure.
Suzy Calder, head NHS Highland’s drug and alcohol recovery service, said: “This is not a drug that is common in this area but indications are that use has increased recently.
“Given that it is still quite unknown and can have a serious impact on the user we wanted to take this opportunity to raise awareness and issue harm reduction advice.”
North MSP David Stewart, Labour’s shadow health minister, said: “There appears to be evidence of people dying from this drug in the UK and USA, so the message must get out there that it is not harmless and it is highly risky for anyone tempted to try it.
Advice for staying safe
The only way to stay safe is to not take illicit drugs, however, if you are unable to abstain from taking illicit drugs please follow this harm reduction advice –
• Do not mix drugs and do not mix with alcohol as this increases your chance of overdose.
• Avoid using drugs on your own, and always tell friends what you’ve taken and keep an eye on each other.
• Look out for signs of friends becoming unwell. If you or someone you are with shows they are suffering adverse effects from what they have taken you must call an ambulance immediately – any delay could be fatal.
• If someone you are with overdoses, place them in the recovery position, call an ambulance and stay with them until it arrives. Your help could save a life.
“I would hate to see anyone in the Highlands and Islands end up dead or seriously harmed by this drug and hope that police and other agencies can keep it off the streets and highlight its serious and dangerous effects.”
Edward Mountain MSP said he was “deeply worried”, adding: “There are absolutely no benefits from this drug. I fully support NHS Highland’s campaign to raise awareness about this drug and I urge everyone to get behind their efforts.”
The effects of N-Bomb are described as being similar to taking LSD.
Although people may describe having ‘good/bad trips’ the effects include confusion, paranoia, agitation and aggression.
It can also increase blood pressure and heart rate with the potential for the user to have seizures, an increased body temperature, tremors and shaking – while increasing the risk of an overdose.
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NHS Highland issued advice, saying: “Do not mix drugs and do not mix with alcohol as this increases your chance of overdose.
“Avoid using drugs on your own, and always tell friends what you’ve taken and keep an eye on each other.
“Look out for signs of friends becoming unwell. If you or someone you are with shows they are suffering adverse effects you must call an ambulance immediately – any delay could be fatal.
“If someone you are with overdoses, place them in the recovery position, call an ambulance and stay with them until it arrives. Your help could save a life.”
