Concern for how new style drugs are marketed

It is an unfortunate truth that the drugs industry is a huge business, there are many people involved at all levels that keep the wheels turning of this unpleasant business, and due to the fact that for many people it is a business, huge efforts are made to keep people hooked and try and keep the police unaware.  Due to the crackdown on many 'traditional' illicit substances, such as heroin and LSD, the drugs trade is changing to meet new needs, and to try and remain under the radar of the law.

For many drug dealers synthetic drugs (i.e. man-made and mass produced) are the new 'hot thing', but unfortunately for those who fall prey to these new drugs, they are equally dangerous, if not more in some cases, as the more well known drugs on the market. 

But where further concern lies, is in how these new style drugs are marketed, and who they seem to be marketed towards.  A recent report has found that some of these new types of substances are being packaged in 'child friendly' ways, thus increasing the risk of young people trying it.  It has been found that some drugs are packaged with cartoon characters, which attract children to the drug (DrugFree, 2012).

These new forms of drugs carry some pretty hefty side effects, including seizures and hallucinations, that could potentially lead to serious brain damage in the future, especially if taken at a particularly vulnerable age.  Of course those who produce and sell drugs are not concerned with the effect it may have on their 'customers' and this leaves many young people open to being preyed on by unscrupulous drug dealers.  It is therefore hugely important that centres for rehab UK based or otherwise are aware of these new forms of drugs, and are able to offer advice and support to people who may be misusing these types of substances.

DrugFree.  (2012).  Synthetic drug packages with cartoon character attract kids, minister warns.  Sourced from: http://www.drugfree.org/join-together/drugs/synthetic-drug-packages-with-cartoon-character-attract-kids-minister-warns

Published by on 27/09/2020.

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