Warning issued over deadly prescription drugs cocktail
Sinn F�in councillor Elisha McLaughlin pictured with Martin Connolly, Community Restorative Justice. (1202MM06)
Drug users in Derry are taking a deadly cocktail of prescription medication, according to a leading community worker.
It is believed the drugs, a combination of Diazepam and morphine patches, have been a factor in a number of suspected drugs-related deaths in the North West in recent weeks.
The drug users are reportedly taking the Diazepam tablets, then placing a morphine patch under the tongue. The combination can be lethal, according to drug experts.
Community worker Martin Connolly, said the combination of the drugs can be extremely dangerous.
“This is something we have become aware of in recent weeks and it is very dangerous. It is the mixture of these substances that is potentially deadly,” he said.
Mr Connolly also called for people who have been prescribed those drugs to ensure that any unused medications are disposed of responsibly.
“Things like this are often prescribed when someone is seriously ill and dying and at times people can have unused medication after the death of a loved one and returning it is the last thing they think of. We are aware of prescription drugs being stolen and going missing so I would encourage people to dispose of all unused prescription drugs in a responsible way by returning them to a pharmacist,” he said.
Sinn Féin councillor Elisha McCallion said a partnership approach involving statutory and community groups is needed. “People may think that because these substances are prescribed that they are not dangerous but misuse can be extremely dangerous and indeed deadly,” she said.
Colr. McCallion also encouraged anyone worried about drug use to seek help. “If anyone is concerned about their own or someone else’s drug use to get in touch with the agencies that are there or a community representative who can signpost people to the help they need.”
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Weather for Derry
Tuesday 21 May 2013
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 9 C to 13 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: North west
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