What Every Parent Should Know About the Rise of 'Trendy' Drugs in the UK
Drug misuse is not by any means a new issue for British society. We’ve been struggling with drugs and drug-fuelled societal issues for decades. However, each generation brings a new variation to the drug-problem theme, and the upcoming generation is no exception. While parents of the past worried about ‘lifestyle drugs’ like cocaine or ‘dropout drugs’ like heroin, modern parents are struggling with the rise of ‘trendy’ or ‘party’ drugs. New psychoactive substances (NPS), also known as designer, party, or club drugs, have become worryingly popular in recent years due to their potent highs and easy accessibility. If you’re concerned about your kids being around this new ‘trendy’ drug culture, here’s everything you need to know as a parent:
Ketamine and the risks for young people
Ketamine was originally developed for medical and veterinary use, but it is now widely used as a recreational drug. Some people take it for its dissociative and hallucinogenic effects, while others buy it to ‘take the edge off’ mental health issues like anxiety and depression. It’s one of the most widely used and best known ‘trendy’ drugs - and it’s becoming a big problem in the UK for a variety of reasons.
Ketamine is often presented as harmless, and even as ‘healing’, but the reality is far from this. Regular use of ketamine can lead to serious health issues, including bladder damage, memory problems, impaired concentration, and ongoing dependence. One of the most well-known consequences of ketamine use is bladder damage, which can manifest after surprisingly short sustained periods of ketamine usage, and which often becomes permanent in severe cases. Hospital admissions involving ketamine have increased in recent years, and many treatment services now report growing demand from people seeking ketamine rehab.
For parents worried that their kids are dabbling in ketamine, it’s a very good idea to learn more about what ketamine is, how it is used, why it is used, and the risks associated with it. Try to speak with your kids in a non-judgemental, non-aggressive way in order to get the truth from them and start any healing journey on a collaborative rather than a confrontational footing.
High-potency cannabis and synthetic cannabinoids
Cannabis is one of the most commonly used drugs among young people - and has been for a very long time. However, today's products are very different from those available in the past. High-potency cannabis often contains much higher concentrations of THC - the compound responsible for the drug's psychoactive effects. Where our parents and grandparents were getting a fun ‘buzz’ from cannabis, kids on high-potency cannabis are experiencing a dizzying and powerful array of sensations. Modern cannabinoids vs the cannabis of the past is the equivalent of strong vodka vs weak beer.
Cannabis in general is often considered less harmful than many other drugs, and in fact many people use it medically, to handle pain or mental health issues. However, frequent use of high-potency cannabis isn’t always harmless. It has been associated with anxiety, paranoia and other mental health problems in some users. The risk of mental health issues like these rises exponentially when people start using cannabis while their brains are still at a vulnerable stage of development.
Synthetic cannabinoids present additional risks. These substances, often sold under names like Spice, are designed to mimic some of the effects of cannabis, but their chemical composition varies hugely, which makes their effects difficult to predict. Reports of severe reactions, including hospitalisation, are far more common with synthetic cannabinoids than with natural cannabis.
Talking to your children about drugs
Many parents worry about saying the wrong thing or accidentally encouraging curiosity about drugs. In reality, avoiding the subject altogether is probably a lot less helpful than having frank, open, and non-judgemental conversations.
If you are concerned, focus on honest conversations rather than lectures. Ask questions. Listen carefully. Make sure that your child knows they can speak to you about difficult situations without immediately facing punishment or judgement. Remember, drug education is most effective when it’s ongoing rather than limited to a single conversation.
When to seek support
Changes in behaviour do not automatically indicate drug use, but persistent changes in mood, friendship groups, attendance at school or college, sleep patterns or physical health may justify a closer look.
If you are worried, speak to a healthcare professional. Your GP can discuss concerns and direct you towards appropriate local services. Specialist drug and alcohol services can also provide advice, support and treatment where necessary.
Remember, neither you nor your child has to deal with these situations alone. Early conversations and early intervention often make problems much, much easier to address, and there is support out there for those willing to reach out for it.
