A Midwest addiction counsellor is warning that “no illicit drug is absolutely safe”.
The threat posed by artificial substances that mimic the likes of cannabis and heroin is being re-emphasised as they become more prevalent in Irish society.
The European Union Drug Agency, or EUDA, says it’s documented “unprecedented imports and seizures” of synthetic cathinones across the bloc in recent years.
Synthetic cathinones are a class of lab-made stimulants which are sometimes used as cheaper alternatives to other drugs but are more commonly ingested as contaminants in the likes of cannabis, heroin and cocaine.
While some synthetic cathinones are taken for medical reasons, studies show many can be life-threatening and can cause serious health problems such as stimulant use disorder and psychosis.
The EUDA claims semi-synthetic cannabinoids, which have been responsible for hospital admissions, have been found in vapes and gummies widely-available in Irish shops.
Shannon Sinn Féin TD Donna McGettigan says the Government must legislate against this “wolf in sheep’s clothing”.
It’s also been revealed that the quantity of cocaine seized in EU countries has almost doubled in the space of three years, going from 211 tonnes in 2020 to 419 in 2023.
The drug remains the most popular illicit substance in Europe and was used by roughly 4.6 million Europeans across 2024.
Addiction counsellor at Cuan Mhuire, Michael Guerin says there’s no way to use hard drugs without risking your life.
You can listen to the full interview here:
