Harm reduction message – N-Bomb
Issued by NHS Highland
Drug users can get more information and advice from the following:
- Highland Alcohol and Drugs Partnership 01463 704603
- Harm Reduction Services 01463 717594
- Osprey House 01463 716888
Reports in the Highland area are indicating that there is an increased use of the drug ‘N-Bomb’. This drug is not widely used in the area and as such there could be an increased risk to anyone taking it as there will be limited knowledge of what they are taking and the effects it can have.
N-Bomb is a powerful hallucinogen so it will change the way you see things and experience reality. The effects are similar to taking LSD.
Although people may describe having ‘good / bad trips’ the effects are very unpredictable with the drug causing 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.
The drug causes hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not there), and time and movement can feel like they are speeding up or slowing down. It can lead to an emergency admission to hospital.
Suzy Calder, Head of Service - Drug & Alcohol Recovery Service for NHS Highland, 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.”
Evidence suggests that very small doses of this can have a powerful affect which increases the risk of an overdose. 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.
Suzy added: "There is no way to make taking illicit drugs completely safe. NHS Highland works closely with the Highland Alcohol and Drugs Partnership, Police Scotland, Highland Council and our other partners to tackle these issues.
"I would advise anyone who has concerns about drugs to contact the relevant organisations for advice and support.”
Drug users can get more information and advice from the following:
- Highland Alcohol and Drugs Partnership 01463 704603
- Harm Reduction Services 01463 717594
- Osprey House 01463 716888