Parents are being asked to attend an event on the dangers of legal highs in Aberdeen amid an increase in problem cases.
Drugs Action, a north-east charity which works to reduce harm caused by drug and alcohol abuse, will be hosting the “Legal Highs Be Wise” event tomorrow at Pittodrie Stadium from 7pm to 9.30pm.
Legal highs, or New Psychoactive Substances (NPS), have become a growing problem for the charity in recent years, with Drugs Action supporting around 40 people a month who have had their lives affected by the drugs.
One young man supported by the charity, who chose to remain anonymous, explained the dangers of abusing legal highs.
He said: “Basically I got into it by smoking cannabis and not having enough money.
“When my dealer sold it to me, he didn’t tell me it was a legal high, just a new kind of weed, and it was a lot cheaper.
“When I smoked it the reaction was nothing like I had before, it was something a lot more stronger. I got a rush for about half an hour, it made me really paranoid and dizzy, but in a much scarier way than cannabis.
“When you first start smoking it, you’re almost scared of it, but then you start to want that feeling of being terrified again, and I got hooked.
“They’re dangerous because you can buy them legally when you’re 18, but if I’m honest I was getting served in the shops at 14 and 15, they’re not strict about asking for an ID.
“I lost two jobs, got kicked out of school, lost girlfriends, family, friends, it impacted my life in every possible way.”
Luan Grugeon, chief executive of Drug Action said: “The use of NPSs is increasing and we are seeing people experiencing a lot of problems as a result.
“Parents are the biggest influence on the choices young people make regarding alcohol and drugs so it is really important that we support parents to have informed conversations with their young people.
“Enabling parents to have factual, open and honest conversations can help keep our young people safe and so I would encourage parents to come along and get informed.”
To book a place for tomorrow evening’s event call 01224 577120 or visit www.drugsaction.co.uk.