There have been reports about serious harm as a result of cathinones (Monkey Dust) use across Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire. Recent reports have seen increasing harm to people using it. These reports suggest there is significant risk, including death, to anyone taking the drug.

Monkey Dust is a name commonly used for drugs containing synthetic cathinones. These are stimulant drugs which have effects similar to amphetamines (speed) and MDMA (ecstasy).

Using Monkey Dust carries the following risks:

• Increased heart rate and blood pressure, leading to increased risk of heart attack
• Increased body temperature and excessive sweating
• Organ damage (including liver and kidneys)
• Severe anxiety, agitation or psychosis
• Unpredictable and erratic behaviour, which can lead to risky sexual or violent behaviour

Ways of taking Monkey Dust which carry less risk:

• Start low, go slow. Strength can vary between batches, and some batches may be contaminated with other substances, so even if you take the drug regularly, start with a small amount and wait before your next dose.
• Everyone responds differently to drugs – it’s important to go at your own pace, as trying to keep up with others puts you at greater risk of overdosing.
• Try not to use more than one drug at a time, as mixing with other drugs or alcohol, even at low amounts, can be very dangerous.
• Where you are when you take Monkey Dust can change how it affects you and how risky it is. Try to be somewhere safe and comfortable, with people you trust.
• Have someone who could call for help if you overdose. Use a buddy system – where one person waits until the peak effects have worn off before the other person uses.

Signs of overdose include:

• Unconscious or unresponsive
• Problems with breathing
• Chest pains
• Seizures

If you think someone has overdosed, or if someone passes out or falls asleep and you can’t wake them up – put them in the recovery position, administer naloxone if you have it, and get help fast by calling 999. Tell emergency services what you know.

Drugs bought illicitly can contain a mixture of substances, including opioids. Naloxone can temporarily reverse the effects of opioid drugs, including heroin. If you suspect someone has overdosed, it’s always best to administer naloxone. If someone hasn’t overdosed on opioids, naloxone won’t harm them.

The information in this drug alert has been coproduced by Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Drug and Alcohol Services.