From Party to Ph*rm*cy

There have been many changes in patterns of drug use recently. “Party drugs” such as MDMA have proliferated and diversified, while the purity of MDMA itself has fluctuated wildly in recent years. Super-strong pills containing 400mg of MDMA have been identified. Alongside this trend, ketamine use has become widespread and commonplace for certain groups.

However, recent trials have indicated that these substances, traditionally viewed as exclusively harmful may have substantial therapeutic benefits.

Conversely, pharmaceutical products, both Over-the-Counter and prescribed continue to be used for their psychoactive properties. A study of OTC medicine abuse by Sheffield University identified codeine-based Medic*tion, cough mixtures, sedative antihistamines, decongestants and laxatives as causes for concern while an ITV reporter in 2015 was able to obtain 576 codeine-based tablets in just a few hours.

The illicit use of prescribed Medic*tion appears to have become standard practice, whether genuine, unlicensed or counterfeit.

Who is the session for?

This is an in-depth exploration of the properties of these substances and how and why they are used. Building on this knowledge base, participants will be encouraged to consider effective harm-limiting interventions for their clients/ residents/customers and explore the evidence for therapeutic use. The session is appropriate for workers from a wide range of agencies who will or do encounter these substances in the course of their work.

Session objectives

By the end of the session participants will be able to:

• Identify a variety of “party drugs” and understand their mechanism of action and classify their properties whether stimulating, empathogenic or dissociative
• Understand cultural aspects of stimulant, ketamine and pharmaceutical drug use
• Understand the psychopharmacology of these drugs and the risks and potential benefits of their use
• Consider interventions that could be used to reduce or limit risk
• Respond to drug users more confidently through increased knowledge and empathy

Event Venue

Dereham Town Football Club, Norwich Road, Dereham, United Kingdom