Increase in drug 'speedballing'

A drugs charity has voiced concerns at the increase in the number of drug users using heroin and cocaine together in a potentially lethal combination known as a 'speedball'.

A survey by Drugscope has discovered an increase in the number of addicts speedballing in Newcastle, Sheffield, Manchester, London, Bristol, Nottingham, Ipswich and York.

The increase could lead to a rise in crime, the charity warned, because speedballers spent an average of £500 per week on drugs, compared to an average of £110 for the average heroin user.

Drugscope said that speedballers had three times as many convictions as other drug users.

Harry Shapiro, editor of Druglink magazine, said: "The survey has again thrown up some interesting patterns and trends on the UK drugs scene. Although speedballing isn't a new phenomenon, it is clearly on the increase and if this trend continues, it will be bad news for attempts to reduce the spread of injecting-related diseases and the number of drug overdoses."

Drugscope also found that the use of anabolic steroids has increased dramatically, with young men turning to the drugs in order to boost self-confidence and improve body image.

Blackpool, London, Birmingham, Middlesbrough, Nottingham, Torquay, Cardiff, Manchester, Portsmouth, Luton and Newcastle all reported a rise in the mainstream misuse of steroids.

Supply of the Class C drug, a human growth hormone, is illegal, but possession is not. Side effects of steroid misuse in men include reduced sperm count, kidney and liver problems, high blood pressure and increased aggression. Injectors also risk contracting viruses such as HIV, hepatitis B and C.

Martin Barnes, chief executive of Drugscope, said: "The rise in the number of young men misusing steroids is extremely worrying and seems to be in response to a growing obsession with the ideal body image. There are serious risks associated with steroid misuse, but people may ignore the dangers or not seek help because they do not consider themselves drug users. Gyms, drug and health services should provide more information and practical support for young people exposed to steroid misuse."

Eighty drug agencies and and police forces in 20 towns and cities across the UK were interviewed for the study.

(KMcA)