What's in your drugs?
Drugs bought illicitly could contain other, more dangerous drugs. Here are some steps to help you reduce harm.
When you buy drugs, you can never be completely sure what's in them. More and more often, cheaper and more dangerous substances - like synthetic opioids (such as nitazenes), xylazine, and synthetic cannabinoids (Spice) - are being found in the UK's illicit drug supply.
Sometimes, drugs are mixed with or even replaced entirely by these stronger substances. This means what you think you're taking might not be what you actually get - and that can increase your risk of harm, overdose, or death.
Which drugs have been found to contain other substances?
Recent testing has found dangerous drugs mixed into, or sold as, common substances such as:
- Heroin and benzodiazepines containing nitazenes (a powerful synthetic opioid)
- THC vapes containing xylazine or synthetic cannabinoids (Spice)
But the truth is, any drug bought illicitly could contain something unexpected. The supply is changing all the time.
Find out what's in your drugs
If you use drugs, one of the best ways to reduce harm is to test what you're taking.
You can do this anonymously through WEDINOS - a free, confidential testing service.
It's recommended that you test each new batch you buy, as the strength and contents can vary. Results usually take a few days to come back.
Steps to reduce harm, overdose, and death
- Avoid using alone. Try to be with someone you trust, or arrange a 'buddy system' - where one person uses first and the other waits until the peak effects wear off before using. This means someone can help if things go wrong.
- Start low and go slow. Even if you use regularly, start with a small amount, wait to see how it affects you, and space out your doses.
- Be cautious after a break. Your tolerance can drop quickly after stopping or leaving treatment - even a short break can increase overdose risk.
- Avoid mixing substances. Combining drugs or mixing with alcohol can greatly increase the risk of overdose.
- Know the signs of overdose and act fast if you see them.
If you think someone has overdosed:
- Call 999 immediately and tell the operator what you know
- Put them in the recovery position.
- Give naloxone if you have it.
Naloxone reverses the effects of opioids like heroin, methadone, or fentanyl. It won't harm someone if opioids aren't involved - but it could save a life if they are.
You can get a free naloxone kit and training from us at CDAS if you live in Stoke-on-Trent, or from your local drug and alcohol service and participating pharmacies.
Getting support
We’re here for anyone in Stoke-on-Trent affected by drugs and alcohol. We’re not here to judge, just listen and provide support if you need it.
You can drop in, call, or email us in confidence. Our team can offer practical help, health advice, BBV testing, clean equipment and more.
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