Win tickets to Love Saves the Day with BDP

Festival season is here again and, come rain or shine, Bristolians in their thousands will be searching for the best party on offer.

Some festivalgoers will be looking to use drink and drugs to try and add to their enjoyment.

Local charity BDP (Bristol Drugs Project) have 29 years’ experience helping people in Bristol reduce the harm they can cause themselves, and are a valuable resource for free and confidential advice and information throughout the festival season. BDP believe that the better understanding people have of the pleasures and risks associated with substances, the more they are able to make informed decisions.

They understand that not everyone who uses drugs or alcohol has a problem, but they’re here to offer support to those that do. Some people might think their concerns aren’t ‘big enough’ to speak to drug and alcohol services, so this year BDP are bringing their expertise to some of the best music festivals in Bristol and beyond; providing on-site confidential advice and support.

Last year BDP conducted an anonymous survey with 420 festivalgoers, revealing that 11% of people had taken a substance without knowing what it was – that’s over 1 in 10 people! With changing chemical formulas for ‘legal highs’, pills of increased strength and mystery white powders available, if you’re planning on using drugs this festival season, BDP want to help keep you informed…

· Legal Highs: It’s impossible to know what’s in a ‘legal high’ before you buy it, so avoid mixing with alcohol. Many contain banned substances and have not been tested. They can have completely different effects.

·         MDMA: The average strength of Ecstasy has greatly increased over the past 5-to-10 years. If taking, start with half a pill. Avoid re-dosing and mixing with other drugs or alcohol.

·         Cocaine: Mixing with alcohol creates Cocaethylene which is toxic in the liver, raises blood pressure and increases chance of seizures, heart attacks and strokes.

·         GHB/GBL: If you don’t know the concentration of your liquid G, be extremely careful. There is no way, without testing, to determine its strength. Avoid frequent use as dependency can occur quickly.

·         Benzos: Avoid repeated use as they are highly addictive and dangerous to stop suddenly. Always have someone look out for you, as they can make you confused, forgetful and drowsy, leaving you vulnerable. Mixing with alcohol can cause breathing problems and overdose.

·         Ketamine: Can often be mistaken or cut with MXE (which is approx. 8 times stronger) causing panic, anxiety and short-term paralysis. Avoid sharing tubes or using notes – to reduce the risks of blood borne viruses.

·         Nitrous Oxide: Inhaling directly from the canister or in a confined space can cause overdose. Risks include permanent brain damage and haemorrhages.

Sometimes a social drink, smoke, pill, or sniff can escalate into something people feel they need rather than just enjoy, getting in the way of work, relationships, routines and ambitions. Whatever the substance, BDP are here to work towards the goals you set.

If you’re thinking about controlling or cutting back the amount you use, or would like advice for a friend or family member, call BDP on 0117 987 6000 or visit their Advice & Information Centre at 11 Brunswick Square, Bristol, BS2 8PE. Mon – Fri: 9am – 8pm, Sat: 10am – 5pm.

Look out for the BDP stall and outreach team at this year’s Love Saves The Day, Bristol Pride, BoomTown Fair and a selection of local festivals. If you’d like to have BDP support your event or festival this summer, email [email protected].

Win a pair of tickets to this year’s Love Saves The Day by taking part in this year’s Festival Survey: www.bdp.org.uk/survey

www.bdp.org.uk
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