Derbyshire Psychologist Warns: 'Spice Use Needs To Be Tackled Both at Home and Away'
As Operation ‘Halifax’ gains momentum across the county to tackle the production and supply of Spice, Derbyshire based forensic psychologist, Dr Ruth Tully, has warned that the issue needs tackling both in the community and in prisons, where there are big problems with drugs like Spice.
Over the last twelve months, reports of Spice and Mamba use have hit the headlines on numerous occasions, with Operation Halifax officially being launched in Derby on June 12. These drugs were formerly called 'legal highs', and they were designed to mimic cannabis. However, the drugs have different chemicals in them, which are now illegal, and which can have very different and unpredictable harmful effects compared to cannabis. These drugs are sometimes called 'novel psychoactive substances' or NPS.
The ongoing investigation into disrupting and dismantling the supply of drugs like spice may have begun, but residents in various local towns have become increasingly concerned about the drug and its use at a local level.
Now, Derbyshire based Dr Ruth Tully, 35, who has given expert advice in court for trials relating to violent crime and drug use, has issued a warning that the issue needs tackling both at home and in prison, in an attempt to stamp it out completely.
Dr Tully said: “Spice and Mamba use has hit alarming levels all over the UK- not just in Derbyshire. Reoffending rates for crimes involving the drug also need tackling because the use of the drug in prison is rife. Offenders are going into prison, and still taking the drug. I have worked with people who have used Spice and sadly who have died as a result
“The biggest problem in the prison is that the drugs are getting in. Drugs get into prisons through being smuggled in, and previously a main method was people throwing them over the prison walls. Modern technology has had an impact with drones flown over the prison walls to supply the drugs. Even more astounding, is that some prisoners are driven to re-offend just so that they can go back into prison in order to smuggle more drugs back in to make money. This issue needs tackling in the prison service, and in the community.”
After talking to people on the streets of Ilkeston, many were reluctant to go on record with their eyewitness accounts, one man told us: “I have a few rental properties in the area and there is an issue with drug use in the town.”
A business owner told us: “We see a few young people regularly walk past our office, and it is clear that they have taken various substances. We cannot say what, but it is clear that the issue of drugs in the area has increased, certainly since we moved to the area a few years ago.”
Dr Tully continued: “Spice or Mamba use can result in hallucinations, paranoia, and anxiety. It can also result in seizures, and these are just some of the serious side effects. If you suspect that a friend or relative has an issue with the drug, the first step is to make sure they are safe. If they have used the drug and are experiencing side effects such as chest pain or a seizure, then call an ambulance. Aside from considering their immediate safety, it is advised to educate yourself about the effects of Spice. Your loved one may minimise their problem with the drug, or be under the impression it is safe to use, when it isn't/
“Making them feel guilty or shaming them into stopping does not work. Try to be compassionate and approach them in a non-confrontational way. In my experience, family dynamics can also play a part in usage particularly in teenagers. It is important to try to address the root causes of using drugs, and so an open discussion about why they are using drugs may help.”
“If you feel unable to approach your loved one, or you have tried this but it has not helped, then reach out to a mutual friend or connection who they trust, and get them to have a chat in a neutral environment. If it's difficult for you to talk about drug use directly, express a concern over their insomnia or another related health issue stemming from the use of the drug. This can give you an avenue with which to discuss the real issue at hand.
"Finally, there are also services that can work with you and your loved one, to help address their substance misuse. You can seek advice from the GP, who will be able to signpost you to a drug or addictions service, as well as mental health support as needed. Spice and other synthetic drugs are extremely harmful for physical and mental health, and help is available."
For more information, please visit https://tullyforensicpsychology.com/
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