|
< BACK
'Legal highs'- legal alternatives to illegal drugs
Renato Masetti, DAAT Training Co-ordinator, Suffolk DAAT
Abstract
National attention has started to be focused on the use of legal alternatives to illegal drugs. Despite this the buying and selling of "legal highs" remains a relatively hidden practice. This inevitably means that much of the information available about them is not researched-based and comes from anecdotal information available on the internet. Many of these products can be sold openly in the UK and are available from retail outlets. The presenter of this session has been tracking and studying the emergence of these products for over a year in order to offer up to date and relevant training to the substance misuse workforce. In contrast to the unreliable reputation of the first wave of "herbal highs", these drugs appear to successfully mimic the effects of controlled drugs. The session will offer information on the variety of drugs available, including legal alternatives to speed, ecstasy and cannabis as well as "party powders", salvia, Kratom, BZP and others. It will consider the effects and possible risks of these substances as well as the implications on legislation and drug policy.
TOP
Biography
Renato Masetti is the Training Co-ordinator for the Suffolk Drug and Alcohol Action Team and a free-lance trainer. He has built up a reputation for delivering innovative, and engaging training to a wide range of professionals over a 15 year career. His particular interests include the delivery of drug education and he is a passionate advocate of harm reduction measures and safer recreational drug use. Ren is a qualified teacher and has certificates in Addictive Behaviours from St. Georges and Relationship Psychotherapy from Thames Valley.
|
