Expert sees rise in addictions to ‘legal drugs’

PEOPLE are being treated solely for an addiction to legal drugs on sale in alternative lifestyle shops, the head of the addictions unit at St John of God’s hospital has said.

Consultant psychiatrist Dr Colin O’Gara said increasing numbers addicted to BZP derivatives and amphetamine style head shop drugs were now presenting at the hospital for treatment. Most are under the age of 45, he said, and the increase has begun since some time last year.

Mainly the type of head shop drugs they are addicted to are those which mimic the effects of cocaine such as Snow Blow, XXX and Charge, he said.