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Britain’s Cocaine Use: Higher Rates Than Mexico and Colombia

Published

7 months ago

December 24, 2023

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Summary: A recent report reveals that Britain has the highest rate of cocaine use in Europe, with 2.7% of adults aged 15 to 64 using the drug annually. This equates to approximately 1.02 million people, or one in every 37 individuals. The report places the UK second globally in cocaine use among developed countries, only behind Australia.

Cocaine Use in the UK: A Growing Public Health Concern

According to a report by the OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development), Britain has emerged as the largest consumer of cocaine in Europe. The statistics indicate that 2.7% of the population aged between 15 and 64 in England and Wales use cocaine each year, translating to about 1.02 million people or one in every 37 individuals. The usage rate is notably higher among men than women, with one in 26 men admitting to using cocaine compared to one in 63 women.

The UK’s cocaine usage ranks the highest in Europe and second out of 41 developed countries, surpassed only by Australia, which has a usage rate of 4.2%. Interestingly, the UK’s usage rate is higher than that in countries traditionally associated with cocaine production and trafficking, such as Mexico and Colombia.

Professor Ian Hamilton from the University of York attributes this high usage to the drug’s affordability and availability. He notes that in the UK, a small amount sufficient for a night out can be purchased for the price of a cocktail or a couple of pints. The drug’s increased availability and potency have also contributed to its widespread use.

Dr. Niall Campbell, a psychiatrist at the Priory rehab hospital, describes the current situation as an epidemic, noting that cocaine use is no longer confined to the wealthy classes but has become widespread across different social groups. He compares the ease of obtaining cocaine to ordering a pizza.

The widespread use of cocaine has significant health implications. Cocaine can damage the heart, cause irregular heartbeats, and even lead to cardiac arrest. It is also addictive and can adversely affect mental health, potentially causing depression, aggression, and paranoia. The drug’s supply is controlled by criminal gangs, leading to violence and exploitation in ‘county lines’ networks.

Recent figures from the Office for National Statistics show a sharp increase in cocaine-related deaths in England and Wales, with 872 deaths recorded in 2021, more than double the number in 2015. In response to the growing crisis, Switzerland is considering legalizing cocaine, acknowledging that the war on drugs has failed.

The UK Home Office has launched a 10-year drug strategy backed by a record £3 billion investment to tackle the supply of illicit drugs and build a world-class treatment system for drug abuse. This strategy aims to support individuals suffering from addiction and those exploited by criminal gangs.

Source: The Sun

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AI Disclaimer: This news update was created using a AI tools. PsychePen is an AI author who is constantly improving. We appreciate your kindness and understanding as PsychePen continues to learn and develop. Please note that the provided information is derived from various sources and should not be considered as legal, financial, or medical advice.

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More Is NOT Better When Dealing With Anxiety

Published

2 months ago

June 5, 2024

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Science has proven the cannabis plant has medical benefits…but it shows more is not better.

Anxiety is something most people experience at some point, but for some, they experience it way more frequently. An estimated 31.1% experience an anxiety disorder at some time in their lives. Cannabis can help with anxiety, but dosage is a key. It is a case of too much hurts rather than helps. Studies show low THC with a mix of CBD can be the most effective treatment. It is always good if you have a mid or long term issue with anxiety to talk with a health professional and work with them to find the right dosage, just like any other medication.

Microdosing has become very popular for those who use medical marijuana. The most common reasons including anxiety and chronic pain. More complex reasons include treatment of cognitive deficits, mental illnesses, and many diseases considered incurable. But to understand the benefits, you have to understand your situation and dosing. Microdosing means using between 2.5-5 mg to take the edge off and allow the plant’s benefits to take evenMore research is being put into the benefits of marijuana, but it important to work with professionals.

marijuana capsules — Photo by megaflopp/Getty Imagess

Like alcohol, there needs to be an eye on the amount and strength of marijuana consumed. In a of study published in JAMA Psychiatry this week found regularly consuming high-THC marijuana and marijuana products could lead to mental health and addiction problems down the road.

Specifically, researchers reported those who consistently used high-THC marijuana were four times more likely to abuse the drug and twice as likely to develop anxiety disorders. The study’s authors added regularly consuming potent cannabis increases your chances of subsequent illicit drug use by 30%. The study had a significant limitation, the authors wrote, regarding where participants sourced their cannabis with survey respondents not having scientific way of determining THC levels in their cannabis.

Previous research has show that today’s marijuana is stronger than it needs to be. This is especially true when buying illegal marijuana, as black market producers breed cannabis strains designed to deliver the highest high to consumers in hopes they’ll come back for more. A study published earlier this year also found that 70-90% of medical marijuana products were too strong for effective chronic pain relief.

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Best Tips For A Spring Marijuana Tolerance Break

Published

4 months ago

March 25, 2024

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Lent is when people give up something they love in a fast as a way to show their faith. Related activities include Dry January, Damp January, cleanses, and a sugar detox. The concept of taking a break from habits. Between 15% and 35% of drinkers overall participate in Dry January. Around 71% see it to the of people who took part in Dry January said they slept better and 67% had more energy, according to a University of Sussex study.

Daily cannabis consumers may noticed their tolerance changes. Like alcohol, it might take more to feel the same….whether it is the amount, a higher THC or a frequency. This is probably a sign you need think about a pause. And here are the best tips for a spring marijuana tolerance break.

If you use cannabis for a prolonged period of time, body becomes desensitized to its psychoactive effects. When you constantly put THC in your body, the receptors that bind to it become compromised. Think of it as giving your receptors a chance to recuperate.

Reducing Consumption

Does reducing consumption over a full stop make a difference? This method certainly will help, but receptors are still being activated on a semi-regular basis. Many marijuana enthusiasts prefer this halfway approach and it works for some. If you consume multiple times a day, limit it to just at the end of the evening. If used as a sleep aid, consider opting for melatonin or other remedies for a few weeks as a replacement.

How long should it last

Everybody is different, but most programs last 4-6 weeks. Taking a break for one or two days isn’t going to allow your body to adjust. THC can remain in your system for 30 days. Allowing the cannabinoid to flush through your system will do your body good. Just be careful on the first time you restart.

a simple guide to packing and smoking a bowl of marijuana — Photo by contrastaddict/Getty Images

Negative side effects

Life a caffeine holiday, you may show symptoms of irritability, moodiness of other signs of withdrawal. This can be

What if it is for medical reasons

This is a bit tricky. If you are use cannabis as medicine, it is smart to consult with the health professional who recommended it for the ailment. If you are currently consuming it as an aid in chemotherapy, PTSD, pain relief or any other serious ailment, it is key to balance the desire to medicate with the desire to lower your tolerance.

The best advice is to stay active. Go for long walks or to the gym. Releasing endorphins may assist in preventing or lessening the negative effects.

If you find this to be a difficult task, it may be a warning sign that you are becoming dependent on the drug. But try to focus on this silver lining: If you take a protracted break from cannabis, you’ll be saving yourself a chunk of change. And who couldn’t use a few extra bucks in the bank account?

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How Much Marijuana To Take To Be Happy

Published

4 months ago

March 22, 2024

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The concept of popping open a beer after work was ingrained in the boomer generation as a way to relax and shake off the troubles of the day. But younger millennials and Gen Z have a different take. As seen in fully legal states, beer sales are down, and in recent research, they are moving to cannabis. So how much marijuana to take to be happy and shake it off?

Different generations chill and relax in different ways. Earlier boomers had cocktails, late boomers and Gen X had illicit weed, valium and drinks, now the youngest adults are moving to vaping and gummies. While it should not be done too regularly, sometimes the world just gives you a rough go. Whether a jerk at work, car trouble or just a full flung case of the grumpies, sometimes you need a distraction. But how much of a dose should take to be happy?

First, you need to make sure it isn’t a daily habit, addiction is no joke and problems can occur. But on this days when you just want to kick back and chill after a hard day, what do you do. Researchers at the University of Illinois at Chicago and the University of Chicago report low levels tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, the main psychoactive compound in marijuana, does reduce stress, but in a highly dose-dependent manner: very low doses lessened the jitters of a public-speaking task, while slightly higher doses — enough to produce a mild “high” — actually increased anxiety.

Consumer data shows the younger generation is leaning into a few hits of a vape or a gummy or two Monday – Wednesday. Rather than have the hangover, the calories, and the alcohol high, they want something smoother and less fattening.

If you a canna newbie or an occasionally user, a mild relaxant could be about 2.5 mg. if you want to up it, 2.5-5 mg. work. For the more frequent use mild would go to 2.5-5 mg and to increase it would be 5-10 mg. Products purchased in a dispensary have a labels with dosage to help you manage.

You can also chat with the bud tender. A little trial and error can help you figure out what you want to relax and find your happy spot.

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