Group warns of 'considerable' amount of Spice overdoses in Bradford recently

A DRUG and alcohol support service has warned of a "considerable" amount of Spice overdoses in Bradford recently.

New Vision Bradford, a partnership between national and local charities that provides drug and alcohol treatment and recovery services across, issued a release on Spice this week, amid growing concerns over its use and the "severe adverse reactions" in the area.

Emmerson Walgrove, who holds roles in a number of Bradford organisations, shared the warning today.

He said: "Bradford has experienced a considerable number of non-fatal overdoses in the last couple of days.

"It's a fast-moving environment but appears to be related to Spice.

"Look after each other and please contact for more info."

The release from New Vision Bradford said some of the adverse effects they have seen in increasing numbers are: difficulty breathing, unconsciousness, seizures, and vomiting.

It added: "This has resulted in a number of people requiring urgent medical attention."

The NHS says on one of its websites that Spice is the nickname given to a substance containing one or more synthetic cannabinoids - which are lab-made drugs.

It adds: "Synthetic cannabinoids were originally designed to mimic the effects of cannabis. However, they are more harmful and unpredictable than cannabis.

"They may be powdered chemicals, dissolved and sprayed onto paper or dried plant material."

New Vision Bradford warned that "other substances" can also be added to Spice, such as nitazenes.

The partnership has provided advice to users, if they are going to use the substance.

This includes: not using it alone so if things go wrong someone else can call for help, start with a "match head-sized dose" initially to test a new packet as potency is hugely variable, sit down before using, and do not mix it with alcohol or other drugs.

It adds: "If in doubt use naloxone, it will do no harm."

Naloxone is the emergency antidote for overdoses caused by heroin and other opiates or opioids and is a prescription-only medicine, according to the government's website.

New Vision Bradford urged people to ring 999 if anyone becomes unwell.

Anyone who needs help with their drug use, or more information, can contact New Vision Bradford on: 01274 296023.

You can also contact Project 6, another support service, on: 01535 610180.