COUNCIL chiefs at Warrington have issued a warning about the risks of drinking alcohol and taking cocaine at the same time over the Christmas period.
When the two are used together, they combine in the body to create a third substance called cocaethylene – the only known example of the body forming a third drug following ingestion of two others.
Cocaethylene is more toxic, lasts longer and causes more physical harm, especially to the heart, than either alcohol or cocaine used separately.
Cathy Fitzgerald, manager of Warrington’s Drug Action Team said: “National figures recently released reveal that the number of people going to hospital after taking too much cocaine has doubled over the past five years, with one person now admitted every 10 hours. Alcohol is thought to play a significant part in many of these admissions.
“We are currently running and awareness campaign about the effects and risks of taking cocaine and alcohol together to try and warn local people about the gamble they are taking with their lives. There is little research into the physiological effects of cocaethylene on the body – we just don’t know what the long term effects are.”
Anyone requiring more information should call the Drug Action Team 01925 631765 or visit www.warrington.gov.uk/drugs
There is also a free cocaine/alcohol course and a stimulant “drop in” service running every Wednesday from 5-7pm at Alcohol and Drug Services (ADS) on Museum Street in the town centre.
COUNCIL chiefs at Warrington have issued a warning about the risks of
drinking alcohol and taking cocaine at the same time over the Christmas
period.
Drink and drugs warning
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Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
