 The campaign warns over the dangers of cocaine and alcohol |
Almost 50 pubs and clubs have joined forces in Edinburgh to warn festive party-goers of the dangers of taking cocaine. Licensees in premises across Edinburgh will help spread the message over the weekend that even occasional cocaine use carries major health risks.
Revellers aged 18 to 26 are the main target of the Scottish Executive's largest-ever cocaine awareness weekend.
Justice Minister Cathy Jamieson welcomed the drive.
Ms Jamieson said: "We want young people to make positive lifestyle choices not fool themselves into thinking there are no risks from taking so-called 'glamour' drugs like cocaine.
"The initiative will support that work and will enable pubs and clubs across Edinburgh to play their part in helping the police, and those involved in drugs education, to raise awareness among young people of the dangers involved and the support available to them."
The campaign is part of a national anti-cocaine drive featuring television advertising in the run up to the December party season, when temptation to experiment with drugs may be high.
Staff and managers in 46 premises from George Street to the Cowgate will be wearing Know the Score T-shirts and distributing branded drinks stirrers and information leaflets.
The initiative aims in particular to highlight the dangers of mixing the drug with drink.
Tragic deaths
Tom Wood, chairman of the Scottish Association of Alcohol and Drugs Action Teams, said: "Tragically, cocaine still has a showbiz party image when we see increasing evidence of its deadly consequences.
"In particular, the mix of cocaine with alcohol is, I believe, a huge threat.
"This year we have already seen a number of tragic deaths where that lethal combination has led to disaster.
"As we approach the party season, people have got to wake up to the real price of using cocaine, or they themselves will experience it first hand."
Det Supt Gillian Wood, the national drugs co-ordinator with the Scottish Crime and Drug Enforcement Agency, added: "One of the many dangers associated with cocaine use is the misconception that occasional use will not lead to addiction.
"The reality, of course, is that many cocaine users regularly access treatment programmes for help with depression, paranoia and all of the other issues which go hand in hand with cocaine addiction."
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In particular, the mix of cocaine with alcohol is, I believe, a huge threat.
