Government Announces Steps to Combat Synthetic Drug Threat
On Thursday, January 16th, 2025, the Drugs education charity, the DSM Foundation, has welcomed the announcement made by the government to address the growing concern over synthetic drugs such as nitazenes and xylazine. These laboratory-manufactured opioids and veterinary sedatives have been increasingly posing a threat to the lives of individuals in the UK.
Fiona Spargo-Mabbs OBE, the Director and Founder of the DSM Foundation, expressed her support for the government’s efforts. She stated, “As a charity founded in response to the loss of a young life to drugs, any news of more drug-related deaths hits us hard. The rise of strong synthetics that have been causing increasing numbers of fatalities in the UK have been a great source of concern for us, as for so many others.” She also added that the foundation has been working tirelessly for over a decade to reduce drug-related harm through evidence-based drug education.
The DSM Foundation’s work with young people and adults focuses on educating them about the dangers of drugs. Nitazenes and xylazine are not explicitly mentioned in their programs, but they are brought up in the context of illegal drugs, which are unregulated and, therefore, have unknown ingredients and strength. This makes the effects and risks of these drugs even more unpredictable. The same principle applies to products that young people may consider legal, such as vapes, which are often manufactured and handled outside of UK regulations. This issue is particularly problematic for individuals under the age of 18 who should not have access to these products in the first place. The charity published a blog on nitazenes last year, which can be read on their website.
The government’s announcement, which can be seen on their website, highlights their commitment to curb the rising threat of synthetic drugs. The DSM Foundation welcomes this news as it aligns with their goal of preventing harm and ultimately saving lives.
The DSM Foundation was established in 2014 as a response to the death of 16-year-old Daniel Spargo-Mabbs from an accidental overdose of ecstasy. The foundation aims to provide young people with relevant, age-appropriate, and evidence-based information about drugs so that they can make informed decisions to keep themselves and their friends safe. Currently, the charity is working in almost 750 schools, colleges, and community organizations with children and young people. They also provide workshops for parents and caregivers, as well as training for school and college staff. The charity has also commissioned a verbatim play called “I Love You Mum, I Promise I Won’t Die,” which tells Dan’s story in the words of his family and friends. Schools and colleges can access this play through studying the work itself or booking a Theatre in Education performance. Additionally, free drug education lesson resources are available for download on the DSM Foundation website for delivery by teachers through PSHE/PSE provision.
The DSM Foundation urges everyone to support the government’s efforts in combatting the threat of synthetic drugs and to work towards creating a safer environment for young people.
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.