Drugs workers warn of dangers around former legal high 'spice'

Drugs workers in the South West are warning of the dangers around taking former legal high 'spice'.

There has been an increase in people needing treatment at A and E departments after taking the extremely addictive drug.

Spice is a synthetic drug which mimics cannabis, but in reality is much stronger.

Spice was legal until a change in the law last year.

Drugs workers say it is probably bought on the dark web and distributed across cities to be taken by street users.

Some people refer to spice as 'the zombie drug' because side effects can include making people appear to freeze up.

Devon and Cornwall Police say the rise in people taking spice should not be mistaken for an increase in overall drug use in the area.

Drug charities say spice is often mixed with other substances before being sold, meaning users cannot be sure exactly what they are taking.

Bristol Drugs Project says many spice users take the drug to cope with other issues in their lives.

For more information about spice, you can visit the Talk to Frank website or HMP Bristol's downloadable guide.