Cocaine - Know the Score
Cocaine use is on the increase - it is now the second most used drug among young people aged 16-34.
Yet many of those taking cocaine are not aware of the risks involved.
Despite its 'glamorous' image, cocaine use comes with serious health risks. Taking cocaine
can make you up to 24 times more likely to have a heart attack and the drug is also associated with stroke.
Immediate effects include an increased heart rate, palpitations and sweating. This can result in users becoming agitated and anxious which can turn into panic or paranoia. Chest pain is another common and frightening symptom.
The fact is, you don't always know what you're getting with cocaine.
To raise awareness of the risks involved in taking cocaine, the Know the Score campaign is holding a series of Cocaine Awareness Weekends during November and December.
The six awareness weekends will involve staff in pubs, clubs and student unions across the country joining forces with Know the Score to highlight the health risks of cocaine use to the young people who socialise there.
The venues will be displaying promotional materials including T-shirts, posters and information leaflets which direct people to the Know the Score adviceline and website www.knowthescore.info for further information.
The 2009 Know the Score Cocaine Awareness Weekends will take place on the following dates:
20 / 21 November Glasgow/ Edinburgh
27 / 28 November Dundee / Perth
4 /5 December Inverness / Aberdeen
This activity is part of efforts by the Scottish Government to highlight the risks of cocaine in the run up and during the December party season when temptation to experiment with drugs may be at a high.
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