Cocaine - you don't know what you're getting!
Cocaine is the second most used drug among young people, yet many of those taking cocaine are not aware of the risks involved.
Research shows many young Scots believe this highly-addictive drug is glamorous and safe but the Scottish Government's new Know the Score campaign will alert them to the dangers of cocaine-use.
Immediate effects of cocaine-use include increased heart rate, palpitations, sweating and chest pain. This can cause users to become agitated and anxious, which can turn into panic or paranoia as well as increasing their chances of having a heart attack or stroke.
The Scottish Crime and Drug Enforcement agency suggest that current purity of Cocaine to be only 10%. They know that Cocaine is being cut with a variety of different chemical cutting agents, including benzocaine, phenacetin, levamisole, lignocaine and caffeine. These can lead to life-threatening infections.
You just don't know what you're getting with cocaine.
Knowing the risks allows young people to make the right choices with their lives.
The Know the Score campaign was launched in January by Community Safety Minister Fergus Ewing at a parkour workshop, an activity made famous in the opening sequence of Casino Royale.
Parkour is one of many activities young people can get involved in and feel good about. Find out about more activities in your local area at www.youngscotwow.org
Nina Ballantyne (18) practices parkour up to four times a week. She said: "I think a lot of young people my age could easily become involved in using cocaine as they might think it's exciting and harmless, and something that they won't become addicted to.
"There are so many other interesting activities, like parkour, that young people can get involved in today that won't put your life or your relationships at risk."
For more information, visit the Know the Score website, www.knowthescore.info or phone the helpline 0800 587 587 9 to speak to an advisor.
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