28 y.o male, and have been employed for nearly 4 years as a Harm Reduction & Engagement Worker for a drug addiction & recovery agency near the Bristol & Bath area, South West of England, UK.
My aim is to research as much harm reduction advice as possible, looking into the short term and long term affects of substance misuse; specifically targetting new party drugs & legal highs which seem to be the 'in' thing at the moment, especially in the UK's huge underground music & free party (illegal rave) scene.
08.02.2012:
At the moment I am trying to find as much information as possible on the substance 'Mephedrone' as it has exploded onto the recreational drug using scene. Am more interested on research surrounding the long term effects chronic use of this may have on people. It's use has exploded in popularity amongst the younger 16 - 25 generation. Given it's a stimulant, reports of long term use resemble that of amphetamines. It has been noted in Somalian communities that habitual & long term use of the alkaloid plant Khat (Where mephedrone is derived from), is causing impotence and erectile dysfunction, however I'm unable to confirm that from a medical source. (Bristol has a substantial Somalian community so this is more hear'say).
I also have a passing interest in Ketamine, and as swathes of solid research is finally starting to come through, am now looking into what medical effects occur on expectant mothers that still have a Ketamine habit, the effect of what Ketamine use has on the foetus, as well as neonates whose mothers' were using during pregnancy.