Podcast Summary
Affordable wireless alternatives vs. student Ketamine use: Mint Mobile offers cheaper wireless plans, while Ketamine use among students can have deadly consequences, highlighting the importance of informed decisions
While large wireless companies may raise prices due to inflation, smaller companies like Mint Mobile can offer more affordable alternatives. Mint Mobile is currently reducing the price of its Unlimited plan from $30 to $15 per month for new customers. Meanwhile, in a different context, the quiet rise of Ketamine use among students is a growing concern. Despite its low price and perceived safety, Ketamine can be deadly and is becoming increasingly popular among university students, second only to cannabis. Journalist Dominic Kennedy sheds light on this issue with never-before-seen data, revealing a dark picture of the consequences of Ketamine use. It's important to remember that while some substances may be legal or perceived as safe, they can still have dangerous and even fatal consequences. Whether it's wireless plans or drugs, it's crucial to make informed decisions and consider the potential risks.
Exploring the Hidden Drug Culture at Universities: Universities have a hidden drug culture, with dealers using clever marketing tactics like lighters with phone numbers to easily sell drugs to students. MDMA, cannabis, and even horse tranquilizers like ketamine are commonly used.
The drug scene around universities, particularly during Freshers Week, can be a hidden and dangerous reality for students. Anonymously texting a drug dealer, the speaker was able to obtain a full menu of drugs available, their prices, and even arrange a drop off. This experience, which went on for over a week, shed light on the prevalence of drug use among students and the marketing tactics used by dealers. The speaker's interest in this topic stemmed from previous investigations into study drugs and media reports of cocaine use on campus. However, through conversations with students, they discovered that while cocaine may not be as prevalent as reported, other drugs like MDMA and cannabis are more commonly used. A surprising revelation came when one student mentioned that ketamine, a horse tranquilizer, was popular among students at Cambridge University. The speaker's experience and research highlight the importance of understanding the drug culture on university campuses and the potential risks associated with it. The use of lighters with dealers' numbers written on them serves as a clever marketing tactic, making it easier for students to access drugs. It's crucial for parents, educators, and students themselves to be aware of these hidden realities and take steps to address the issue.
Ketamine's popularity among students despite risks: Ketamine, a cheap drug with unique effects, is popular among students but can cause a dangerous 'k-hole' state and has been linked to 41 student deaths since 2013.
Ketamine, a drug commonly used for animal sedation, has become a popular choice among students due to its relatively low cost and unique effects. However, the drug, which can cause a state known as a "k-hole," where the user becomes immobilized and disconnected from their surroundings, can be dangerous and even fatal. According to recent statistics, ketamine is now responsible for a quarter of drug seizures at music festivals and has been implicated in the deaths of 41 students since 2013. Despite this, it remains a favorite drug among students, likely due to its relatively low cost and unique effects. It's important to note that while ketamine may be cheaper than other drugs, it is not without risks and can be deadly.
Rising Ketamine Addiction in the UK: A Hidden Issue: Over 2,000 people receive NHS treatment for ketamine addiction, seizures at the border have quadrupled, and 30 annual deaths occur, yet universities are not cracking down and it receives less media attention than other substances.
Despite the rising number of individuals being treated for ketamine addiction in the NHS, the drug has received less media attention compared to other substances like heroin and cocaine. With over 2,000 people receiving treatment and seizures at the border increasing fourfold, ketamine is becoming a significant issue, particularly among 16 to 24-year-olds. Surprisingly, universities are not clamping down on its use as much as one might expect, and instead, there's a revolution happening in the way students and drugs are being handled on campus. While ketamine-related deaths have risen from zero in 1998 to 30 a year now, it often goes unnoticed in the headlines. It's crucial to be aware of this trend and prioritize health care when dealing with potential substance abuse issues.
UK Universities Shift Towards Harm Reduction for Students with Illegal Substances: UK universities are moving away from punishing students caught with illegal substances towards harm reduction measures, such as drug checking kits, to minimize harm associated with drug use.
Universities in the UK are shifting their approach towards students caught with illegal substances from punishment to harm reduction. This change is being guided by Students For Sensible Drug Policy UK, a pressure group that advocates for evidence-based drug policies. They believe that repressive drug policies can cause more harm than good. The group, which originated in the US in 1998, has managed to get a student representative on the Universities UK Task Force, which is deciding the national policy for students and drugs. This representative, Hannah Head, is pushing for harm reduction measures, such as drug checking kits, to minimize the harm associated with drug use. Harm reduction is the current direction of travel in drug policy, and it could mean providing students with resources to test their substances before use, without revealing the exact substance. This approach is gaining popularity as universities recognize the need to prioritize student safety over punishment.
Promoting Harm Reduction in Universities: Universities are implementing harm reduction schemes with student charities like SOS UK, offering advice on drug safety and minimizing potential harm.
Students For A Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP) is advocating for harm reduction in universities through pilot schemes, where they provide advice on drug safety. The presenters, Evan, the student union president, and Becky Risley, the senior drug and alcohol practitioner, emphasize the risks of taking drugs and advise starting with a low dose, waiting an hour between doses, and having friends present. The pilots are being run by a student charity called SOS UK, with support from Universities UK, Public Health England, and SSDP. SSDP's first success in the UK was at Newcastle University in 2014, where they persuaded the university to soften its policy on students and drugs after a tragic death caused by Ketamine. The death of Jenny Llama, an 18-year-old student from County Armagh, occurred on her first night in England and at university. It's crucial to remember that taking drugs comes with risks, and harm reduction advice can help minimize potential harm.
University's handling of fatal drug overdose sparks criticism: Universities must prioritize student safety and well-being, implementing harm reduction strategies while addressing the availability of drugs on campus to prevent impulsive and dangerous behavior.
The use of drugs, particularly when combined with alcohol, can be dangerous and even lethal. Despite the best intentions of universities and organizations to reduce harm and provide support, the presence of drugs on campuses and at events continues to pose a risk to students. The case discussed involved the use of Ketamine, which proved fatal when combined with alcohol. The university's message to students was criticized for lacking empathy and understanding, while organizations like SSDP and Universities UK emphasized the importance of harm reduction and student well-being. However, even with harm reduction strategies in place, the availability of drugs can lead to impulsive and dangerous behavior. The lifting of disciplinary measures against drug possession may increase the risk of students using drugs, and the novelty and uncertainty of drug dosages can contribute to the danger. Ultimately, a proactive approach from higher education institutions, centered on student safety and well-being, is crucial in addressing this complex issue.
The Dangerous Combination of Ketamine and Alcohol: Using ketamine and alcohol together significantly increases the risk of death due to slowed breathing.
The combination of ketamine and alcohol can be particularly dangerous, increasing the risk of slowing down breathing and leading to comas or even death. This risk is significant, with about 1 in 10 deaths involving ketamine having alcohol as a contributing factor. However, it's important to note that many deaths related to ketamine also involve other illicit drugs. The podcast shares several tragic stories of young students who died after using ketamine, including an 18-year-old girl from Cardiff, a 19-year-old boy from Oxford, and a 21-year-old boy from Southampton University. These students, who had bright futures ahead of them, are a reminder of the devastating impact of substance abuse. If you're interested in learning more about this issue, you can read Dominic Kennedy's investigations on The Times website.
Contribute in various ways: share stories, buy short-term health insurance, celebrate special occasions: Share stories, get flexible short-term health insurance, and celebrate special occasions like Mother's Day to make a difference and show appreciation
There are various ways to make a difference and contribute, whether it's sharing a story, getting short-term health insurance, or celebrating special occasions like Mother's Day. If you have a story to share, send it to The Times. UnitedHealthcare offers short-term health insurance plans for those in transition, providing flexible and budget-friendly coverage with access to a nationwide network. For Mother's Day, consider giving back to the amazing moms in your life through 1-800-Flowers, offering handmade bouquets, sweet treats, gourmet food, and one-of-a-kind gifts, with limited-time savings available. Additionally, an interesting fact shared during the discussion was that crocodiles cannot stick out their tongues. Another cool fact mentioned was the availability of short-term health insurance plans, offering coverage for a month or under a year, which can be beneficial for those in between jobs or starting a full-time gig. So, whether it's sharing a story, taking care of your health, or celebrating special occasions, there are always opportunities to make a difference and show appreciation.
