A drug alert has been issued after Xylazine was found in three out of four samples of ketamine tested in Manchester in the last week.
The combination of ketamine and xylazine is known to result in extreme sedation and could be fatal. Using alcohol or other drugs at the same time increases the risk.
The warning has been issued by Manchester Drug Analysis Exchange (MANDRAKE), an organisation based at Manchester Metropolitan University who chemically analyse drugs across the city.
Support for students who take drugs
The safest way to take drugs is not at all. However, we recognise that a number of students choose to use drugs whilst at university.
- There are free and anonymous drug testing kits available on campus, from the Students’ Union Advice Service.
- We share MANDRAKE drug alerts to Student News, so you know when substances in Manchester are being mis-sold or have contaminants in them.
- Drug and Alcohol Peer Support (DAPS), run by students, for students, provides a place to talk openly about drug and alcohol use and find community. You can find out more on their Instagram here.
- Eclypse, a free and confidential drug and alcohol service for young people in Manchester are also available to speak to at the Advice Service.
- If you have significant issues or want medical advice, you can speak to the University GP service.
- Advice and information for students who use drugs can be found on Student News here.