Ex-Ecstasy Clubbers Fuel UK Cocaine Craze

A new report of UK drug use published this week has claimed that clubbers switching from ecstasy to cocaine are behind the threefold increase in cocaine use that's occurred over the last 7 years.

"Cocaine is seen as preferable to amphetamine for clubbers because the effects following cocaine use, and their duration, are more controllable," the NHS study suggested, adding that poorer quality ecstasy has influenced drug users' tastes (Independent).

The Daily Telegraph, meanwhile, cited 'changing fashions in music and clubbing' as a key factor, suggesting "as the price of cocaine has fallen, clubbers have turned to the drug, perceived as being 'cleaner' and more sophisticated (than E)."

Doctors involved in the report warned that Britain is facing a 'cocaine epidemic' with many people also now also dabbling with crack.

"At least one in ten people who use cocaine will go on to become compulsive users," the Standard said.

"(Using) it significantly increases the risk of convulsions, brain damage, strokes, heart attacks and serious mental illness, including schizophrenia."
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