The Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) was commissioned by the Government to conduct an independent review into the harms of synthetic cathinones, including the drug MDPHP, commonly known as ‘monkey dust’.
University of Staffordshire previously conducted research on behalf of Stoke-on-Trent City Council to better understand how and why ‘monkey dust’ is used in the city, and the impact on individuals, communities and services.
These findings contributed to the final ACMD report, Synthetic cathinones: an updated harms assessment, which highlights that a public health approach is needed.
It warns that reclassification may increase stigma for people using these drugs, discouraging them from seeking social or medical support. Adding that further criminalisation may present additional barriers to accessing services such as housing.
Sarah Page, Associate Professor in Social Justice and Social Learning at University of Staffordshire, was co-opted onto the ACMD working group and co-produced initial recommendations to the board.
She said: “I am fully supportive of the recommendations made by the ACMD to the Government. Reclassification of synthetic cathinones to Class A drugs is unlikely to deter people in the locality in their use of drugs referred to as ‘monkey dust’ and could lead to further stigmatisation, which we found has already exacerbated access to housing and treatment.
“It has been great to see Stoke-on-Trent City Council responding to our research by investing in bespoke support for those using ‘monkey dust’ through local community drug services. Unfortunately, many people who have experienced childhood and life trauma can end up self-medicating with drugs – sometimes to the extent that they end up homeless and unable to get accommodation due to their drug usage.”
Sarah continued: “We hope that the Government will take on board the ACMD’s recommendations for further support to help the most vulnerable drug users in the community in their recovery.”
As part of the National Drug Strategy, ‘From harm to hope’, Stoke-on-Trent City Council received grant funding of just over five million pounds from April 2022 to March 2024, to improve drug and alcohol treatment.
It has since brought together partners from across the city to develop a multiagency action approach to tackle drug related harm, with a focus on MDPHP.
Much of this has drawn on University of Staffordshire’s ‘monkey dust’ research, which was led by Fiona McCormack, Research Fellow from the Centre for Health and Development.
Sarah, Fiona and colleagues have also produced research on women’s drug treatment needs and the ‘Housing First’ model, which the ACMD recommends is used to tackle homelessness among those with drug use disorders.
Housing First provides permanent housing and open-ended support, allowing other issues, including drug use and mental health, to be addressed from a stable home platform.
Sarah said: “Unfortunately, funding constraints have prohibited the Housing First model being implemented across the country. Hopefully, the new Government will reconsider this in policy and practice so that more people can get access the kinds of intensive support needed for some drug users who struggle to engage in mainstream drugs services.”
Fiona added: “I am pleased that our local drug services have got some level of housing support, and I hope that the Government continues to invest locally so that further work can be done.”
Forensic researchers at University of Staffordshire, Dr Jodie Dunnett and Dr Mia Abbott, have also been working with local police to analyse seized drug samples of ‘monkey dust’ and this work continues.
Other recommendations from the ACDM’s report include establishing an appropriately managed fund, possibly within the ‘Safer Streets’ initiative, to support local policing and/or public health initiatives in communities that are particularly affected by drug use.
It also recommends further research funding in relation to synthetic cathinones and other novel psychoactive substances. Plus, improved education and training for users, the public and healthcare professionals.
Fiona said: “We will continue to work with partners to help combat health and social inequalities with quality evidence-based research. The ACMD’s report is a positive step forward in support of this and we look forward to the Government’s response.”
If you would like help and support with drug or alcohol use, or would like to talk about how to help someone you know, please contact Stoke-on-Trent Community Drug & Alcohol Service or Staffordshire Treatment and Recovery System.