University’s top tips for students using drugs
Website advises students to inject ‘with friends’ and provides guidance on taking right dose of MDMA
A RUSSELL GROUP university has been criticised over offering drug advice to its students that states to “never inject alone”.
Students at Sheffield University said information on its website was “dangerous” after detailed instructions on how to ingest class A substances was published. The advice also gives students directions on how to prepare drugs such as MDMA.
Some students warned that the guidance normalised drug culture on campus. Sab Jones, a final-year Spanish student, said: “How can they write ‘if you are injecting drugs, never inject alone’ – it’s like an oxymoron.
“That is basically saying ‘it’s dangerous, but do it with a friend’. It means not only putting yourself at risk but someone close to you also. I’m ashamed this policy is real and on their website.”
Bliss Hunter, a drama student, added: “I think it’s a bizarre thing to tell students. It’s dangerous and it advocates taking drugs, which is completely wrong. The student union should be looking at protecting students and deferring them not encouraging them.”
The university’s website states: “We understand some students may try drugs during their time at university. Whilst we don’t condone this, we want to ensure that if you do choose to take drugs, you are as informed as possible.”
It goes on to suggest ways to stay safe while taking drugs as well as how to prepare crystallised MDMA
The guidance reads: “Crush your MDMA into a fine powder; dab the end of your finger into the powder, this should give you an average dose of about 100mg MDMA (a standard dose for an adult of average height, build and tolerance); wait 1-2 hours to feel the effects and gauge the strength before considering redosing.”
It also suggests splitting pills into smaller amounts, drinking plenty of water, not mixing different drugs and to avoid taking substances on consecutive days. Another page states: “If you are injecting drugs, never inject alone,” and to take drugs “with friends”.
A University of Sheffield spokesman said: “The university and Students’ Union does not condone substance misuse in any shape or form. We do however understand some students may try drugs. With this in mind, we think it is important to ensure that... if a student does choose to take drugs, they are as informed as possible and take steps to take reasonable precautions.
“The university works closely with South Yorkshire Police, Sheffield Hallam University and other partners in Sheffield to proactively share safety messages around the risks of drug and alcohol use and have a range of safety measures in place.”
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