FOLLOWING the news NRG-1 was to be made a class B drug in the UK it was announced it would also be banned in the Isle of Man.
The Drug Advice Service and Helpline said whenever the Misuse of Drugs Act in the UK changes the Island automatically follows suit.
In July it was announced the UK would be banning the 'legal high' drug, following a recommendation from the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs.
DASH, which is based in the Isle of Man, is continuing to warn people using Naphyrone, often called NRG-1 or naphthylpyrovalerone-1, that it should be avoided.
Since former 'legal high' Mephedrone - known as plant food - was banned and made a class B drug earlier in 2010, NRG-1 became a popular alternative but NRG-1 is, dose for dose, far stronger than Mephedrone.
Director of DASH Shelley Stanley said in July: "Since Mephedrone was banned we have not necessarily seen an abrupt stop in its use.
"Unfortunately, as predicted when it was banned, NRG-1 became a popular alternative to Mephedrone by online ‘legal high’ websites and by local dealers.
"Certainly we are seeing people experiencing problems with NRG-1 but still the majority are those have problems with Mephedrone which can cause psychological dependence quite quickly."
Miss Stanley added: "This is not something that just attracts young people by any means. It has spanned the whole age group from children and teens to those in their 20s, parents and employees across all areas of the Island workforce (as with other drugs).
"Assuming this is something just 'kids' do is a mistake to make because you actually have a larger demographic to cover when trying to get messages out there when trying to reduce overdose, mental health problems, dependency and family breakdown."
She said users of 'legal highs' need to be aware that just because a substance is being advertised as legal it does not make it safe - it may be illegal or a discrepancy in potency may lead to stronger than usual batches which can also lead to overdose.
Miss Shelley added: "What I would say to anyone currently using NRG-1 or Mephedrone is to make sure they get advice about what they are taking.
"Do not drink alcohol at the same time or use other drugs, even to help with the 'come down' as overdose or other drug dependency risk increases. At the very least know first aid.
"Quite regularly we hear of events where the user should really have attended A&E so if anyone who uses it (or knows someone who) experiences chest pains, irregular heart beat, numbness of any limbs or is extremely paranoid then they need to see a doctor as soon as possible."
Shelly said: "There is help available on the Island and seeking help for this or any other drug problem is best sought earlier rather than later on down the line. The issue of drugs has a huge stigma which prevents some people getting the help they need and a view that only the drug user themselves are affected underestimates the impact on the community."
DASH not just provides support to drug users but also to those affected by another's drug use.
The organisation has produced information both on Mephedrone and NRG-1 and this is available by calling its confidential service on 615622 or by visiting www.drugs.org.im
Further updates are available on the Facebook page www.facebook.com/dashiom
