Help and advice is at hand in the Isle of Man for people struggling to cope with mephedrone dependence.

That message of support is coming from the Drug Advice and Service Helpline.

Director of DASH Shelly Stanley says mephedrone, or 'plant food', is hardly out of the media at the moment, but currently the focus is on new legislation and the likely change of classification.

She says this can override the message that there is help available to those who use the drug, their families and employers.

DASH's message is simple on the subject of dependence, namely if your weekend starts on Friday and you don’t come round until Sunday evening, there's a problem.

According to DASH there is a lot of misinformation about mephedrone, and the amount of drugs being mixed with it in a session in some cases is 'madness'.

Ms Stanley says the service is confidential and discreet, and she and her colleagues deal with mephedrone related issues every day.

She says no one should be embarrassed or ashamed to seek help, even if it's only to have a chat.

You can contact DASH on 615622 or visit drugs.org.im for further information.