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REX/ZUMA
UK News

Churches urged to help legal high addicts

by Antony Bushfield

Christians Against Poverty wants churches to take part in its Release scheme, which offers support to those who can't stop taking the substances.

Legal highs are to be outlawed by the government's new Psychoactive Substances Bill, which is being heard in the House of Lords today.

The substances are often dangerous and can range from nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, to plant food.

In 2013 there were 173 deaths from legal highs in England, Wales and Scotland.

CAP Release Groups is a new arm of the debt charity Christians Against Poverty, which aims to help people break habits like smoking, drinking and drugs.

It's encouraging churches to start support groups for people who want to give up the substances.

Dave Nobbs, from the organisation, said: "Much of publicity surrounding legal highs has focused on teenagers and students but these kind of dangerous substances are also used by poverty--stricken adults who are looking for a cheaper alternative to illegal drugs.

"The problem is, these substances are every bit as harmful, whatever age you are.

"While the Government works to find a solution, the Church is already in every community, with people who care and with
training from CAP they can help.

"That's why we want to hear from church congregations who want to do something about this."

You can find out more here.

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