DSM Foundation Welcomes Government’s Steps to Combat Synthetic Drugs Threat
On Thursday, January 16, 2025, the DSM Foundation, a drugs education charity, expressed its support for the Government’s recent announcement to address the growing threat of synthetic drugs, such as nitazenes and xylazine.
According to the foundation’s Director and Founder, Fiona Spargo-Mabbs OBE, the rise of strong synthetic drugs has been a major concern for the organization, which was founded in response to the loss of her 16-year-old son, Dan, to drugs. Spargo-Mabbs stated that any news of drug-related deaths is heartbreaking, as each individual leaves a void in the lives of their loved ones. She also added that the foundation has been tirelessly working for over a decade to reduce drug-related harm through evidence-based drug education. The charity welcomes any efforts made by other agencies to identify risks and prevent harm, ultimately saving lives.
Although nitazenes and xylazine are not explicitly mentioned in the foundation’s work with young people and adults, they are sometimes brought up in discussions about the dangers of unregulated illegal drugs. The foundation also highlights the danger of substances that may be perceived as legal, such as vapes, which are often manufactured and handled outside of UK regulations. This is particularly concerning for under 18s who should not have access to these products in the first place. Last year, the charity published a blog on nitazenes, which can be found on their website.
The government’s announcement can be viewed on their official website, highlighting their efforts to curb the rising threat of synthetic drugs.
The DSM Foundation, established in 2014, is a drug education charity that was created after the accidental overdose of 16-year-old Daniel Spargo-Mabbs from ecstasy. The foundation’s aim is to provide young people with relevant, age-appropriate, up-to-date, and evidence-based information about drugs, empowering them to make informed decisions that will keep them and their peers safe. Currently, the charity works with almost 750 schools, colleges, and community organizations in educating children and young people about drugs. They also offer workshops for parents and caregivers and training for school staff and college staff, as they are the most likely sources of information sought out by 11-15 year olds, according to NHS survey data. Additionally, the foundation has commissioned a play, “I Love You Mum, I Promise I Won’t Die,” which tells Dan’s story in the words of his family and friends. It is available for schools and colleges to study as part of their GCSE Drama curriculum or to book a Theatre in Education performance. The DSM Foundation website also offers free, age-appropriate, and evidence-based drug education resources for schools and colleges to use in their PSHE/PSE curriculum.
Distributed by Pressat, a press release distribution service, the DSM Foundation hopes that the Government’s efforts will help save lives and prevent more families from experiencing the loss of a loved one due to drugs.
