Former drug users in Leeds raise awareness of 'Spice'
A group of ex offenders and drug users have told Radio Aire about how they're using their stories to prevent others going down the same route
A group of ex offenders and drug users have told Radio Aire about how they're using their stories to prevent others going down the same route
Life Experience is made of up six volunteers - five of them have experience of drug use, and for have done time in prison.
They're currently going into schools, hostels and prisons across West Yorkshire to raise aware of the drug Spice, which was until recently a so-called legal high.
The group says it's becoming popular both in and out of prisons.
"I've tried it once but I've overcome my cannabis use now," says Paul, who used to be a heavy cannabis user.
"However the people that are smoking Spice now are doing it out of necessity because it is cheaper than cannabis to buy. It's really rife out there at the moment, so we're just trying to raise awareness that is really, really bad for people's health.
"Spice has the effects of a stimulate. It gives you rage, anger, hallunciations, blackouts.
"People have known to have died from the substance. And it's becoming pretty much mainstream now. It's not as it seems - it's not a cannabis, it's made out of fertiliser, wood, bleach, nail polish remover."
One of the volunteers has written a play about the drug, and the group hopes to perform it to inmates at Armley Prison next month.
You can read more about Life Experience here.