Lu's addiction to synthetic drugs started more than a year ago, after several years of smoking marijuana with friends. Synthetic drugs are thought to have contributed to the deaths of 40 to 45 people since June 2017. According to the New Zealand Drug Foundation, there are hundreds of synthetic cannabinoids, all invented in the past 20 years. New Zealand Drug Foundation drug demand reduction programmes manager Nathan Brown said synthetic drugs had caused a "public health emergency". BEAT ADDICTIONThe Mental Health Foundation's free Resource and Information Service (09 623 4812) will refer callers to some of the helplines below:* The Alcohol Drug Helpline - 0800 787 797• Lifeline (open 24/7) – 0800 543 354• Depression Helpline (open 24/7) – 0800 111 757• Healthline (open 24/7) – 0800 611 116• Samaritans (open 24/7) – 0800 726 666• Suicide Crisis Helpline (open 24/7) – 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO).

Source: Stuff October 11, 2018 15:56 UTC