Research into the use of the psychoactive substance known as ‘Monkey Dust’ in Stoke-on-Trent

“This summary is based on research commissioned by Stoke-on-Trent City council, to improve understanding of how and why the psychoactive substance known as ‘Monkey Dust’ is used in Stoke-on-Trent. The council specified that the views and accounts of all stakeholders – particularly those with lived experience of taking drugs known as ‘monkey dust’ and professionals must be considered. As outlined on the brief, the new national drug strategy for England, ‘From Harm to Hope: a 10-year drugs plan to cut crime and save lives’ 1 places evidence at the heart of the approach to tackling drug-related issues; it describes a focus on interventions that are evidence-led and data-driven, and commitment to building the evidence-base where needed. More broadly, the strategy sets out a commitment to implementing a whole system approach as recommended by Black’s (2020) extensive review of drugs. It identifies three priorities to drive this change: cutting off the supply of drugs, preventing and reducing drug use, and world-class treatment and recovery support for those experiencing addiction. This research was a collaboration between Staffordshire University’s Centre for Health and Development (CHAD), Centre for Crime, Justice and Security, and Expert Citizens C.I.C. A team of Expert Citizens volunteers were involved as peer researchers. Alongside a member of staff from Expert Citizens, peer-researchers conducted interviews with people with lived experience of taking the NPS known as ‘monkey dust’. They also provided a ‘sense check’ of the research findings and provided valued feedback on the solutions identified.”