FYLDE youngsters are being warned to avoid a new craze of getting 'high' by injecting alcohol into their bloodstream.

According to a new report from the Home Office, an increasing number of teenagers are injecting vodka straight into their bloodstream, seeing the practice as cheaper than taking drugs, but with similar effects.

However, it is claimed the vodka shots could be potentially more dangerous than normal drinking - and some drugs - because of the rapid effect it has on the body. Instead of taking time to enter the bloodstream, the blood is immediately diluted by the alcohol.

The disturbing new craze came to light after a Home Office study into new drug trends. Holiday resorts could become hot-spots for this craze as young holiday-makers look for new ways of getting 'high'.

An Alcohol Concern spokesman dubbed the craze "bizarre" saying: "The dangers are that because you become drunk more or less immediately, you don't know how much alcohol you have in your bloodstream. It could be lethal."

Julia McClements, assistant co-ordinator of the Lancashire Drug Action Team, expressed concern at the new practise.

She said: "It is certainly a worrying new trend and something we will be looking into and will definitely warn against.

"Recently, alcohol abuse came under our directive and we will be working with various agencies to try and stamp out the problem."

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