AboutÂ
The UK Drug Market in 2025: Latest Findings from Testing and Current Trends is an evening training course / workshop delivered by The Loop.
Please note: this training will be very similar to the same course delivered last year but with updates for the first half of 2025.Â
Our trainers have front line understanding and experience in relation to drug use, drug markets, and harm reduction; drawing on professional training qualifications and many years of experience in delivery.
Our courses are informed by The Loop’s regular healthcare interventions, research and drug testing services, which identify current drug market trends and related issues. This training will be informed by the latest findings from Drug Checking Services, such as The Loop Drug Checking Service.
Who is this course for?Â
This course is ideal for anyone seeking to understand the latest trends and developments in the UK drug market. It is particularly relevant for professionals working in the nighttime economy and events sector, as well as those supporting people who use drugs, such as substance use services. Additionally, it benefits policymakers, including those in universities and local authorities, as well as police officers, public health professionals, licensing departments, and wider NHS staff.
Aim of the courseÂ
To support participants to better understand the UK drug market from the first 6 calendar months of 2025, and equip participants with the latest findings from testing, seizures and harm reduction services.
Learning outcomesÂ
- Introduction to the field, including understanding longer term trends over the past 20 years.
- Know the prevalence and mortality rates for commonly taken drugs.
- Understand the current drugs market, including price and purity for the most common street drugs.
- Learn the most common mis-sales and adulterants, and their role in creating drug related harm.
Overview of course contentÂ
- Introduction to drug trends and patterns over the past 20 years.
- Prevalence and mortality rates for illicit drugs.
- The price and purity of street drugs.
- Our experience from festivals and events in 2024/early 2025, as well as city centre testing.
- The latest findings from drug checking services.
- The most concerning mis-sales and drug related trends; including synthetic opioids, research chemicals sold as “club drugs”, high strength MDMA pills, “tusi” and more.
