A CONFIDENTIAL survey has been launched in an attempt to understand the extent of performance and image enhancing drug use in East Yorkshire.

Performance and image enhancing drugs are often associated purely with competitive sport; however, they not only include stimulants such as amphetamines and steroids but also things like injectable tanning drugs such as melanotan and also botox.

The information obtained through the survey will help Safe Communities East Riding to better understand individuals who use these substances, to improve their services providing help and support where it is needed, and to help protect individuals, and the wider population, from the potential harms that these substances and practices carry.

Tony Margetts, of Safe Communities East Riding, said: “We need to know more about how these substances are being used in the East Riding of Yorkshire.

“We’re not trying to pick out individuals who do use these substances; we’re trying to understand how and why they’re being used locally.

“We’re also trying to understand what people who use these substances already know and where they get their information from.”

Dr Tim Allison, director of public health for the East Riding of Yorkshire, said: “These substances were once the preserve of high-end elite athletes but we’re now discovering more and more in the East Riding that this is not just a problem for elite sport.

“We’re concerned that the use of these drugs has spread to a population that does not necessarily understand the risks and harms that these complex substances and practices carry. These risks include heart, kidney and liver problems, the risk of blood-borne viruses (HIV, hepatitis B and C), mental health problems, sexual problems, and many more.

“Confidentiality is paramount in a situation like this.

“We would like to stress that no details are collected through this survey that could be used to identify any individual who has participated.”

Safe Communities East Riding wants to gain the views of as many people as possible who are, or have been, in contact with PIEDs, or know someone who has.

The survey can be completed on paper or online at www.eastridingofyorkshire.nhs.uk or contact the Open Access Treatment Service on (01482) 344690.

There is general health advice available on the NHS Choices website at www.nhs.uk