YOUNGSTERS are turning their backs on a devastating “zombie” drug.

Only one person has been referred to the council’s youth drug service UTurn in the last nine months over former legal high Spice.

However, council drug officers have warned that unscrupulous dealers may be spiking cannabis, and that teens may be turning to anti-anxiety prescription drugs like Xanax instead.

Spice, which was banned last year is a form of synthetic cannabis. Together with other cannabis substitute Black Mamba, they are often called “zombie” drugs – after leaving users slumped, slurring and unwilling to move.

Michael Hadraft, of UTurn, said that there had been a significant drop in use since last year’s ban. “Many young people know the risks associated with synthetic cannabis and are staying well away,” he said.

“However, there is always the risk of young, naïve substance users being given synthetic cannabis instead of cannabis by dealers who do not have the best interest of the user at heart.

“What I’m seeing now is your naïve cannabis users being spiked.”

He said in the past month he had been called to a young man who had smoked Spice, believing it to be cannabis. His behaviour was such that 999 callers feared he had been in a road accident.

“Young people just don’t want to smoke it,” Michael added.

While fewer teens are taking the former legal high, cannabis remains popular among teens. Often labelled a “gateway drug” by support workers, it is valued by youngsters for being comparatively cheap.

However, there are fears that use of anti-anxiety benzodiazepine drugs, such as Xanax and Valium, may be on the rise among Swindon youngsters. While there have been no referrals to UTurn where benzodiazepines are the primary drug at issue, they know that it is being used.

“A number of young people have disclosed usage in the past three months,” said Michael. “A number of factors can influence a young person’s choice to misuse a substance.”

In the case of benzodiazepines, one of those factors is believed to be US hip-hop music. Last year, Grammy Award winning rapper Chance sang on one track of his Xanax habit. “Last year, got addicted to Xans,” he rapped. “Started forgetting my name and started missing my chance.”

Michael said anyone who fears a friend or child is misusing benzodiazepines should contact a GP or drug misuse service. He said: “Benzodiazepines are classed as a depressant, with users becoming relaxed and sleepy.

“However, if mixed with other depressant substances like cannabis and alcohol, then there is a huge risk of a user developing heart or breathing problems, which could lead to death.”

Wiltshire Police said there was little evidence Benzodiazepine use was a major problem among Swindon youngsters.

A spokesman said: “We would always act on any intelligence which suggests this situation has changed and ask that anyone with information comes forward.”

Last week, North Swindon Police posted on social media that police had stopped two men – dealing with one for possession of Xanax without a prescription.