UK - Don't Talk to Frank ... Frank Talks Crap

[johnnyvoid]

Government website talktofrank.com is riddled with inaccuracies, inconsistancies and contradictions the void can exclusively reveal today.

The site, set up in a blaze of publicity, aims to be a user friendly guide to drugs aimed at young people. However with some parts of the website pure comedy, and others at times dangerously inaccurate it seems young people may not be getting the 'harm minimisation' advice they need.

The site contains an a-z of commonly used drugs as well as a limited amount of reports and a freephone/e-mail service whereby users can ask questions in confidence.

Starting with cannabis, Frank does do the decent thing and warns users off soapbar saying

"The most unpure Cannabis is called 'soap bar'. It's contaminated with all sorts of things. This makes it cheaper but it's a false economy really as it is often harder to get stoned. Some users hate it so much they object to smoking it."

A full ten points so far, however Frank then goes on to say "There is a minimal risk of physical dependence."

err - says who? well says Frank I guess. Neatly sidestepping the issue of skunk in the A - Z guide, on another page outlining the unproven dangers to mental health caused by cannabis use Frank says "the strongest type of cannabis (is) called sinsemilla (or 'skunk')"

Wrong again Frank, and frankly you should know better 'cos on the a-z you say that sensemilla is "bud grown in the absence of male plants and has no seeds" which is actually correct whereas skunk is generally a hybrid of different strains of Cannabis (Cannabis Indica and Cannabis Sativa ).

On to mushies where Frank once again makes a hash of things by lumping Fly Agaric (amanita muscaria)and Liberty Caps (Psylocybin) into the same category, the catch all "Magic Mushrooms".

Incorrectly claiming that both types of mushrooms fall into the Class A range of illegal drugs (Fly Agaric is not covered by any legislation) it also gives the impression that these are similiar drugs of similiar strengths.

Again though Frank contradicts himself in a report on the recent legislation criminalising psylocibin stating "No. Fly agaric mushrooms do not contain psilocin and they are not controlled drugs."

On the A-Z Frank lists the dangers of fly agaric as

"Both mushrooms can make you feel sick, tired and disoriented.
Amanita's can make you nervous, twitchy and cold."

However in the report mentioned above Frank says "these mushrooms are very poisonous."

So what are the kids supposed to think, well the void would point them to recovery.org.uk's info

"Fly Agaric is poisonous as well as being hallucinogenic. Its toxicity is mainly due to the presence of mycoatropine which causes disorders of mental activity. The content of another poisonous agent, muscarine, is relatively small. Permanent physical damage or even death can be caused by eating them."

Basically kids, Fly Agaric is a heavy psychedelic, not recommended at all for first time psychedelic users and should always be taken in a safe space, with somebody who is not on the drug who can help if necessary.

This shit is not recreational, and should be used as much as possible in a ritualistic setting to gain insights into the mind, personality and the ether.

Frank ignores the much recommended idiom of 'set and setting' when using psychedelics, the void recommends first time users read this.

We would also question the wisdom of even telling the kids about this stuff without at least providing a link to a mushroom identification guide, as both Fly Agaric and Psylocybin (Liberty Caps) look very similiar to some highly poisonous species. Harm reduction anyone ... not for Frank who goes on to make a similiar mistake with Tranquillisers.

Once again lumping all drugs together, even though Frank ackowledges that 'There are hundreds of different tranquillisers around' he then goes on to describe the effects of Benzodiazepines (valium, librium, temazepam etc) as if they applied to all tranquillisers.

Frank ignores the less widely used, but far stronger barbiturates even though according to recovery.org.uk "Barbiturate overdose is a factor in nearly one-third of all reported drug-related deaths. These include suicides and accidental drug poisonings."

Frank then says that "Tranquillisers can only be prescribed by a pharmacist. They are controlled under Class C of the misuse of drugs act."

What you on Frank? barbiturates are a Class B drug.

Skirting past ketamine, where Frank incorrectly states that "Legally produced ketamine comes in liquid form which is injected. The illegally produced version usually comes as a grainy white powder which is snorted or bought as a tablet."

well, close but no cigar here, almost all ketamine is pharmaceutically produced, and even illegally produced ketamine will come as a liquid form if you by in bulk, it's then 'cooked' down to the powder for ease of use and supply.

Perhaps we're nitpicking, but Frank excels when it comes to opiates. Ignoring the fact that street opium is becoming more and more popular, Frank chooses not to supply any info, instead concentrating on it's more insiduous cousin heroin. Go to the link for opium in his A-Z and you'll be taken straight to a page on heroin.

Frank is stringent in warnings of the dangers of heroin stating:

"Deaths from overdose occur. But the risk increases after a period off the drug because the body's tolerance for the drug goes down.
Excessive doses can lead to coma and even death from respiratory failure.
If heroin is taken with other drugs, including alcohol, overdose is much more likely.
Other downers such as benzodiazepine tranquillisers are also associated with heroin overdose deaths.
There's a risk of death due to inhaling vomit as heroin stops the body's cough reflex working properly."

However look what he says about the risks of methadone use

"With high doses the sedation takes over and users feel sleepy. Too much and you can fall into a coma or stop breathing completely."

and that's it in terms of the dangers of methadone overdose. In 2003 Methdone was directly responsible for 83 deaths and was a factor in a further 264. With total deaths from opiates running at about a thousand a year, one would of thought that with a significant percentage involving methadone then Frank would be only too keen to hammer home the risks.

But oh no, not Frank, wouldn't do to upset the drug companies after all would it.

On crack Frank talks of physical dependance (unproven) and when it comes to ectasy spouts guff like:

"E's can contain toxic other chemicals like MPTP, a drug known to cause irreversible Parkinson's disease. It's highly unlikely that many E's have MPTP in them. But the point is that taking E is a gamble."

whatever you say Frank...

Finally it seems that's Frank pretty choosy about what gets to be listed in his A-Z, including relatively hard to find (sadly) drugs like PMA, 2CB and 2-CT-7, but ignores the far more commonly used DOB, DMT, salvia, peyote and mescalin (type any of these drugs into Frank's search engine and it just ignores you).

So don't talk to Frank if these are your drug of choice, as Frank won't know what you're talking about.

On a lighter note, Frank comes up with some inspiring suggestions for 'getting high naturally' (as if smoking a herb that grows the world over is somehow unnatural).

Coming on like a bumbling middle aged vicar Frank advises the yoof to ... Get More Exercise ... Eat Better ... and Listen to More Music. Well done Frank for that helpful advice, according to Frank 'One third (of young people questioned) said they get their best high from doing well at college or work' with a paltry 3% claiming that drugs gave them the best buzz.

So there you go, the kids have spoken.

the void applauds any attempt to provide drugs information to young people in a way they can understand. However with recent figures showing that despite massively increased government spending drug related deaths remain as high as ever the wisdom of current government strategy has to be called into question.

And frankly, publishing inaccurate and misleading information on government backed websites is foolhardy and ignorant on one level ...

... and downright irresponsible on another, with mistakes on the site that could conceivably lead to fatalities.

With several leading MP's known former drug users, perhaps it's time for Hughes, Huhne and Cameron amongst others to get their heads together and help to tell young people the truth about drug use and misuse.

In the meantime we sugest that young people experimenting with drugs make release, drugscope and recovery.org.uk their first point of call if they want accurate and comprehensive information about the pleasures and pitfalls of illegal drugs.

However the void would like to recommend the comedy flash animation on Frank's front page, watch dancing ecstasy man descend into a drugs hell before your eyes - hours of fun (well maybe 5 minutes) for bored stoners.

We haven't finished with Frank yet, watch this space...





meanwhile why not give him a call and let him know what you think



Reefer madness hits new high
Cannabis Three Face Jail For Helping MS Sufferers
Simon Hughes ... 'e's a raver

Reputation Comments on this post:

	Good Story!
	I enjoyed that post about Frank. Well put.
	Great post
	Don't Talk to Frank ... Frank Talks Crap funny headline. cracked me up
	Great post. Keep up the good work.
	Great topic. Even better title! Concise and to the point - I like it.
	good research

[Nagognog2]

Perhaps a new name for his site? "Let's Get Frank!" or "Can I Be Frank?" How about "A Frank and Pathetic Talk on Drugs."

Interesting pile of disinformation this site does spew forth. Nice of "Frank" to supply prices, as well as purely fictional facts. Thank you for being Frank and sharing this with us!

[radiometer]

I see many questionable "facts" in this debunking. Example:

relatively hard to find (sadly) drugs like PMA, 2CB and 2-CT-7, but ignores the far more commonly used DOB

Oh yeah, it's such a damned shame I can't get any of that great PMA stuff, too bad the scene is just flooded with DOB and peyote...and didn't they mean 2C-T-7 and 2C-B? Normally I wouldn't carp about the placement of a dash, but if you're out to discredit something then getting the details straight is important.

[johnnyvoid]

ok, so the DOB things a bit tenuous, but you can buy salvia and peyote on camden high street, and its not hard to track down mescaline or dmt (easier than trying to get hold of 2-CB)

you say several questionable facts

admit it, all youve got is DOB and a hyphen

[radiometer]

You seem to think I'm an apologist for Frank or something, which is not the case. I disagree with many points in this article but I can't be arsed to sit and pick it apart. The example I chose was enough for me to say "these people are no experts." I'm not about to listen to people who say PMA is "sadly rare." A single inaccuracy is enough, considering the point of the article is to show another's lack of expertise.

A goverment website has misleading information about drugs - well, big fuckin surprise!! That's precisely why forums such as this one exist. Perhaps I'm a bit jaded on this topic because in the US, such sites are a dime a dozen.

I wish the best of luck to these people in their effort to debunk Frank, who is clearly a moron.

[sands of time]

What did you expect from the government, besides a half assed attempt to protect it's people? What would drive someone to go to a government related web site for drug information anyways?

[robbiedont]

I seem to remember when Frank was first released that they had to do a very quick revamp after they got a bollocking for telling people how to actually use drugs... ( Obviously I don't mean drugs like X which is fairly bloody obvious, but how to cook up H and such like )

[enquirewithin]

It's not 100% rubbish, but it's not very well researched. 2-CB and 2-CT-7 are lumped together. The RISKS include:

• Users may become depressed.
• Drugslike these can bring on panic attacks and more serious psychotic illnesses.
• It is not yet known if there is any long term damage.

Perhaps Frank should try Erowid? Death, in the case of 2-CT-7, is a risk to be taken seriously.

[pumped3.16]

id say frank is on crank!

[Alicia]

Ah talk to frank, more drug propaganda, I always recommend Erowid, to all it may concern rather than the biased bullshit of government fueled sites.

[Nature Boy]

Erowid's too biased in FAVOUR of drugs. Wikipedia is best.

[bonghed]

Well ask frank is ridiculous anti-drug propoganda but most pro-drug things i ever acknowledge are alse at least partly false or fictional, it's a real shame imo.



Changed oro=pro

[Fantasian]

I believe that both EROWID and WIKIPEDIA are good on the subject. Erowid gives very real information and so does Wikipedia. SWIM finds both of these sites to be very accurate from SWIM's experiences.

[Lunar Loops]

Oh dear god....this from the UK home office site (http://www.drugs.gov.uk/) :
Experience FRANK this Summer

25 May 2006
The FRANK campaign is getting interactive this year with a strategy to get young people to ‘Experience FRANK’ whether it be on TV with a new interactive advert, online with computer games or on the street with local campaigns and events. The strategy for 2006/07 has been agreed, with new advertising currently planned for launch in the summer holidays.
The campaign team are developing a range of resources and initiatives

• a new suite of leaflets,
• off the peg campaign kits,
• drug fact cards,
• merchandise and handouts,
• new ideas and resources for further street marketing activity

These are designed to help you deliver credible, high quality drug awareness campaigns and advice to young people and to particularly appeal to more vulnerable groups.
FRANK Bus – Touring the North of England (NE, NW and Y&H regions)
One of the new initiatives this year is a FRANK double decker bus that will be touring around from the 31st July for a 10 week period. The bus will provide you and your partners with an opportunity to engage with young people and for them to interact with FRANK. The bus will be fully staffed and managed by our specialist team, meaning minimum local resource and supervision on your behalf – all you need to do is turn up! If you’d like to get more involved, there will also be a private advice zone enabling you to provide young people with drug information and advice.
What’s in it for you?

• Opportunity to reach young people with drug awareness information and to promote local initiatives and services
• Free use of bus, with access to internet and private room for confidential advice
• Eye-catching focal point from which drug information can be delivered
• Minimum input from you on the day as the bus is staffed with a driver and 3 event workers
• Hand-outs and merchandise

The bus has been produced to support your local activity – so if you have events coming up (local authority festivals, fun-days, sports tournaments, community events) please tell us where and when you’d like it to visit using the form overleaf. Where we actually go will depend on the overall schedule (minimising mileage), the type of event, and the expected numbers. The bus has been designed to be as flexible as possible, so can be used at both large events, and small (e.g. schools, town centres). Please remember that we cannot pay site-fees – so please only bid for events that will not charge us to be there (sometimes you can negotiate this with an event manager if they usually charge). If you would like to bid for the bus, and have FRANK come to your town, please fill out the form below and we’ll do the rest!
What you need to do next!
- Contact event organisers/local council to find out;

• if you can have a pitch at the event/high street/leisure centre car park
• a rough estimate of how many people will be expected to attend
• who we the main contact is
• Fill out the form and email/send back to details below

What you’ll need to do before on the day!

• Before the event we can help you with a press release to promote the bus and what you’re doing, in the local press.

- On the day, it would be good if you could be there to;

• engage with young people and tell them about FRANK and local services and initiatives
• offer more in depth drug information and advice in case it’s required

Although you can still arrange for the bus to come to your area even if you or your partners are unable to attend on the day.
You can get more details about the bus and have a virtual tour at http://transfer.interbrand.co.uk Type in username: livefrank and password: experience
Thanks, and hope to see you in the summer!
The FRANK Campaign Team.

[Nature Boy]

Haha. How gay!

I hate the whole "Talk To Frank" BS. You should see their website. Full of blatant lies and mistakes.

[matti_2003]

The website is shocking, people could end up killing themselves with their misinformation.

[Alfa]

Due to enormous advertising campaign of talk to frank, I'd like to devote some html pages to this topic. Please check out talk to frank and post your comments here. What would you like to be on our Talk to Frank pages?

[WrtngCocaineTutorial]

frank ain't frank about drugs LoL

In simular "franks" from my country they have diffenernent paragraphs on drugs. like

effects
risk of overdose
addiction

and on MDMA and addction, they write "there is no treatment for MDMA addicion", and absolutely nothing about the non-risk of physical addiction..

[johnnyvoid]

hi alpha, just saw this, how did things go with the talk to frank page

i followed up the piece with a couple more

Frankly ... you know fuck all


three ways to get high naturally ... an alternative to frank


feel free to use them any way you see fit

[Alfa]

I just posted this, so I did not come very far yet. FYI: I do not want to make something simular to talk to frank, but something sceptic.
To spice things up a bit, see this Talk to Frank add.

[Alfa]

OK, I have created this so far: http://www.drugs-forum.com/talk-to-frank.html Any suggestions?

[Forthesevenlakes]

looks good..the word "critic" should be "criticism" in the first paragraph but that was probably just an oversight. more online critiques of frank would be nice.

or perhaps someone from the forum could email the site with some tough questions to prove their ignorance? cannabis is not swim's forte, otherwise he'd already be on it. but for such a commonly used drug, swim honestly knows very few facts on it.

[Alfa]

www.TalktoFrank.com has many sections on various drugs. I am planning to make a couple of subpages. I have the text for one sub page so far.

[Forthesevenlakes]

excellent, maybe swim can write them regarding something on one of these drugs.

[radiometer]

I like this graphic: