Family, friends and colleagues concerned about the possibility of someone they love or know using or being addicted to P can now readily find some useful guidance to spotting the symptoms of use.

The Stellar Trust, a charitable trust with a vision to create a "P" Free New Zealand, has made available four fact sheets on spotting the symptoms and habits of a user.

The fact sheets are available on the Trust's website www.stellartrust.co.nz and are based on existing, well-researched and documented case histories and experience - experience gained by those involved in treating addiction.

"Part of our mission is providing education to parents, families, schools and work mates of those affected by this terrible drug," says Trust Chairman Alistair Burry. "But what we've also found is that there is not a lot of good, helpful material available to those concerned about how to spot the signs of use and some of its associated symptoms.

"As well providing education to people to help prevent them trying and getting involved with P we also want to be able to offer useful assistance to those with worries about people they know and care about.

"The symptoms and signs of use in the material available on our website range from spotting the physical and mental changes to picking up changes in social habits, behaviour changes and even petty criminal activity."

Mr Burry said recent Government policy announcements were a welcome acknowledgement of the depth of the problems facing New Zealand.

"What we found most encouraging was the wide focus the Government is taking to stop access to ingredients, cut the supply and distribution chains, and to provide more help and education to those already caught up by addiction and those at risk of trying the drug.

"Education is a key role of the Trust and making this type of information about the symptoms and use of P readily available to concerned people in our communities is a small step in that process."