The Dark Side of Being Young Substance Abuse

'Legal Highs'

It would be easy to think that Legal Highs are okay and less dangerous than more mainstream drugs. That’s not the case; they can be very dangerous, very addictive and can even be fatal. The reason they’ve been referred to as ‘Legal Highs’ is that they have psychoactive effects and the substances in them haven’t been banned yet. This shouldn’t be misconstrued as meaning they aren’t dangerous, far from it; in some cases the fact that they haven’t been fully tested makes the potential danger even higher.

The New Psychoactive Substances Act which came into force on 26 May 2016 has made it illegal to sell, or even give for free, any psychoactive substances to anyone, even friends. The potential punishment for these offences ranges from a prohibition notice – an official warning to stop doing something – to up to 7 years in prison. This has led some key support groups, like Frank, to stop referring to them as Legal Highs, as it can be misleading, and to call them New Psychoactive Substances.

Secondly, you should know why this has changed, and why these drugs are potentially even more dangerous than their more well-known counterparts. It’s because they’re new and therefore untested, unclassified, and largely unknown. Previously this meant that they were legal, until such time as there was sufficient research to identify what the potential risks were, and to apply a classification, and while this was a legitimate legal approach, it did mean that some of the more dangerous substances were readily available until such time as the damaging effects could be analysed.

New Psychoactive Substances: The Facts

According to Frank New Psychoactive Substances fall into four categories, here’s more information on each:

1)

Stimulants – like Mephedrone (AKA: M-Cat, Meow Meow, White Magic and Bubble) and Naphyrone (AKA: NRG-1)

They can lead to overconfidence and a lack of inhibitions, as well as anxiety, paranoia and even psychosis. They put increased strain on your heart, nervous and immune systems, leaving you potentially more susceptible to colds, flu and sore throats. You may also feel a comedown after you stop using them, leaving you feeling low and paranoid.

2)

Downers or Sedatives – like GHB/GBL (AKA: Gamma-OH, Liquid E, Fantasy and Scoop) and Methoxetamine (AKA: Mexxy)

These can dull your senses, and affect your reactions leaving you at risk of accidents. They also have the potential to leave the user unconscious, or even in a coma, and in extreme circumstances can lead to death. The comedown can induce anxiety and some severe withdrawal symptoms that could need medical attention.

3)

Hallucinogens or Psychedelics – like NBOMe (AKA: N-Bomb, 251 and Smiles)

The user can experience an altered perception of reality, as well as hallucinations, and detachment. There is potential for bad trips, panic, and erratic behaviour that could result in harm being caused to the user and/or others.

4)

Synthetic Cannabinoids – like Spice (AKA: K2, Yucatan Fire, Solar Flare and Genie) and Black Mamba (AKA: Blue Cheese)

If taken in large enough doses Spice and Black Mamba can lead to severe or even life-threatening intoxication. They also have potential ill effects for your central nervous system, leading to seizures, fast heart rates, high blood pressure, sweating, increased body temperature, agitation and combative instincts.

Help & Support

If you, or someone you know, is worried about Legal Highs or New Psychoactive Substances, or any of the issues raised here, then the following organisations offer information, help and support.

More from The Dark Side of Being Young

Do you have a question you'd like to see here?

Is it normal to...

We are not able to provide individual answers to questions submitted through the site. This form is only a means of suggesting broader topics you would like to see addressed here in the future and is not monitored daily. If you are distressed we recommend talking to a family member or visiting our 4Viewers (Opens in a new window) for further information on a range of topics.