New Psychoactive Substances (legal highs)
What are they?
These drugs are usually stimulants and/or hallucinogens; they can come in powder, capsule and smokeable form. There is also an increasing variety of “synthetic cannabinoids”. There is not much known about them, especially in relation to their short and long-term effects on humans.
New psychoactive substances (NPS) mimic the effects of illegal substances such as cocaine, valium and cannabis. A considerable amount of information exists about the effects of using drugs such as amphetamine (speed), ecstasy, cannabis and valium. The effects are based on the type of substance taken; for example, a stimulant NPS you will produce similar effects to an illegal stimulant such as speed.
Very little knowledge exists with regard to new psychoactive substances. Many of these drugs are unknown quantities. All the following information is based on what little research there is, information received from A&E departments and anecdotal evidence from the experience of people who have used them.
Effects
The effects depend on how much is consumed. Individual factors such as body weight, gender, the strength of the drug, mood, physical and mental health, how you take it, where you take it and whether or not it is mixed with other drugs including alcohol also have an impact.
As with any drug, users should test the strength by using a small amount first.
It is not possible to be specific about the effects of new psychoactive substances that are currently available or likely to be in the future. Problems reported in this area have ranged from mild to severe, with users experiencing confusion, disorientation, blurred vision, uncontrollable shaking, increased risk of fits, and even loss of consciousness in some cases.
These symptoms can be particularly alarming and put people at greater risk if they are alone and cannot get help. There is also an increased risk of harm as the users cannot control themselves or the situations they may be in.
The following descriptions have been collated from the experiences of people who have used our services as a result of taking a variety of new psychoactive substances.
Heart and circulatory problems
Common experiences are an increased or erratic heartbeat. This has led to hospitalization, cardiac monitoring and medication for some people. Other symptoms can include tingling, numbness and a bluish discolouration of the hands and legs.
Stimulant use, by its very nature, makes the heart work harder. Using cocaine can increase the risk of experiencing a heart attack by up 22%. Some people may appear outwardly well but can suffer from undiagnosed heart defects that can lead to serious health problems if they use recreational stimulants of any variety.
Nose bleeds
Whilst stimulant drugs may be used in a variety of ways, most are snorted. This can lead to damage of the lining of the nose, pain, and nose bleeds. In some cases there can be permanent damage to the nasal septum.
People who use bank notes or share any other snorting paraphernalia carry an increased risk of being exposed to hepatitis C. Users are advised to make sure they always use your own straw/do not share it with others.
Many synthetic drugs are painful to snort. Some users prefer to swallow them in a wrap ("bomb" them) or take them in a drink. In terms of effect, this is a less direct route so users should not be tempted to re-dose too soon. This can increase the risk of a toxic experience and negative side effects.
Mental health problems
These symptoms have also been quite variable, ranging from mild degrees of agitation and paranoia, sometimes followed by depression and anxiety when the drug starts to wear off. However, sometimes these symptoms will increase in severity and can develop into a full-blown drug-induced psychosis.
Stimulant-induced psychosis can require admission to a psychiatric ward and can lead to a lengthy period of inpatient treatment for some. There have been reports of people experiencing persistent difficulties with mood and anxiety several weeks or months after they stopped using these drugs.
Pre- existing mental health (and other) conditions
People who have a pre-existing mental health problem, suffer with learning difficulties, ADHD or are on the autistic spectrum may be particularly vulnerable to the negative side effects of all substances but especially new psychoactive substances.
Some people have described particularly frightening, visual hallucinations. Even older and more experienced stimulant users have reported unexpected negative experiences as a result of experimenting with new psychoactive substances.
Long-term effects
Prolonged use carries the risk of dependency. Since 2010, there have been reports of people having difficulty controlling the amount and regularity of their use. After as little as three months, people felt an increased craving to use these drugs on a daily basis instead of their original use while clubbing and at weekends.
There have also been reports of intense and unpleasant comedown experiences that include insomnia that can last for days at a time, agitation and intense mood swings.
Since 2010, users’ negative experiences have seemed to increase when they mixed new psychoactive substances with alcohol. The combination led to anxiety, panic attacks, increased heart rate and difficulty breathing, which led to hospital admission.
It seems that using drugs and alcohol can significantly increase the risk of accidental overdose and may contribute to some of the problems outlined above.
As with alcohol and cocaine use, it was many years before the risks associated with combining these drugs was fully appreciated. The same could well be true for alcohol and new psychoactive substances. There is simply no way of being sure at this time. Anecdotal evidence suggests that individuals have found that different levels of the same drug have led to very varied experiences; mixing with alcohol seems to present a similar picture.
Harm reduction
If you are determined to inject, snort or smoke drugs, never share needles or paraphernalia such as spoons, water, filters, straws, bank notes, tooters or pipes with anyone, even if the person is your partner. This will reduce the risk of contracting hepatitis B, C and HIV.
Rotate injecting sites to minimise vein damage and always use sterile needles and paraphernalia to reduce the risk of infection.
If you snort drugs, always clean your nasal passage out to reduce the damage to your nose – dissolve a quarter of a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water, pour a little of the salt water over your pinched thumb and forefinger and gently sniff it so that the warm spray spreads over the inside of your nose. Do this before and after each session. You can also lubricate your nose with Vitamin E oil every few days.
During and after use, it is better to rest safely somewhere and keep hydrated (sipping regularly rather than gulping). Water is the best drink to keep yourself hydrated. Eat little and often and give your mind and body time to recover naturally.
If you choose to use, try to use as little as possible and do not re-dose within the hour.
If you are, or think you might be pregnant, it is not a good idea to use anything. Nearly all substances can affect the development of a baby, especially in the first three months. Using street drugs, of any description (and/or alcohol) can put you at risk of complications and miscarriage
It is a good idea to have at least one friend around who is not using anything. If a situation develops and people start to panic someone is then around who can look after people/get help or call an ambulance if needed.
The law
Since 2009, several substances which could be described as new psychoactive substances have since been re-classified under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.
For further information on these substances is available on the Home Office website using the following link: https://www.gov.uk/government/... (link is external)
It is important to remember that the legal situation with regard to these substances can change very quickly, especially in relation to new psychoactive substances.
In 2012, the UK Government introduced new legislation allowing the Home Secretary to invoke a “temporary class drugs order”. This enables the Government to place substances within this special category under temporary control.
Several substances have been placed within this category, so it is always important to check the latest information.
Driving while under the influence of drugs is illegal. This can lead to a heavy fine, disqualification from driving and even a prison sentence in some cases.
If you are convicted of a drug-related offence it can stop you travelling to certain countries and affect the types of jobs you can apply for.
If you are using new psychoactive substances (or any other substances), are worried about someone else’s use or would just like to know more, please contact us for more information.
