Legal highs have captured the attention of many people, especially youths, for their ability to mimic the effects of illegal drugs without the same legal consequences. But are they as safe as they seem? In this blog post, we’ll delve into the world of legal highs, their potential dangers, and how their legal status is evolving. We’ll also discuss recognizing signs of legal high addiction and strategies for reducing harm when using these substances. So buckle up and join us on this fascinating journey!
Short Summary
- Legal Highs, or Psychoactive Substances, can have potentially fatal consequences and interactions with other drugs should be avoided.
- The sale and supply of Legal Highs is illegal in the UK under the Psychoactive Substances Act of 2016.
- Responsible use requires understanding the potential risks associated with them and changes in attitudes, legislation and research for safer alternatives.
Understanding Legal Highs
Legal highs, or new psychoactive substances (NPS), have gained popularity over the past decade as they replicate the effects of illegal drugs but have different chemical structures. These substances can produce a wide range of effects, from feelings of euphoria and increased energy to relaxation and hallucinogenic experiences. Frank, the drug advisory service, warns that the legal status of a drug does not make it safe. Possession by itself is not an indication of the safety of a drug. With the highest number of legal high users among young people in Europe, the UK faces severe concerns regarding the potential risks associated with these substances.
The dangers of legal highs are similar to those of controlled drugs, with potential risks including collapse, severe intoxication, psychological issues, and even death. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime reports a sharp rise in the prevalence of NPS abuse posing health risks over the past decade, along with growing reports of their manufacture and availability.
In an emergency related to legal highs, it is crucial to call for an ambulance immediately, as the chemical ingredients in these substances can cause unpredictable and potentially dangerous effects.
Defining Psychoactive Substances
Legal highs, also known as new psychoactive substances, are classified as psychoactive substances or new psychoactive substances (NPS) due to their ability to produce psychoactive effects similar to those of illegal drugs. These so-called legal highs are often referred to as designer drugs because of their synthetic nature and how they are created to mimic the effects of illegal drugs. Legal highs can be found in various forms, such as powder, pill, liquid, capsule, perforated tab, and smoking mixtures.
The potential impacts of psychedelics or hallucinogens, one category of legal highs, include confusion, panic attacks, hallucinations, impaired judgment, and erratic behaviour.
Types of Legal Highs
Different types of legal highs generally consist of synthetic chemicals, natural/herbal extracts, or a combination of the two. Some examples of synthetic chemicals used as legal highs include Spice, Nitrous Oxide, Bath Salts, and Benzodiazepines.
It’s important to remember that the effects and risks of these substances can vary significantly depending on the specific chemical composition, making it crucial to understand what you’re taking and the potential dangers involved.
The Dangers of Legal Highs
Legal highs carry potential hazards due to their untested character, uncertain potency, and possible adverse effects. These substances can result in paranoia, seizures, coma, and even death. The risks of taking legal highs can be increased when combined with alcohol or other psychoactive drugs. This makes it even more dangerous.
Additionally, legal highs can be habit-forming, and there is a heightened risk if administered intravenously. When it comes to stimulants, another category of legal highs, the use of these substances can have adverse effects on the heart, nervous system, and immune system, potentially leading to a risk to one’s safety.
Unforeseen Consequences
The unpredictable side effects of synthetic cannabinoids, also known as legal highs, can lead to serious health complications, including coma or death. For example, Spice, a synthetic cannabinoid, can potentially cause adverse effects such as seizures and psychosis, which are not typically seen with regular marijuana.
The detrimental effects of legal highs can also include physical and mental health issues, dependence, and violent or unpredictable conduct. These unforeseen consequences highlight the importance of understanding the risks of legal high use and exercising caution when experimenting with these substances.
Interactions with Other Drugs
Combining legal highs with alcohol or other drugs can result in dangerous interactions and potentially exacerbated adverse effects. The interactions between legal highs and other drugs can vary depending on the substances involved, and some substances may have altered effects when combined with other drugs in the body.
It is crucial to be aware of these potential risks and avoid mixing legal highs with other substances to minimize the likelihood of an adverse reaction or overdose.
The Legal Status of Legal Highs
In 2016, legal highs were formally prohibited in the UK with the introduction of the Psychoactive Substances Act. This act made the sale and supply of legal highs illegal, significantly changing the legal landscape surrounding these substances. The law states that anyone who produces, supplies, possesses with intent to supply or imports/exports a psychoactive substance can face up to seven years in prison. Such punishment has been imposed to curb these activities.
Possession of a psychoactive substance is not considered an offence. The exception to this rule is in custodial institutions like prisons and young offender centres.
The Psychoactive Substances Act Explained
The Psychoactive Substances Act closed loopholes that previously allowed for the production, supply, or importation of legal highs, making these actions illegal and punishable. The UK has introduced new legislation that can see producers and suppliers of legal highs face up to seven years in prison. This stricter regulation is intended to help tackle the issue of drug misuse.
The act came into effect on May 26, 2016, signalling a significant change in the legal status of these substances and how they are regulated.
Penalties and Enforcement
Violations of the Psychoactive Substances. Acts are punishable by up to 7 years imprisonment, a fine, or both. Law enforcement has the authority to confiscate and eliminate any NPS they encounter, as well as the capability to close down both headshops and online vendors where they believe NPS is being sold.
This increased enforcement power aims to curb the production, distribution, and use of legal highs, as well as tackling the issue of illegal drug accessibility, making it more difficult for users to access these potentially dangerous substances.
Recognizing Signs of Legal High Addiction
Identifying signs of addiction to legal highs is crucial to receive the necessary support and guidance to overcome addiction. It is essential to understand the detox process, which involves abstaining from legal highs and allowing the body to eliminate any residual toxins. Enrolling in a detox facility is essential as it eliminates the likelihood of relapse and enhances the prospects of success.
Rehabilitation is also critical in addressing addiction, as it aims to counteract physical and psychological dependence on drugs.
Physical and Behavioural Symptoms
Physical and behavioural signs of addiction can vary depending on the drug class being used and can cause significant changes to a person’s brain. Physical symptoms of legal high addiction may include lethargy, changes in weight, and conjunctival injection. Additionally, withdrawal symptoms may be experienced during the recovery process.
On the other hand, behavioural symptoms associated with legal high addiction may include changes in personality or attitude, mood swings, and preoccupation with the substance. Recognizing these signs early on is key to addressing addiction and getting the help needed to overcome it.
Seeking Help and Treatment
Treatment options for legal high addiction include addiction medicine, psychiatry, or a licensed alcohol and drug counsellor. Support groups and hotlines are also available to assist.
Addressing addiction to legal highs should involve professional detox and rehabilitation centers and establishing a support network. By seeking help and following a comprehensive treatment plan, individuals struggling with legal high addiction can work towards recovery and a healthier, substance-free life.
Harm Reduction Strategies
Implementing harm reduction strategies when using legal highs can help minimize the potential risks and negative effects of these substances. Taking a small test dose first, not mixing with other drugs, checking drug forums beforehand, using with a trusted friend, having access to emergency services, and avoiding driving or operating heavy machinery while under the influence are all helpful strategies to ensure safety.
Being well-informed about the substance used and exercising caution when experimenting with legal highs is essential.
Using Legal Highs Responsibly
To use legal highs responsibly, it is vital to understand the risks associated with taking these substances, know their active ingredients and effects and avoid excessive use or combination with other substances or alcoholic beverages. Practising moderation when consuming legal highs and abstaining from providing or distributing them without cost can also help reduce these substances’ potential risks and harms.
It is important to be aware of the potential risks associated with legal highs and to take steps to take steps.
Avoiding Dangerous Combinations
Avoiding dangerous combinations of legal highs with alcohol or other drugs can help reduce the risk of adverse side effects and potential health complications. Combining legal highs with other substances may increase the risk of overdose, adverse reactions, and long-term health issues.
It is imperative to investigate the impacts of each substance before consumption, abstain from combining different substances, and seek medical assistance if any adverse effects manifest.
The Future of Legal Highs
The future of legal highs may involve changing attitudes, legislation, and ongoing research. As more research is conducted and more data is available regarding the possible harms they can cause, attitudes towards legal highs may shift. Legislation may also be revised to regulate the sale and use of legal highs more effectively.
Research and development may focus on assessing the potential risks of legal highs and creating safer alternatives.
Changing Attitudes and Legislation
As awareness of the dangers of legal highs increases, attitudes and legislation may continue to evolve. The Misuse of Drugs Act already prohibits many legal highs for human consumption, and new substances remain available.
The Psychoactive Substances Act, enacted in 2016, has significantly changed the legal landscape surrounding these substances. In the future, further legislative changes may be introduced to regulate the sale and use of legal highs more effectively.
Research and Development
Research and development of new psychoactive substances may lead to safer alternatives and a better understanding of their effects. Investigations are being conducted into the prevalence of legal highs among mental health patients, the self-reported effects of legal highs on mental health, and the potential consequences of synthetic drugs.
However, limited research has been conducted into legal highs’ short- or long-term harms. As more studies are carried out, the future of legal highs may involve the development of safer alternatives and a deeper understanding of the risks associated with their use.
Summary
In conclusion, legal highs present a complex and evolving issue in today’s society. While they may offer a seemingly attractive alternative to illegal drugs, their untested nature, potential dangers, and increasing legal restrictions make them risky. Recognizing the signs of addiction, seeking help when needed, and implementing harm-reduction strategies when using legal highs are crucial. As attitudes, legislation, and research continue to evolve, the future of legal highs remains uncertain, but being informed and cautious can help reduce the risks associated with their use.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Legal highs in the UK include psychoactive substances such as nitrous oxide, ketamine, and mephedrone. The UK government has classified these substances as illegal drugs due to their associated risks.
The risks associated with these substances include physical and psychological harm and potential addiction. In addition, using these substances can lead to legal consequences, including fines and imprisonment.
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Legal highs are now outlawed in the UK, and any supplying, offering to supply, importing or exporting of them is considered a criminal offence with punishments of up to seven years imprisonment or an unlimited fine.
These punishments are severe, and it is important to be aware of the law and its consequences.
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Examples of legal highs include substances like Salvia, kratom, and synthetic cannabinoids.
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The UK government banned the trade in “legal highs” in 2016 with the introduction of the Psychoactive Substances Act and has since published a review of its effects.
The review found that the Act had been successful in reducing the availability of these substances, and had led to a decrease in their use. It also highlighted the need for further research into the long-term effects of these substances and the potential for new psychoactive substances.[/vc_column_text][/toggle][toggle color=”Default” heading_tag=”default” heading_tag_functionality=”default” title=”What are the potential risks associated with legal highs?”][vc_column_text]
Legal highs carry serious risks, including paranoia, seizures, coma, and death. The danger is amplified when legal highs are combined with other substances such as alcohol or drugs.
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