Are legal highs actually legal?

An overview of legal highs (NPS), explaining their dangerous effects, UK legal status, and strategies young people can use to navigate and resist these substances.

About this article...

  • Suitable for members aged 12-17
  • 4 minute read
  • 828 words (2.1 sides of A4)
  • Providing help and guidance on Drugs and Staying Safe
  • Created and reviewed by our team of experts

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Understanding 'Legal Highs'

In recent years, the term "legal highs" has popped up everywhere from school corridors and parties to headlines in the news. But what exactly are these substances, and are they truly legal? Let's dive deep into the world of so-called legal highs to understand their legality and impact on young people like yourself.

What Are Legal Highs?

Legal highs, more formally known as New Psychoactive Substances (NPS), are created to mimic the effects of illegal drugs like cannabis, ecstasy, and cocaine. They can come in various forms, including powders, pills, and herbal mixes. The idea behind these substances is to produce effects similar to traditional illicit drugs while avoiding the legal framework that bans the original substances.

The Confusing Legality

Initially, these substances managed to dodge legal restrictions by slightly altering the chemical structure of banned drugs. This loophole in drug laws led manufacturers to label their products as "not for human consumption," often selling them as plant food, bath salts, or research chemicals. However, the legality of these substances has drastically changed.

In response to health concerns and a rising number of accidents associated with NPS, the UK government enacted the Psychoactive Substances Act in 2016. This law bans the production, distribution, sale, and supply of any substance intended for human consumption that is capable of producing a psychoactive effect, excluding alcohol, nicotine, caffeine, and medical products.

Are They Really Safe?

Despite the name "legal highs," these substances are anything but safe. There is a significant risk involved when using NPS because their chemical makeup is often unknown, and they have not been tested for human use. This means you can never be sure what you are putting into your body or what the effects might be. Unlike regulated drugs, the strength and ingredients of legal highs can vary greatly between batches, and they can contain dangerous chemicals that are harmful to your health.

The Real-Life Impact on You

As a teenager, the pressure to fit in or try new things can be overwhelming. Experimenting with NPS may seem like a fun and low-risk option, especially if you believe they are legal and safe. However, the consequences can be severe. Using legal highs can lead to acute health problems, such as:

Are legal highs actually legal?
  • Increased heart rate and blood pressure
  • Agitation and anxiety
  • Psychotic episodes
  • Seizures

These health issues can result from a single use. Regular use might lead to addiction, psychological dependence, or even more serious long-term health problems. Beyond health, there are legal consequences. Being caught with these substances could lead to fines or other legal troubles, impacting your future opportunities.

Practical Strategies for Dealing with Legal Highs

Dealing with the temptation or peer pressure to try legal highs can be tough. Here are some strategies to help you steer clear:

  • Educate yourself: Knowledge is power. Learn about the harmful effects of NPS and legal statutes around them.
  • Build a supportive network: Surround yourself with friends who respect your choices and are not likely to pressure you into risky behaviours.
  • Develop your refusal skills: It's not always easy to say no, especially if you're concerned about fitting in. practise ways to decline offers confidently rehearse your responses if necessary.
  • Seek out healthy activities: Engage in sports, arts, or other hobbies that excite you and keep you engaged in a positive community.
  • Talk to a trusted adult: If you're feeling pressured or uncertain, talk to someone reliable for advice and support.

To Sum Up

While they might be dubbed "legal highs," NPS are neither legal nor safe. The UK's Psychoactive Substances Act has outlawed these substances due to the significant risks they pose. Misunderstanding their legality and safety can have grave consequences on your health, legal standing, and future. Making informed choices and using the strategies above can help you navigate these pressures and maintain a safe, healthy lifestyle.

How are you feeling?

It is really important that when we need help, we feel able to ask for it. This could be speaking to a parent, a close friend, a teacher or someone else you trust. Sometimes it can be really hard to share our feelings with other people but if we are feeling low or don't know where to turn, sharing with others is really important. Teachers will always take you seriously and listen to your problems in confidence if you approach them for help. Likewise, parents, siblings or friends will help you if you reach out to them.

If you feel like you can't speak to anyone you know, there are people and organisations that can help support you:

  • Childline - Call them on 0800 1111 any time of the day or night, every day of the week
  • NSPCC - Call them on 0808 800 5000 between 10am and 4pm Monday to Friday or email them on help@NSPCC.org.uk
  • The Samaritans – Call them on 116 123 any time of the day or night, every day of the week
  • SANE – Call 0300 304 7000 for support (4:30pm - 10:30pm every day)
  • Mind – Call 0300 123 3393 (9:00am - 6:00pm Monday to Friday)

*Sometimes we will use real life examples in our articles to aid understanding. When we do, names and ages will be changed.