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Understanding Legal Highs: Can You Get Addicted?
When you hear "legal highs," it might sound like a safe buzz after all, if it's legal, it can't be that bad, right? Wrong. The term "legal highs" can be pretty misleading. Often referred to as new psychoactive substances (NPS), these are drugs intended to mimic the effects of illegal substances like cocaine, cannabis, and ecstasy, but are structured differently enough at the molecular level to not be classified under the same legal restrictions at least initially.
What Exactly Are Legal Highs?
Legal highs encompass a range of substances that are meant to produce similar effects to illegal drugs. They can be sold under names like "herbal incense," "bath salts," or even "research chemicals" and are often labelled as "not for human consumption" to navigate around drug laws. However, the effects can be unpredictable and sometimes more dangerous than the drugs they aim to replace. Over time, as these substances have become known and their impact more evident, governments have moved to regulate them, but new versions pop up regularly, staying one step ahead of the legislation.
Are Legal Highs Addictive?
Simply put, yes, legal highs can be addictive. Just like traditional illegal drugs, they can cause a user to develop a dependence on them. Many users experience withdrawal symptoms when trying to quit, and regular use can lead to a substance use disorder. Despite their legal status initially, these drugs can alter brain chemistry and foster psychological and sometimes physical dependence.
The Real-Life Impact on Young People
The demographic most at risk from the allure of legal highs is young people, primarily because of curiosity, peer pressure, and the mistaken belief that legal means safe. Let's look at a real-life example:
Tom, a 16-year-old, started experimenting with a legal high he bought online. His friends assured him it was a great way to have fun without the risk of getting caught with illegal drugs. Initially, the effects were satisfying and seemingly harmless, making Tom feel more social and lively at parties. However, over time, Tom needed higher doses to feel the same effects, and his school performance began to deteriorate. He became withdrawn, anxious, and started experiencing severe mood swings.
Like Tom, many young individuals fail to see the potential for addiction and long-term harm. These substances can have severe effects on a young brain, still in development, potentially causing long-lasting damage.
How Addiction Develops with Legal Highs
Addiction to legal highs develops in a way that's similar to any other drug: repeated use alters the way the brain experiences pleasure, eventually making the drug use a central focus of one's life. The fear of withdrawal symptoms or the inability to enjoy other activities can make quitting difficult. Here are some signs of addiction to watch out for:
- Lack of interest in activities once enjoyed
- Ignoring responsibilities at school or home
- Spending a lot of time trying to get, use, or recover from the drug's effects
- Continued use despite negative consequences
- Changes in friendships, such as hanging out with new friends who also use the substances
- Withdrawal symptoms when not using the drug
Strategies for Dealing with Legal High Addiction
recognising the problem is the first step. If you or someone you know is struggling with legal high addiction, it's crucial to seek help. Here are some practical steps:
- Educate Yourself and Others: Understanding the risks and effects of legal highs can demystify their allure. Education plays a crucial role in prevention.
- Seek Professional Help: Consultation with a healthcare provider or addiction specialist can provide guidance tailored to the specific situation.
- Support Groups: Groups like Narcotics Anonymous (NA) or SMART Recovery can offer support and strategies from people who are going through the same struggles.
- Healthy Substitutes: Engaging in sports, hobbies, or other enjoyable activities can reduce dependency on substances for happiness and fulfilment.
- Family and Friends Support: Support from loved ones is crucial. They can offer emotional support and encourage you to stick to your treatment plan.
Dealing with addiction is never easy, but it's also not something anyone has to face alone. Help is available, and recovery is possible. Understanding the dangers and knowing where to turn for help can make a significant difference in overcoming the addiction to legal highs.
Conclusion
The term "legal high" might imply a safer alternative to illegal drugs, but the reality is far different. The potential for addiction and the harm these substances can cause should not be underestimated. By educating young people about the risks associated with these substances and providing them with the tools and support they need, we can help prevent the misuse of these dangerous substances and promote safer, healthier choices.
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.