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Legal highs, a term commonly used a while back, refers to substances that mimic the effects of various illegal drugs but aren't covered by current drug prohibition laws. They sound harmless enough with their "legal" tag, but don't be fooled these substances can be as dangerous, unpredictable, and harmful as the better-known illegal drugs. The aim here is to arm you with everything you need to know about these substances, including understanding exactly what they are, how they impact your life, and how you can effectively deal with their presence.

What Exactly Are Legal Highs?

Legal highs, more officially known as New Psychoactive Substances (NPS), are compounds designed to replicate the effects of illegal drugs like cannabis, ecstasy, and cocaine. They were once totally legal due to their chemical structures not being specifically banned under drug laws. This legality was primarily because they are often new substances on the market and haven't yet been evaluated and banned by drug enforcement authorities. Examples include synthetic cannabinoids or "spice", and substances like mephedrone (often called 'meow meow').

The main attraction of legal highs has been their availability and the misconception that they are safe and legal to use. However, the reality is far from this misconception. The United Kingdom has taken considerable steps to crack down on these substances through the Psychoactive Substances Act 2016, which has banned their production, distribution, sale, and supply, except for those that are explicitly exempt (like food, alcohol, nicotine, and caffeine).

The Real-Life Impact of Legal Highs on Young People

The real-life stories of young people affected by legal highs often tell tales of hospital visits, mental health issues, and even encounters with the law. Here's a more detailed look into the impact:

• Physical Health Risks: Many legal highs are untested and their long-term health effects are largely unknown. This means that taking them is akin to playing Russian roulette with your body. Common effects can include heart problems, seizures, and severe gastrointestinal issues.
• Mental Health: Because these substances can be powerful and unpredictable, they can lead to significant mental health issues, such as anxiety, paranoia, psychotic episodes, and depression.
• Legal Consequences: Despite the name, using or possessing these substances can have legal consequences, particularly since the introduction of the Psychoactive Substances Act. Getting caught can mean fines or a criminal record, which can affect everything from job prospects to overseas travel.
• Dependency and Addiction: Many legal highs are addictive. Regular use can develop into dependency, making it difficult to quit and increasing the risk of suffering from withdrawal symptoms.

The social implications can also be severe, affecting relationships with family and friends, educational performance, and overall personal development.

Strategies for Dealing with Legal Highs

With the potential dangers quite clear, it's important to know how to handle encounters with legal highs, especially as a teenager. Here are several practical strategies:

• Educate Yourself and Others: Knowing about the substances, their effects, and the law is the first step in protecting yourself. Spread the word amongst friends to keep your circle informed.
• Open Communication: Talk openly with family members, teachers, or counsellors about your concerns regarding drugs. If you or someone you know is using, don't be afraid to seek help.
• Peer Pressure: Standing up to peer pressure is more powerful than it might seem. It's okay to say no, and doing so can encourage others to do the same.
• Seek Professional Help: If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, talk to a healthcare provider. There are many resources available to help manage and overcome addiction.
• Stay Engaged: Participate in wholesome activities, whether that's sports, clubs, arts, or volunteering. Keeping busy with positive activities can decrease the appeal of drug use.

Remember, the perceived legality of a substance doesn't equate to safety. Steering clear of legal highs not only preserves your health and future but contributes to your overall well-being and success.

Conclusion

Understanding what legal highs are and recognising their potential dangers is crucial. As they often target markets like festivals, parties, and online spaces frequented by young people, being armed with knowledge and strategies is your best defence. Remember, though the term 'legal highs' might sound safe and unassuming, the reality is often far different, bearing serious risks and consequences that can affect almost every aspect of your life.

Protecting yourself isn't just about saying no; it's about understanding the risks, the law, and having supportive conversations with those around you. This proactive approach can make all the difference in navigating the complex world of today's constantly evolving drug scene.

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.