What should you do if a friend is using legal highs?

Learn how to handle a friend using legal highs with practical steps including gathering facts, opening dialogue without judgment, and getting the right help.

About this article...

  • Suitable for members aged 12-17
  • 4 minute read
  • 754 words (1.9 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

When we hear the phrase "legal highs," it refers to substances that produce similar effects to illegal drugs like cocaine and cannabis but aren't controlled by the same laws. These are often sold as incense, salts, or plant food under quirky, harmless sounding names. Although they might be marketed as legal, that doesn't necessarily mean they are safe. In the UK, the Psychoactive Substances Act was introduced in 2016 to crack down on these substances, though some still slip through the net.

The Real-Life Impact

Legal highs can have unpredictable and harmful effects. Just because a substance is legal doesn't mean it's safe. These substances can vary dramatically in strength and what they're cut with, making each use a risky gamble. Side effects can include anything from severe headaches, heart palpitations, paranoia, and even psychotic episodes impacts that are particularly dangerous for developing bodies and brains like yours.

Imagine a friend starting to use these substances. You might notice changes like erratic behaviour, skipping school, or they might even start to withdraw from social circles. This isn't just damaging to their physical health but their mental health, relationships, and future prospects too.

Practical Strategies for Handling the Situation

1. Educate Yourself

What should you do if a friend is using legal highs?
  • Gather Facts: Learn the facts about legal highs. Understanding what these substances can do to the body and mind is the first step in helping someone.
  • Understand the Law: Knowing the legal status of these substances can provide insight and more grounds for discouraging their use.

2. Open a Dialogue

  • Start a conversation: Bring up your concerns without accusing or judging. Try starting with general questions about what they feel about the substance, rather than direct confrontations.
  • Listen: Give them space to share their thoughts and feelings. Often, people using substances feel judged and isolated, which might push them further away.

3. Support, Don't Judge

  • Offer Help: Suggest practical ways you can help, like accompanying them to a counsellor or support group.
  • Connect with Resources: Together, explore resources such as local support services, helplines, or informative websites.

4. Involve Others If Necessary

  • Speak to Trusted Adults: If your friend's use of legal highs escalates or if they're at risk, it might be wise to involve a trusted adult this could be a parent, teacher, or counsellor who can handle the situation with confidentiality and care.

5. Stay Safe

  • Keep Boundaries: You want to help your friend, but it's also important to keep yourself safe. If their behaviour starts affecting you negatively, it's okay to take a step back.
  • Be a Good Role Model: Showing your own healthy lifestyle choices can also serve as a silent guide for your friend.

6. Plan for Pushback

  • Be Ready for Denial: It's common for individuals experimenting with substances to deny the harmful effects or their dependency. Stick with your points and reaffirm your concern for their wellbeing.
  • Maintain Persistence: Don't be disheartened if the first conversation doesn't go as planned. Be patient and persistent, offering your support consistently.

Conclusion: Your Role Is Crucial

Dealing with a friend using legal highs can put you in a tough spot, but remember, your role is crucial in their journey possibly towards recovery. Being prepared, supportive, and informed makes you a powerful ally. Always hold onto hope and continue to encourage your friend towards safer, healthier choices. Above all, remember that professional help is crucial and sometimes getting that help is the best support you could offer.

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.