Legal Highs

Legal highs are substances that will mimic the effects of drugs such as cocaine, ecstasy and cannabis. They are collectively known as New (or novel) Psychoactive Substances: NPS. They are synthetic drugs which can lead to addiction and both physical and psychological damage.

• Benzofurans
• Mephedrone
• Spice

Spice is a synthetic cannabinoid and is an umbrella term for the different ones used. The most widely used is called Black Mamba. It should not be confused with cannabis as it is odourless and can lead to extreme and rapid changes in a person’s behaviour. It is usually smoked.

• Seizures

• Psychosis

• Paralysis

• Extreme bizarre behaviour

• Tachycardia (elevated heart rate)

• Long term effects:

• Weight loss

• Poor physical hygiene

• Dental decay

• Persistent withdrawals

• Paranoia

• Aggression

• Suicidal ideation

• Psychosis

• Depression

• Anxiety

As a relatively new drug, the research is scant. Initial studies from Germany suggest withdrawal can last up to a week, even with medical intervention. Initial withdrawal can be within seven hours.

These are stimulants derived from naturally occurring compounds called Phenethylamines (stimulants). They are taken in pill form.

• Paranoia
• Severe/debilitating anxiety
• Acute confusional state
• Pyrexia (dangerously high body temperature)
• Insomnia
• Hypertensive crisis (extreme elevation in blood pressure)
• Overdose
• Death

Withdrawal: 12 hours to ten days. Average: 10 days

A powerful stimulant. Users often compare the effects to that of cocaine and ecstasy. It is also sometimes known as meow meow or m-cat. 

Usually supplied as a powder, users can snort it, put it in a drink, insert it into a capsule and swallowed or injected into a vein or anus.

• Memory loss (short term)
• Bruxism (teeth grinding)
• Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating)
• Blurred vision
• Hallucinations
• Agitation
• Seizures
• Blurred vision
• Insomnia
• Myocardial infarct (heart attack)
• Suicidal ideation
• Stroke
• Hypertensive crisis (dangerously high blood pressure)
• Rapid mood swings

Withdrawal timeline: Within 24 hours after last use withdrawal symptoms will begin to appear and will peak within 48 to 72 hours. They should subside after 7 days.

Ongoing effects can be:

• Lethargy (feeling tired all the time)
• Chronic sleep disturbance

Using NPS can have profound effects on a user’s physical and mental health. Withdrawals can induce a medical emergency as well as long term medical and psychological issues.

The first part would be a comprehensive assessment with an experienced clinician to assess the client and, if necessary, prescribe medications to help them withdraw safely. In some cases, medication is needed to deal with psychotic features such hallucinations and high blood pressure.

All rehabilitation centres use a group therapy programme as research shows that this is the most effective method to achieve long term recovery and abstinence. Some centres will offer an hour of individual therapy for those staying two weeks or more. A 12 step or SMART approach are commonly used to provide the user with the space to understand their dependency and build up a mental toolkit to help them maintain their abstinence, post discharge.