New Psychoactive Substances (NPS)

(Also referred to as ‘Legal Highs’ or ‘Designer Drugs’)

The Law:

On the 26th May 2016 the Psychoactive Substances Act (PSA) came into force in the UK. The Act made it an

offence to produce, supply or offer to supply any substance which is used to get ‘high’. The only exemption to

the PSA are those substances already controlled by the Misuse of Drugs Act; nicotine, alcohol, caffeine and

medicinal products.

The main intention of the PSA was to close shops and websites that currently trade in NPS.

The production, distribution, sale and supply of NPS is now an offence that is punishable by up to seven years

in prison. Possession of a psychoactive substance is not an offence, except in a "custodial institution", such as

prison or young offender centres.

Drug-driving, including after using a legal high, is illegal.

What were these drugs?

NPS began to appear on the UK drug scene around 2008/9 and were designed to replicate the psychoactive

effects of illegal substances such as cocaine and ecstasy. Often these were referred to as ‘legal highs’ as

they contained various legal chemical substances and so were not classified under the “Misuse of Drugs

Act”.

They were used to produce euphoria or intoxication, alone or in combination with other drugs. They were

easily obtained without prescription so were often perceived as harmless or non-toxic, however there were

a number of deaths following the use of these substances, particularly if combined with alcohol or other

drugs. Side effects included serious heart problems, vomiting, anxiety attacks, mood swings and seizures.

How were they sold?

They were sold in a variety of forms including powder, pills, liquids, capsules, perforated tabs and smoking

mixtures. The packaging was often designed to be attractive using a catchy name and bright colours. Although

there was a description of the ingredients, it was not possible to know what was inside.

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Powders ranged from white to brown to yellow in colour and from flour-like to little crystals in consistency.

Pills and capsules varied widely in size, shape and colour.

The smoking mixtures came in colourful packaging with labels describing the contents as intense or herbal

smoking mixtures. Contents looked like dried herbs, vegetable matter or plant cuttings.

Because they could not be labelled for human consumption, they were often marketed as plant food, bath

salts or incense.

What were their effects?

NPS were classified into 4 different groups, dependent on their effects.

Drug type Effect Examples

Stimulant-type Significant/alerting effect on the brain-

mimics substances such as

amphetamine, cocaine and ecstasy.

BZP, Mephedrone, MPDV, NRG-1,

Benzo Fury, MDAI and ethylphenidate

Downers’/tranquiliser-

type/sedative-type

drugs (aka

‘depressants’) drugs

Significant inhibitory and relaxing effect

on the brain- mimics various sedating,

anti-anxiety and opioid-like drugs ( and

alcohol)

Etizolam, pyrazolam,

flubromezaepam, Nitrous oxide, new

synthetic opioids, methoxetamine,

GBH/GBL

Hallucinogenic drugs Hallucinations, relaxation, feelings of

happiness or agitated and confused –

mimics LSD.

25i-NBOMe, Bromo-Dragonfly,

methoxetamine (similar to ketamine)

Synthetic cannabinoids Similar to cannabis: relaxation, altered

consciousness, disinhibition, a state of

being energised and euphoria

Spice, Black Mamba, Clockwork

Orange, Exodus Damnation

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How were they used?

NPS that come as powders, pills or capsules could be snorted or swallowed, while smoking mixtures were

either smoked in a ‘joint’ or ‘spliff’ or by using a pipe. There had been reports of some people injecting NPS.

What were their risks?

Injecting any drug can increase the risk of the drug reaching harmful or fatal levels. Veins could be damaged

by the injecting process, increasing the risk of a blood clot or abscess and possible blood infection or cardiac

problem.

Drug Type Effect

Stimulant -type Overconfident and disinhibited, inducing feelings of anxiety, panic, confusion,

paranoia and psychosis. Increases strain on the heart and nervous system and

weakens immune system increasing susceptibility to colds, flu and sore throats.

On withdrawal low mood.

Downers’/tranquiliser-

type/sedative-type drugs

(aka ‘depressants’) drugs

Reduction in inhibition and concentration slows down reactions, unsteadiness

on feet increasing risk of falls and feelings of lethargy, and forgetfulness. Can

cause unconsciousness, coma and death particularly when mixed with alcohol

and/or other downer drugs. On withdrawal feelings of anxiety and if severe

withdrawal syndrome develops in heavy drug users, it can require medical

treatment.

Hallucinogenic drugs These drugs which act like LSD, magic mushrooms, ketamine and

methoxetamine can cause confusion, panics and strong hallucinatory reactions

and their effects can affect behaviour, judgement and increase risk of self-harm.

Synthetic cannabinoids Severe or life threatening intoxication if taken in large doses. They can affect the

nervous system and lead to seizures, increased heart rate, high blood pressure,

sweating, increased body temperature and agitation.

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Use by NEP service users:

NPS may pose a risk to the health of the service user if they are used alone or in combination with alcohol.

They will interact with a number of prescribed or over the counter medicines, producing adverse or

unexpected effects.

The following should be considered for all service users.

Service users should be asked on admission by the doctor or keyworker if they have been using NPS as

it may make a difference to their treatment plan.

They are not detectable in the urine and it is very unlikely that there will be a drug screening test

available.

NPS must not be brought on to Trust premises by either the service user or their visitors, and

they must not be used during the course of treatment as they may prolong the illness or make

it worse, or prevent other therapies from working.

They should be confiscated if they are found on the premises, and placed in the CD cupboard,

recorded in the register, for destruction by the police. More detail is given in the NEP Illicit

Substances Policy.

When it is suspected that a service user has been involved in the production, distribution, sale or

supply of NPS the police should be contacted.

References:

1. http://www.talktofrank.com/

2. https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/

412168/150311_Psychoactive-drugs11-colour_18-33-44_-_1_.pdf

3. http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2016/2/enacted

4. NEP Illicit drugs policy

http://intranep/search/pages/Results.aspx?k=illicit&s=All%20Sites

5. NEP Illicit substance form

http://intranep/search/pages/Results.aspx?k=illicit&s=All%20Sites

6.

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Psychoactive Substances Act 1 5.pdf