Legal Highs
Just because something is ‘legal’ doesn’t mean it’s safe!
What are legal highs?
‘Legal Highs’ are substances that claim that you can use them without getting into trouble with the law (this isn’t necessarily true – many have been illegal for over a year). They contain a range of potentially dangerous chemicals and these ‘ingredients’ can be frequently changed. Even if you’ve tried them before, you can never be sure what you’re taking or what the effects will be.
Many of the substances that people call ‘legal highs’ (such as Mephedrone) were actually made illegal under The Misuse Of Drugs Act in April 2010.
Why should I worry?
There has been some research into the safety of ‘legal highs’, there hasn’t been a great deal and you can never be certain what it is you are taking.
There’s evidence to show that some legal highs could cause the same kinds of problems as ‘illegal’ drugs, such as Cocaine or Ketamine. There are signs that some legal highs could be addictive. What’s more, some of the highs you may have bought could actually be illegal. Possessing such a drug could lead to a fine, or even a prison sentence.
What can you do?
If you would like to talk to someone confidentially about ‘legal highs’ or any other substance, contact Young Addaction or visit www.addaction.org.uk
Don’t use alone, always try to have someone with you who can get help should you become unwell.
Don’t mix legal highs with other drugs and alcohol.
Information provided by Young Addaction
