The term
"legal highs" typically refers to psychoactive substances that are not prohibited by law, at least not yet, but still produce mind-altering effects similar to illegal drugs. These substances may include synthetic cannabinoids, synthetic cathinones (commonly known as "bath salts"), research chemicals, and various other designer drugs. Here's some information about legal highs:
- Composition: Legal highs often consist of synthetic chemicals that mimic the effects of illegal drugs like cannabis, ecstasy, or cocaine. Manufacturers frequently alter the chemical structures slightly to bypass existing drug laws.
- Availability: Legal highs are often sold under various names in the form of pills, powders, or liquids. They are typically marketed as "research chemicals," "herbal incense," "bath salts," or "plant food" and are commonly available in head shops, online, or through other unconventional outlets.
- Health Risks: Legal highs can be highly unpredictable in terms of their potency and effects. Since they are often manufactured without regulatory oversight, there's a significant risk of contamination or inconsistencies in dosing. Moreover, because their chemical compositions frequently change to evade regulations, the long-term health effects of legal highs are often unknown and can be potentially dangerous.
- Side Effects: The side effects of legal highs can vary widely depending on the specific substance and dosage. Common side effects may include increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, anxiety, paranoia, hallucinations, seizures, and even death in severe cases. Since the chemical compositions of legal highs can be inconsistent, users may experience unexpected reactions or adverse effects.
- Legal Status: The legal status of legal highs varies from country to country and can change rapidly as governments enact new laws to control emerging psychoactive substances. While many legal highs may currently be legal in some jurisdictions, they may be banned in others, or legislation may be pending to regulate or prohibit their sale and distribution.
- Harm Reduction: Given the potential risks associated with legal highs, harm reduction strategies are essential for minimizing harm to users. These strategies include providing accurate and up-to-date information about the risks associated with legal highs, promoting safer substance use practices, and encouraging individuals to seek help if they experience adverse effects or develop problematic patterns of use.
In summary, legal highs are psychoactive substances that are not currently controlled by drug laws but can still pose significant health risks. It's crucial for individuals to be aware of the potential dangers associated with these substances and to exercise caution and discretion if choosing to use them. Additionally, seeking support from healthcare professionals or addiction specialists can be beneficial for individuals struggling with substance use issues related to legal highs.
Harm reduction strategies aim to minimize the negative consequences associated with substance use, including legal highs. Here are some harm reduction tips for individuals who choose to use legal highs:
- Education and Awareness: Learn as much as possible about the specific legal high you intend to use, including its composition, effects, potential risks, and safer use guidelines. Reliable sources of information may include reputable drug education websites, harm reduction organizations, or healthcare professionals.
- Start Low, Go Slow: Since the potency of legal highs can vary widely, it's essential to start with a low dose and gradually increase it if needed. This approach can help reduce the risk of experiencing adverse effects or overdosing.
- Test the Substance: If feasible, consider using a drug testing kit to verify the contents of the legal high and check for the presence of potentially harmful contaminants. While testing kits may not be readily available for all substances, they can provide valuable information about the purity and composition of the drug.
- Use in a Safe Environment: Choose a safe and familiar setting to use legal highs, preferably with trusted friends who can assist you if needed. Avoid using legal highs alone, particularly if you're experimenting with a new substance or a higher dose.
- Stay Hydrated and Nourished: Drink plenty of water and consume nutritious foods before, during, and after using legal highs to help maintain your overall health and well-being. Avoid consuming alcohol or other substances that may exacerbate the effects or risks of legal highs.
- Monitor Your Health: Pay attention to how your body and mind respond to the legal high, and be vigilant for any signs of adverse effects or medical emergencies. If you experience symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, chest pain, severe anxiety, hallucinations, or difficulty breathing, seek medical help immediately.
- Have a Plan for Emergencies: Before using legal highs, develop a plan for handling emergencies, such as overdose or adverse reactions. Make sure you and your companions know how to recognize the signs of an overdose and how to respond effectively, including calling emergency services if necessary.
- Avoid Mixing Substances: Mixing legal highs with other drugs, including alcohol or prescription medications, can increase the risk of harmful interactions and adverse effects. Stick to using legal highs on their own and avoid polydrug use.
- Seek Support and Information: If you have questions or concerns about legal highs or if you're struggling with problematic use, reach out to harm reduction organizations, drug helplines, or healthcare providers for support, guidance, and resources.
Remember that while harm reduction strategies can help mitigate some of the risks associated with legal highs, the safest approach is to avoid using these substances altogether. If you're considering using legal highs, carefully weigh the potential risks and benefits, and prioritize your health and well-being.