Download Guidance regarding Psychoactive Substances

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.
Page 1 of 4
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-
BZP, Mephedrone, MPDV, NRG-1,
mimics substances such as
Benzo Fury, MDAI and ethylphenidate
amphetamine, cocaine and ecstasy.
Downers’/tranquiliser-
Significant inhibitory and relaxing effect
Etizolam, pyrazolam,
type/sedative-type
on the brain- mimics various sedating,
flubromezaepam, Nitrous oxide, new
drugs (aka
anti-anxiety and opioid-like drugs ( and
synthetic opioids, methoxetamine,
‘depressants’) drugs
alcohol)
GBH/GBL
Hallucinogenic drugs
Hallucinations, relaxation, feelings of
25i-NBOMe, Bromo-Dragonfly,
happiness or agitated and confused –
methoxetamine (similar to ketamine)
mimics LSD.
Synthetic cannabinoids
Similar to cannabis: relaxation, altered
Spice, Black Mamba, Clockwork
consciousness, disinhibition, a state of
Orange, Exodus Damnation
being energised and euphoria
Page 2 of 4
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-
Reduction in inhibition and concentration slows down reactions, unsteadiness
type/sedative-type drugs
on feet increasing risk of falls and feelings of lethargy, and forgetfulness. Can
(aka ‘depressants’) drugs
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.
Page 3 of 4
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/412168/1
50311_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.
Psychoactive
Substances Act 1 5.pdf
Page 4 of 4