New Psychoactive Substances

WHAT ARE NPS’S ?

New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) are not one type of drug but a general term for substances that are designed to mimic or produce similar effects to common illicit drugs such as cocaine, ecstasy, cannabis and LSD. Despite the fact that many are also called legal highs, many are illegal.

OTHER NAMES:

NEDs (new and emerging drugs), Synthetics, research chemicals, plant food, bath salts, cathinones, phenethylamines, tryptamines, mephedrone (meow, miaow-miaow), synthetic cannabinoids (spice, kronic), X, tai high Hawaiian haze, Amsterdam gold, black mamba, NBOMe metherdrone.

EFFECTS:

• Due to the nature of NPS ‘s they can be injected, ingested, inhaled or smoked. They are designed to mimic a main stream drug, originally synthetic cannabis was designed to mimic cannabis and however this is not so anymore.
• Because NPS’s can mimic other substances or are consumed thinking they are something else if medical support is needed they will treat the symptoms the individual is experiencing.
• Despite many of these drugs being called “legal highs”, it does not mean they are legal or safe.
• Synthetic drugs are not quality controlled or properly regulated so it’s hard to know what is in them and what the dosage is in every individual pack.
• It’s important to check your mental health and ensure it is stable before deciding to use. Know that if you have a mental health condition, using synthetic drugs might worsen your symptoms.
• Some people may experience intended positive effects however sometimes using synthetics can lead to vomiting, agitation, seizures, or a bad trip.
• DURATION and COMING DOWN
• Due to the nature of NPS’s mimicking a number of other substances the rate that it takes to effect an individual will wary.
• Similar to duration, the come down will depend on what has been consumed.

SOME COMMON HARM REDUCTION STRATEGIES

As a general rule for any drug, encourage a young person to

• Take breaks and days off from using to avoid dependency
• Try to know and understand as much as you can about what you’re taking
• Only use a small amount because the potency can change between packets
• Let the previous dose wear off before using again
• Don’t be the first to try something new
• Be with other people and have someone remain sober
• Use regular cannabis instead of synthetic cannabis
• Call an ambulance if you’re worried someone has had too much
  This is only a little bit of information this ADF fact sheet has heaps more.

Or there’s this article from ADF in collaboration with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander service providers that has some tips about looking after yourself.