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Last Updated:
September 24th, 2024
What are legal highs?
Legal highs are substances designed to replicate the effects of illegal drugs while avoiding legal restrictions. These substances are often altered chemically and molecularly to be classified as entirely new compounds.
For example, Dr. Zee, the self-proclaimed “King of Legal Highs,” created new psychoactive substances on a weekly basis. He worked so quickly that the UK government had difficulty keeping up, resulting in a legal window where people could purchase these altered drugs without legal repercussions.
The lack of regulation, driven by high market demand and profit motives, led to quick production taking precedence over safety. These substances often hit the market without comprehensive research, resulting in unknown health effects. With regulatory bodies struggling to keep up, many dangerous drugs were sold legally. This left users, who were essentially acting as test subjects, facing unpredictable and potentially harmful outcomes, highlighting the risks of such unvetted compounds.
How can I identify legal highs?
Due to clever marketing tactics, legal highs are often marketed as plant foods, bath salts or incense. Below, we take a look at the most common forms of legal highs to educate and increase awareness:
- Pills/tablets: Often found in brightly coloured forms and various shapes, these are easy to ingest and commonly resemble legitimate medications or ecstasy tablets.
- Powders: Usually sold in small packets or bags, these can be snorted, swallowed or dissolved in liquid.
- Capsules: Similar to pills but containing powdered substances inside a gelatin shell, making them easy to swallow.
- Herbal blends: Typically found in small foil packets, these are often smoked and are marketed as incense or potpourri.
- Liquids: Packaged in small bottles or vials, these can be ingested, mixed with drinks or used in e-cigarettes and vaporisers.
- Blotter paper: Small squares of paper infused with the substance, typically placed under the tongue for absorption.
- Gels: Found in small tubes or sachets and usually ingested orally.
What are the most common types of legal highs?
Keeping up with the rapid creation of new legal highs is incredibly challenging. Below, we explore some of the most common substances currently trending or have seen popularity in the past.
| Type | Street Names | Chemical names | How they’re taken |
| Synthetic cannabinoids | Spice, K2, Black Mamba, Joker | JWH-018, AM-2201, HU-210 | Smoked, vaporized or mixed into food and drinks |
| Synthetic cathinones | Bath salts, Flakka, Cloud 9, MDPV | Methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV), mephedrone (4-MMC), methylone (bk-MDMA) | Snorted, swallowed, injected or smoked |
| Novel psychoactive substances (NPS) | N-Bombs, Smiles, Benzo Fury | 25I-NBOMe, 2C-I, 6-APB | Swallowed (often as blotter paper), snorted or smoked |
| Nitrous oxide | Laughing gas, Whippets, NOS | Nitrous oxide (N2O) | Inhaled from balloons or cartridges |
| Synthetic opioids | U-47700, Pink, U4 | U-47700 | Swallowed, snorted or injected |
| Kratom | Biak-biak, Ketum, Thom, Thang | Mitragyna speciosa | Swallowed (in capsules or mixed with food/drinks), brewed into tea or chewed |
| Salvia divinorum | Sally-D, Magic Mint, Diviner’s Sage | Salvinorin A | Smoked, chewed or brewed into tea |
| Mephedrone | Meow Meow, M-CAT, Drone, White Magic | 4-Methylmethcathinone (4-MMC) | Snorted, swallowed, injected or smoked |
Note: The vast majority of these drugs are now illegal in the UK at the time of writing. Despite the nickname of ‘legal highs’ many of these substances are no longer legal.
Is it possible to become addicted to legal highs?
Yes, legal highs can lead to severe addiction. While drugs like cocaine and heroin are widely known for their addictive properties, legal highs can be equally, if not more, dangerous in some cases. These substances often replicate the effects of illegal drugs but can still cause significant physical dependence and addiction. It’s essential to understand the risks associated with legal highs and treat them with the same caution as any other addictive substance.
Here, we explore three well-documented legal highs that have a high potential for addiction:
Benzo Fury addiction
Benzo Fury is often used at social gatherings to boost energy, mood, and confidence. However, even short-term use can lead to addiction, cravings, and withdrawal symptoms, making it difficult to stop despite its initial appeal.
Mephedrone addiction
Mephedrone mimics the effects of cocaine and MDMA, leading to rapid tolerance and increased use. Users often consume larger amounts to achieve the same high, resulting in serious health risks and a strong dependency on the drug.
Spice addiction
Spice, a synthetic cannabinoid, is a more addictive alternative to cannabis. Use can create physical dependency, with severe withdrawal symptoms upon quitting. It is unpredictable which makes it particularly hazardous compared to natural cannabis.
What are the signs of legal high addiction?
Because there are so many different legal highs with different signs of addiction, it’s important to look at the overall signs of addiction as an indicator that substance use in a person is taking place. These signs can be behavioural, psychological and physical and recognising them can help identify a potential problem early on.
Behavioural signs
- Neglecting responsibilities: Ignoring work, school or family duties due to substance use.
- Social withdrawal: Avoiding social activities and isolating from friends and family.
- Risky behaviours: Engaging in dangerous activities, such as driving under the influence or using substances in unsafe environments.
- Secrecy and deception: Hiding the extent of substance use or lying about it.
- Financial problems: Spending excessive money on substances and struggling with finances.
Psychological signs
- Mood swings: Experiencing extreme highs and lows, often related to substance use.
- Anxiety and depression: Increased feelings of anxiety or depression, especially when not using the substance.
- Paranoia: Developing irrational fears or beliefs.
- Obsessive thoughts: Constantly thinking about the next opportunity to use the substance.
- Lack of motivation: Losing interest in hobbies and activities that were once enjoyable.
Physical signs
- Changes in appearance: Neglecting personal hygiene or drastic changes in weight.
- Sleep Issues: Having trouble sleeping or sleeping excessively.
- Poor coordination: Difficulty with balance and motor skills.
- Appetite changes: Significant increase or decrease in appetite.
- Withdrawal symptoms: Experiencing symptoms like sweating, shaking or nausea when not using the substance.
Recognising these signs can be crucial in identifying legal high addiction early and seeking appropriate help. If you or someone you know is showing these signs, it might be time to reach out to a professional for support.
How are legal high addictions treated at Oasis Bradford?
At Oasis Bradford, we provide compassionate care for legal high addiction. Our programme starts with a thorough assessment to create a personalised treatment plan, followed by a safe, comfortable detox environment focused on recovery.
Therapy is central to our approach and includes traditional therapeutic methods like individual counselling, DBT and group therapy. We are also big believers in holistic methods like yoga and meditation, which help uncover the root causes of addiction and develop healthy coping strategies.
As you transition back into everyday life, our aftercare programme ensures ongoing support with counselling, support groups and resources to maintain sobriety.
At Oasis Bradford, we treat the whole person, aiming for lasting recovery and a brighter future.
What are the next steps?
If you or a loved one is struggling with legal high addiction, don’t wait to seek help. Oasis Bradford offers compassionate, comprehensive care tailored to your needs. Our experienced team is dedicated to supporting you every step of the way, from detox to aftercare. Take the first step toward lasting recovery and a brighter future. Contact Oasis Bradford today and start your journey to a healthier, addiction-free life.
Frequently Asked Questions
(Click here to see works cited)
- “Dr Zee, the Godfather of Legal Highs: ‘I Test Everything on Myself.’” The Guardian, Guardian News and Media, 24 May 2016, www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2016/may/24/dr-zee-the-godfather-of-legal-highs-i-test-everything-on-myself.
