Legal high Addiction

Legal highs, also commonly known as New Psychoactive Substances (NPS), are synthetic drugs designed to mimic the effects of illegal drugs like cocaine, cannabis and ecstasy. These substances often include a wide range of chemicals, many of which have never been tested on humans and which have both short- and long-term health risks.

The appeal of legal highs often lies in their availability and the misconception that legality equates to safety. These substances are frequently sold online or in head shops, often under innocuous names like “bath salts,” “plant food,” or “herbal incense.” However, their chemical compositions constantly change to evade legal restrictions, meaning users can only be partially sure what they are consuming.

Many drugs, which are still called “legal highs”, have long been banned by the UK government due to their dangerous effects and potential for addiction.

Some of the most commonly abused legal highs include:

• Spice and other synthetic cannabinoids like salvia and K2
• Mephedrone (commonly known as “Meow Meow”)
• Bath salts and other synthetic cathinones
• Nitrous oxide (laughing gas)
• Benzo fury

Various factors make legal highs particularly addictive, even among individuals who have never taken drugs before. These include:

Misconception of safety

The term “legal” can create a false sense of security, leading users to underestimate the potential risks and addictive nature of these drugs. This misconception is particularly dangerous as it may encourage more frequent and higher doses, particularly as tolerance and physical dependence develop.

Chemical composition

Legal highs often have rapidly changing chemical compositions to evade legal restrictions. This unpredictability can make these substances more potent and dangerous, increasing the risk of legal high addiction even with short-term use.

Escapism and stress relief

High-achieving individuals may turn to legal highs to cope with the high stress and pressure associated with their careers. While the pleasurable and dissociative effects of these substances can provide a temporary escape, addiction ultimately entrenches the cycle of dependency and legal high abuse.

Social and professional environments

In some professional circles, the use of substances for recreational purposes might be more socially accepted, leading to increased exposure and normalisation of drug use, including legal highs.

Spotting legal high addiction signs is not always easy, especially if the user is under the false impression that they are not addictive drugs. If you spot any of these legal high addiction symptoms in yourself or others, seeking professional help could potentially save a life:

• You need more of the substance to feel the same effects, showing your body is building a tolerance
• When you stop using, you feel anxious, irritable or even physically ill, which are clear signs of withdrawal
• You are skipping work, missing social events and neglecting responsibilities due to legal high abuse
• You have become secretive or moody due to the effects of legal highs or the stress of addiction
• You have persistent health issues, like unexplained weight loss or frequent illnesses
• You spend most of your money on legal highs, even when it is causing you financial issues
• You recognise these issues but still can’t quit, even when they are pointed out to you by trusted loved ones or colleagues

Legal high abuse and addiction have blighted the UK for years despite efforts to curb their availability. In the year ending March 2023, 290,635 people were in contact with drug and alcohol services, highlighting the widespread nature of the problem. Among these, a significant proportion were dealing with issues related to legal highs.

There has been a particular rise in the use of Spice, a synthetic cannabinoid which has become notorious for its severe and unpredictable effects. Spice can cause extreme agitation, hallucinations and violent behaviour, and its potency can lead to rapid addiction and severe withdrawal symptoms.

The increasing prevalence of Spice and other synthetic cannabinoids is particularly concerning in urban areas like London, with the ONS reporting a significant number of drug-related deaths involving these substances.

UKAT London Clinic delivers exceptional legal high-addiction treatment tailored for individuals seeking discretion and advanced care. Our process begins with a meticulously planned detox, overseen by our experienced medical team, to manage withdrawal and ensure client safety.

Post-detox, our clients engage in personalised rehab treatment, including individual counselling, cutting-edge CBT and holistic therapies like stress management and bespoke mindfulness sessions.

Our subsequent aftercare and relapse prevention programmes are robust, providing continuous support, therapy and access to exclusive support groups, ensuring a sustained and healthy recovery.

If you need professional help for legal high addiction, UKAT London Clinic can help you get back on the road to health and happiness. Our bespoke treatment plans can help you overcome an addiction to various types of legal highs and give you the foundations you need to live a successful life. Contact us today to find out more about our exclusive centre and expert-led treatment programmes.