New psychoactive substances: Signs of overdose and how to respond

What are new psychoactive substances? 

New psychoactive substances (NPS), also known as ‘synthetic drugs’ or ‘legal highs’, are chemicals that are made to act in a similar way to drugs like cannabis, ecstasy, cocaine or methamphetamine. 

They come in different forms including: 

• Powders 
• Pills 
• Synthetic cannabis (synthetic chemicals that have been added to herbal or plant material) 

Although called ‘new’, some have been around for decades. They are often sold as incense, bath salts, plant food, or are wrongly marketed as safer or legal alternatives to other drugs. 

Risks of new psychoactive substances 

In attempts to stay ahead of (or get around) the law, manufacturers have changed the molecular structure of NPS. NPS change so often that it is practically impossible to know what’s in what you are taking. 

Laws regarding NPS may be different depending on where you are in the world, but even NPS bought from regulated licenced sources can be dangerous.

Buying them from the internet or from unregulated sources can be very risky, as even if it has ‘legal’ on the packet there is no guarantee what’s in the packet is legal or safe. 

For example, two products, each sold as synthetic cannabis may be completely different chemicals from each other and have nothing in common with cannabis or even the ingredients written on the packets.

NPS have been linked to deaths in the United Kingdom, Europe, America and Australia. 

Signs of NPS overdose 

The effects of NPS vary from substance to substance and so may signs of overdose.

Some physical signs of overdose can include: 

• Rigid muscles/spasms 
• Shaking/shivering 
• Fever/overheating 
• Nausea or vomiting 
• Difficulty/stopped breathing 
• Can’t be woken up 
• Seizures 

Psychological signs of overdose can include: 

• Confusion or distress 
• Paranoia, fear and panic
• Agitation and aggression 

How to respond to an NPS overdose 

If you think someone has overdosed, here’s what you should do: 

• Before you act, check for dangers such as needles. 
• Call an ambulance, tell the operator your location, and stay on the line. 
• Stay with them until help arrives – do not leave the person alone. 

Dos and don’ts

While you wait for the ambulance, here are a few more important things to keep in mind: 

• Do NOT give the person anything to eat or drink, or try to induce vomiting. 
• If confused or panicking, try to reassure them. Maintain calmness in the area.
• If overheating, try to cool them down by loosening outer clothing or putting a wet towel on the back of the neck or under their arms. 
• If you can’t get a response, put them in the recovery position.