NPS

New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) were formerly known as “Legal Highs”. They are synthetic drugs that imitate the effects of illegal drugs, such as cannabis, ecstasy, and cannabis. Many are either illegal or contain illegal elements and their exact contents are not known so there is potential for them to be extremely harmful. They tend to be brightly coloured to entice users. All psychoactive substances are now either under the control of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 or subject to the Psychoactive Substances Act 2016 (PS Act).

The information below is aimed at teachers, trainers and those working to educate young people.

Websites

Crew 2000 – Crew neither condemn nor condone drug use but believe there are ways to reduce harm for the significant numbers of our fellow citizens who decide to use them
Know the Score
Talk to Frank

Publications

New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) resource pack

A resource pack on new psychoactive substances for educators and practitioners working with young people, containing facts and information and advice on intervention.

Safer Injecting Basics

Some people may choose to inject new psychoactive substances (NPS), drugs commonly called legal highs or any unidentified powders. The best advice to individuals is simple - don’t start injecting or if they have started injecting, try an alternative option. This guide is intended to inform people of the risks associated with Injecting any drug (including NPS). There is a greater risk of overdose. Injectors can develop abscesses, ulcers, infections as well as blood borne viruses like hepatitis and HIV.

CREW Psychoactive

The CREW leaflet offers basic awareness of commonly used drugs including categories, route of administration, dose and effect. CREW Psychoactive V2.5 digital

Health Information Resource Service (HIRS)

Health Information Resources Service (HIRS) – this information should be used in all areas of the website where HIRS contacted information is required.

Block 11
Laxdale Court
Stornoway
Isle of Lewis
HS2 0GS

Tel: 01851 762 030
Email: wi.hirs@nhs.scot

e-learning

New Drugs, New Trends? A Workers Toolkit for NPS, SDF

Cocaine Anonymous

A fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that may solve their common problems and help others to recover from their addiction.

Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol and Drugs

Support those affected by the substance misuse of a loved one, because families need to recover too. Facilitate a Scotland-wide network of family support groups and run a helpline service.

Talk to Frank

Provides a range of services offering person centred support to adults with a range of complex needs. Live chats available 2pm - 6pm daily.

Re-solv

Re-solv is a national UK wide organisation working to prevent deaths and harm associated with volatile substance misuse. It works in partnership with other organisations, to develop training and information resources and provide direct training and support.

CREW

Provides information about psychostimulant drugs (particularly NPS) and the dangers of using them, including harm reduction information so people can make informed choices.

UK SMART Recovery

Self Management And Recovery Training (SMART) is a science-based programme to help people manage their recovery from any type of addictive behaviour.