What Is Known about New Psychoactive Substances?
New psychoactive substances (NPS), sometimes referred to as ‘legal highs’, are new drugs that have received much media attention of late.
A new study published in Public Health Research reviewed existing research into NPS with the view to finding out:
- What is currently known about those who use NPS
- What problems they have experienced
- What might be the best ways to reduce these problems
The investigation also offers advice for future research in this field to better understand the effects NPS can have on public health.
Given that research into NPS is at an early stage, the study found that several gaps in the knowledge exist regarding their use and effects. However, recurrent evidence shows that NPS can cause mental health problems, as well as heart, liver and stomach conditions.
The key recommendation the study offers is that, in the future, new psychoactive substances ought not to be studied in isolation from other illegal drugs.