New Psychoactive Substances (NPS)

New Psychoactive Substances, often called NPS, are drugs designed to produce similar effects to substances like cannabis, cocaine, ecstasy or LSD. They were previously known as “legal highs”, but this name is misleading as many are now illegal and can be extremely dangerous.

NPS are unpredictable. You can never be sure what you are taking, how strong it is, or how it will affect you.

Street names you might hear

Across the UK and North West, NPS may be referred to as:

  • Legal highs

  • Research chemicals

  • Herbal highs

  • Spice

  • Black Mamba

  • Clockwork Orange

  • Bliss

  • Mary Jane

These names and bright packaging can make them look safer than they are, but they often hide serious risks.

What do New Psychoactive Substances look like?

NPS come in many different forms, including:

  • Powders

  • Pills or capsules

  • Liquids

  • Tabs

  • Smoking mixtures

Packaging is often colourful and eye-catching, sometimes listing ingredients. However, the contents often do not match what is written on the packet.

Smoking mixtures are commonly sold as “incense” or “herbal blends” and usually look like dried herbs or plant material. These often contain synthetic cannabinoids, which are much stronger and more dangerous than cannabis.

How do people use NPS?

How NPS are used depends on the form.

They may be:

  • Swallowed

  • Snorted

  • Smoked in joints, spliffs or pipes

  • Injected

Injecting NPS is particularly dangerous and increases the risk of:

  • Overdose

  • Vein damage

  • Abscesses and blood clots

  • Serious infections, including HIV and hepatitis C

  • Long-term disability or death

How NPS can make you feel

NPS are still relatively new, so their effects are not fully understood. What someone experiences can vary widely, even between doses from the same packet.

NPS are often grouped into four broad categories.

Stimulant-type NPS

These act like cocaine, amphetamines or ecstasy.
They may cause:

  • Energy and alertness

  • Euphoria

  • Fast thinking and talking

They can also cause:

  • Anxiety and panic

  • Paranoia

  • Confusion or psychosis

Sedative or downer-type NPS

These act like benzodiazepines or GHB.
They may cause:

  • Relaxation or euphoria

  • Drowsiness or sleepiness

They can also slow breathing and reaction times, especially when mixed with alcohol.

Hallucinogenic NPS

These act like LSD, magic mushrooms or ketamine.
They can:

  • Alter perception

  • Cause hallucinations

  • Lead to panic or “bad trips”

These effects can put people at serious risk of harm.

Synthetic cannabinoids

These act like cannabis but are far stronger and more unpredictable.
They can cause:

  • Severe agitation

  • Seizures

  • Rapid heart rate

  • Loss of consciousness

Synthetic cannabinoids are linked to hospitalisation and deaths in the UK.

Physical health risks

Many NPS have been linked to:

  • Poisoning

  • Hospitalisation

  • Death

Risks vary depending on the type of NPS, but common dangers include:

  • Heart problems

  • Seizures

  • Overheating

  • Loss of consciousness

  • Collapse

Mixing NPS with alcohol or other drugs greatly increases these risks.

Mental health risks

NPS can have a serious impact on mental health.

Risks include:

  • Anxiety and panic attacks

  • Paranoia and confusion

  • Psychosis

  • Erratic or risky behaviour

  • Increased risk of self-harm

Because judgement is affected, people may put themselves in dangerous situations.

What NPS are often mixed with

You can never be sure what an NPS contains.

Testing has shown that NPS are often:

  • Mixed with different substances than listed

  • Stronger than expected

  • Containing multiple drugs at once

This means people may accidentally take a much more powerful or dangerous drug than intended.

Mixing NPS with other substances

Mixing drugs always increases risk.

Combining NPS with:

  • Alcohol

  • Other drugs

  • Prescription medication

can lead to unpredictable and potentially fatal effects.

Dependence and addiction

Some NPS can be addictive, especially those that act like stimulants or sedatives.

People may experience:

  • Cravings

  • Ongoing use despite harm

  • Withdrawal symptoms

The law

Most NPS are illegal to sell or supply under the Psychoactive Substances Act 2016.

There is usually no penalty for possession outside of prison, but:

  • Producing or supplying NPS can result in up to 7 years in prison

  • An unlimited fine may also apply

Driving while under the influence is illegal and dangerous.

Staying safer

If someone is using NPS, harm reduction steps include:

  • Avoid mixing with alcohol or other drugs

  • Avoid injecting

  • Take small amounts and wait before taking more

  • Avoid using alone

  • Seek help quickly if feeling unwell

If someone collapses, becomes very unwell, confused or unconscious, call 999 immediately. Seeking medical help will not get you into trouble.

Support from Wirral Ways

Wirral Ways offers free, confidential support for people affected by NPS use, as well as support for families and carers.

We can help with:

  • One-to-one support

  • Harm reduction advice

  • Support to reduce or stop using

  • Mental health and wellbeing support

  • Physical health advice

  • Help with housing, relationships and wider life issues

Support is tailored to you and your goals.

Worried about someone else?

If you are worried about a friend, partner or family member, you can contact us for advice and support. You do not have to manage this alone.

Get support

You can contact Wirral Ways to access support:

  • Self-refer online

  • Speak to a member of our team

  • Visit one of our services

Support is available, and help is there when you’re ready.

Last Updated on 4 February 2026