From the UK: Campaign launched to warn of risks of ‘legal’ highs

Radio, digital and mobile phone adverts are aimed at people aged 15 to 21 and warn them about the risks of taking the drugs.

A national campaign to raise awareness of the dangers of new psychoactive substances (NPS) – so-called ‘legal’ highs – among teenagers and young adults has been launched by the Home Office.

The radio, digital and mobile phone adverts are aimed at people aged 15 to 21 and warn them about the risks of taking the drugs.

Risks and harms

The campaign focuses on the risks and harms associated with a range of legal highs including nitrous oxide, which is commonly known as “laughing gas”. In 2013/14, nitrous oxide was the second most popular drug among young adults, more widely used than powder cocaine, ecstasy and amphetamines.

The campaign directs young people to the FRANK website for help, information or advice about drugs.

A second phase of the campaign later this year will target youth and social workers and others to challenge drug taking behaviour among young people.

Crime Prevention Minister Norman Baker said:

All too often young people take their lives into their own hands by dabbling with so-called ‘legal’ highs when they don’t even know if they are safe, let alone legal.

Some of these substances are proven to be more dangerous than illegal drugs and it is vital that young people are informed about the risks associated with their use.

This summer’s Home Office campaign is part of a wide range of action taken by the government to clamp down on so-called ‘legal’ highs, including banning more than 350 substances.

We will shortly be announcing the outcome of a review of the UK’s approach to new psychoactive substances.

V Festival

Scientists from the Home Office’s Centre for Applied Science and Technology are at V Festival in Chelmsford, Essex, this weekend (16-17 August) to analyse samples of NPS taken from festival goers.

The results will be used to inform law enforcement agencies and the government about the emergence of new psychoactive substances.

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Source: gov.uk, 18/08/14