Synthetics

Synthetics are known by lots of different names and have been made to try to copy the effects of drugs like cocaine, ecstasy, cannabis, heroin and LSD. Even though many are also called legal highs, lots of them are actually illegal.

They are known as NEDs (new and emerging drugs), NPSs (new psychoactive substances), legal highs, research chemicals, plant food, bath salts (Flakka), mephedrone (meow, miaow-miaow), NBOMe, synthetic cocaine (white bull), herbal highs, or herbal incense. Synthetic Cannabis is known as spice, Kronic, X, tai high Hawaiian haze, Amsterdam gold, black mamba, Blue lotus.

An overdose of a synthetic drug can result in seizures, vomiting, dizziness, or a bad trip. Call an ambulance if any of these symptoms occur.

It’s important to know that using synthetic drugs might make mental health symptoms worse.

If you use synthetics it is important to know how to be as safe as possible:

  • Take regular breaks from smoking to avoid dependency

  • Try to know and understand as much as you can about what you’re taking

  • Only use a small amount to start because you can’t  know how strong it is

  • Let the previous dose wear off before using again

  • Don’t be the first to try something new

  • Be with other people and have someone remain sober

  • Use regular cannabis

  • Call an ambulance if you’re worried someone has had too much

See the Australian Drug Foundation for more drug facts

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