Legal Highs Workshops
Legal Highs Workshops: Helping Young People Make Informed Decisions
Legal highs, also known as new psychoactive substances, are a group of drugs that have been designed to mimic the effects of illegal drugs, such as cocaine and ecstasy. They are often marketed as “safe” alternatives to illegal drugs, but in reality, they can be just as dangerous, if not more so. This is why it is essential to educate young people about the risks associated with legal highs.
At 2020 Dreams, we offer PSHE workshops on drugs and alcohol awareness for young people and schools. Our workshops are designed to provide young people with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about drugs and alcohol. We believe that prevention is the best approach when it comes to drug and alcohol abuse, and our workshops are an excellent way to start the conversation.
Our legal highs workshops are tailored to different age groups and can be delivered either in person or online. We cover a range of topics, including the dangers of legal highs, the law surrounding their use, and how to recognise the signs of drug abuse. We also provide practical advice on how to stay safe, including strategies for saying no to peer pressure and accessing support services.
We believe that education is the key to reducing drug and alcohol abuse among young people. By equipping young people with the knowledge and skills they need to make informed decisions, we can help them to stay safe and avoid the risks associated with legal highs.
The Legal Highs Workshop aims to:
- Increase awareness of the risks and dangers associated with legal highs, including the different types of legal highs available
- Explore the factors that contribute to the use of legal highs, including social and psychological factors
- Understand the legal implications of using legal highs, including the consequences for individuals and communities
- Learn practical strategies for preventing and reducing the harm associated with legal highs, such as harm reduction and support services
- Develop skills for responding to legal high incidents, including first aid and emergency procedures
Types of Legal Highs:
The workshop will cover a range of legal highs, including:
- Cannabinoids (also known as synthetic marijuana or Spice, K2)
- Nitrous oxide (also known as laughing gas or balloons)
- Designer stimulants (e.g. Bath Salts)
- Research chemicals (e.g. 2C-I, 25i-NBOMe)
- Herbal highs (e.g. Salvia divinorum)
- Prescription drugs used recreationally (e.g. Xanax, Adderall)
Format:
The Legal Highs Workshop will be interactive and engaging, featuring a range of activities and exercises designed to encourage active learning and participation. These may include:
- Group discussions and debates on the risks and impacts of legal highs
- Role-plays and scenarios to explore different responses to legal high incidents
- Practical demonstrations of harm reduction techniques and support services
Duration:
The workshop can be tailored to suit the needs of different audiences and can be delivered in various formats, from a one-hour assembly to full-day sessions.
Target Audience:
This legal highs workshop is suitable for a wide range of participants, including young people, educators, community leaders, parents, and anyone with an interest in preventing and reducing the harm associated with legal highs.
Benefits:
By participating in this workshop, participants will gain a deeper understanding of the risks and dangers associated with legal highs, including the different types of legal highs available. They will also learn practical strategies for preventing and reducing harm, and develop valuable skills in harm reduction, communication, and emergency response, which can be applied in a variety of settings. Ultimately, the workshop aims to promote safer and healthier communities, where individuals can make informed decisions and reduce harm associated with legal highs.
Benefits of a Legal Highs Workshop for Young People
A legal high workshop can be an effective way to educate young people about the potential dangers of using psychoactive substances. Here are some of the key benefits of attending a legal highs workshop:
- Increased awareness: Young people will gain a better understanding of the different types of legal highs that exist, their effects on the body and mind, and the potential risks associated with their use. This awareness can help them make more informed choices in the future.
- Safe environment: A legal high workshop provides a safe and controlled environment for young people to learn about psychoactive substances. They can ask questions, discuss their concerns and learn from experts without fear of judgment or repercussions.
- Open communication: A workshop can encourage open communication about drug use between young people and their peers, parents, teachers, and other adults. This dialogue can help to reduce stigma and increase understanding.
- Harm reduction: A legal highs workshop can teach young people how to reduce harm when using substances. They can learn about dosage, preparation, and safer consumption methods.
- Prevention: Education is the most effective way to prevent drug use. By providing young people with accurate and evidence-based information, we can reduce the number of young people experimenting with psychoactive substances.
Legal high workshops can offer young people numerous benefits, including increased awareness, a safe environment, open communication, harm reduction, and prevention of drug use. By educating young people about legal highs, we can help them make more informed choices and reduce the risks associated with drug use.
The Dangers of Legal Highs: Understanding the Risks and Effects on Young People
Legal highs, also known as new psychoactive substances (NPS), are a group of drugs that have been designed to mimic the effects of illegal drugs. They are usually sold as pills, powders, or liquids, and are marketed as “legal” and “safe” alternatives to illegal drugs. However, the truth is that these drugs can be just as dangerous, if not more so, than illegal drugs.
There are many different types of legal highs, and they can have varying effects on the body and mind. Some of the most common types of legal highs include:
- Synthetic cannabinoids: These are drugs that are designed to mimic the effects of cannabis. They are usually sprayed onto plant material and smoked.
- Stimulants: These are drugs that are designed to increase alertness and energy. They are often sold as powders or tablets and can be snorted, smoked, or swallowed.
- Depressants: These are drugs that are designed to slow down the body’s functions. They are often sold as pills or powders and can be swallowed or injected.
- Hallucinogens: These are drugs that are designed to alter perception and mood. They are usually sold as tablets or powders and can be swallowed or snorted.
- Dissociatives: These are drugs that are designed to make the user feel detached from reality. They are often sold as powders or liquids and can be swallowed, snorted, or injected.
The dangers of legal highs are numerous and can affect both the short and long-term health of young people. Some of the short-term effects of legal highs include:
- Increased heart rate and blood pressure
- Nausea and vomiting
- Panic attacks and anxiety
- Seizures and convulsions
- Psychotic episodes
The long-term effects of legal highs are less well-known but can be just as damaging. Some of the potential long-term effects include:
- Brain damage
- Liver and kidney damage
- Respiratory problems
- Addiction
- Mental health issues such as depression and anxiety
It’s also worth noting that legal highs can be particularly dangerous when combined with other drugs or alcohol. Mixing legal highs with other substances can increase the risk of overdose and other serious health problems.
Legal highs are a serious issue facing young people today. It’s important to educate young people about the risks associated with these drugs and to provide them with the knowledge and skills they need to make informed decisions. By working together, we can help to reduce the harm caused by legal highs and keep young people safe and healthy.
The Dangers of Nitrous Oxide: Understanding Laughing Gas and Balloons
Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, is a gas that has a variety of uses, including as a medical anaesthetic and a propellant in whipped cream dispensers. However, it is also a popular recreational drug due to its short-lived, but intense effects. Nitrous oxide is often inhaled from balloons, which can lead to a number of health risks.
When inhaled, nitrous oxide can cause a range of short-term effects, including:
- Euphoria and a sense of relaxation
- Dizziness and lightheadedness
- Impaired judgment and coordination
- Confusion and disorientation
- Ringing in the ears
- Nausea and vomiting
While these effects may seem harmless, nitrous oxide can be dangerous, particularly when used in high doses or combined with other substances. Some of the potential risks of nitrous oxide use include:
- Oxygen deprivation: When nitrous oxide is inhaled, it replaces oxygen in the lungs and can cause the body to become starved of oxygen, leading to unconsciousness, brain damage, and even death.
- Frostbite: When nitrous oxide is inhaled from a balloon, the extremely cold gas can cause frostbite on the lips, nose, and other parts of the body that come into contact with the balloon.
- Psychological effects: Nitrous oxide use can cause psychological distress, including hallucinations, anxiety, and depression.
- Addiction: While nitrous oxide is not considered to be a highly addictive drug, repeated use can lead to tolerance, dependence, and addiction.
It’s worth noting that nitrous oxide is a legal substance in the UK and can be easily obtained, particularly from online retailers. However, the sale of nitrous oxide for recreational use is illegal, and it is illegal to supply nitrous oxide to anyone under the age of 18.
In conclusion, while nitrous oxide may seem like a harmless party drug, it can have serious health consequences. It’s important to understand the risks associated with nitrous oxide use and to make informed decisions about drug use. If you or someone you know is struggling with nitrous oxide use, there is help available. Contact your GP, a drug and alcohol service or talk to a trusted friend or family member.
Here are some important facts about the UK laws regarding legal highs:
All psychoactive substances are illegal
In 2016, the UK government introduced the Psychoactive Substances Act, which made it illegal to produce, supply, or import any psychoactive substance that is likely to be used for its mind-altering properties. This includes any substance that is designed to mimic the effects of illegal drugs, such as cannabis, cocaine, or ecstasy.
Examples of legal highs
Some common examples of legal highs include synthetic cannabinoids, such as Spice and Black Mamba, which are designed to mimic the effects of cannabis. There are also stimulants, such as mephedrone (also known as Meow Meow), which are designed to increase alertness and energy. Other legal highs include depressants like GHB and hallucinogens like NBOMe.
Possession can lead to arrest and imprisonment
Possessing a legal high is also illegal under the Psychoactive Substances Act. This means that young people can be arrested and imprisoned for simply carrying a legal high.
The consequences of selling legal highs are severe
The consequences for selling legal highs are even more severe. Anyone caught selling legal highs can face a prison sentence of up to seven years.
Legal highs can be particularly dangerous when combined with other drugs or alcohol
It’s worth noting that legal highs can be particularly dangerous when combined with other drugs or alcohol. Mixing legal highs with other substances can increase the risk of overdose and other serious health problems.
In conclusion, legal highs are a serious issue facing young people today. It’s important to educate young people about the risks associated with these drugs and to provide them with the knowledge and skills they need to make informed decisions. By working together, we can help to reduce the harm caused by legal highs and keep young people safe and healthy.
For more information on providing young adult or child support via 2020 Dreams workshops, please visit our blog which is regularly updated with stimulating and thought-provoking articles on a wide range of challenging child development issues.
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