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Legal highs are 'more dangerous' than illegal drugs

So called 'legal highs' are more dangerous than illegal drugs - that's the warning from one of Wales' leading drug experts. It comes as a report by the National Assembly outlined a number of actions it says are needed to tackle the harms of using new psychoactive substances, or NPS.

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Assembly Committee calls for ban on legal highs

A National Assembly for Wales Health and Social Care Committee report has outlined a number of actions it says are needed to tackle the harms of using new psychoactive substances, or NPS.

Credit: ITV Wales News

The Committee found that NPS, or "legal highs" as they are sometimes called, are commonly marketed as safer and legal alternatives to illegal drugs.

Information provided to the inquiry showed that NPS can be as addictive and dangerous as illegal drugs, with some drug users noting that their side effects can be worse than heroin and cocaine.

Read More: Exclusive - Dramatic rise in legal highs incidents in Wales

Information provided to the inquiry showed that NPS can be as dangerous as illegal drugs. Credit: ITV Wales News

60 deaths involving NPS were reported in England and Wales during 2013, 15 per cent higher than the previous year.

The health and social harms caused by NPS use are worrying, and we want to shine a light on the practical steps that need to be taken to allow people to make more informed decisions about using these substances.

We think the UK Government should move as quickly as possible to implement a ban the supply of NPS.

However it's clear from our inquiry that changing the law will not solve the problem altogether - improved substance misuse education in schools, increased public awareness, and better treatment services are just as important for ensuring that the number of NPS users in Wales is reduced.

– David Rees AM, Chair of the Committee
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Legal highs are 'more dangerous' than illegal drugs

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