What are novel psychoactive agents, and why are they sparking alarm across public health circles?In this episode of Substance Stories, we dive deep into the murky, rapidly evolving world of synthetic drugs — also known as novel psychoactive substances (NPS). You’ve probably seen them: “spice,” “bath salts,” “incense” — legal-sounding products with terrifying consequences. Marketed in convenience stores and tobacconists, these substances are not just risky — they’re often completely untested and wildly potent.From synthetic cannabinoids that hijack your brain’s receptors to cathinone-based stimulants that mimic cocaine or meth, NPS are the result of a dangerous legal loophole: tweak a molecule slightly, and suddenly it’s legal — for now. But the consequences can include psychosis, extreme addiction, and long-term health damage.This episode explores how prohibitionist drug policies are backfiring, unintentionally driving users toward more harmful, unpredictable substances. Learn why experts believe NPS represent one of the biggest failures of modern drug policy — and why education, regulation, and harm reduction are urgently needed.If you care about public health, drug policy reform, or just want to understand the real risks behind these so-called “legal highs,” this is the video you need to watch.Chapters:00:00 – Introduction to Novel Psychoactive Agents00:12 – What Are Novel Psychoactive Substances?00:24 – Real-World Examples: Spice and Bath Salts00:43 – Legal Loopholes and Synthetic Drug Creation01:01 – Why These Drugs Are So Dangerous01:15 – Synthetic Cannabis and Psychosis Risks01:36 – Bath Salts: Synthetic Cathinones Explained02:00 – The Challenge of Regulating New Substances02:18 – Mainstream Examples: Methadone and TCB02:30 – Rapid Emergence of Novel Benzodiazepines02:40 – The Broken System Behind Synthetic Drug Use03:14 – A Case for Legalising Safer, Known Substances03:26 – Misconceptions About “Legal” Drugs03:45 – Final Warning and Closing Thoughts

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