New psychoactive substances (NPS) is a term for drugs that may not be covered by the same laws as other drugs. They can come in many forms.

NPS are often made to mimic controlled drugs or medicines. The people who make them may change the chemical structure of an existing drug to get around a law.

Other NPS may exist for many years before people start to use them.

NPS may be sold:

• online as legal alternatives to controlled drugs - this does not mean that they are safe or legal in Ireland
• as other controlled drugs or medicines - people can take them without knowing