New synthetic drugs, sometimes called new psychoactive substances or ‘designer drugs’, are increasingly found in the UK illegal drug market. These substances can be produced and used on their own, but are also often mixed with other drugs, like heroin, increasing the risk of overdose.

In 2024, researchers from the University of Bath reported that the synthetic cannabinoid drug ‘spice’ had been found in one in six vapes confiscated in schools in England.

What synthetic drugs are present in the UK?

Synthetic drugs available in the UK include:

• synthetic opioids like fentanyls and nitazenes, which mimic the effects of natural opioids, like opium or heroin, but can be up to 500 times stronger
• synthetic cannabinoids, which mimic the effects of cannabis
• synthetic cathinones, which mimic the effects of the plant khat

There is also concern about the appearance of new types of benzodiazepines, which have similar effects to drugs like diazepam (commonly known by its brand name Valium) and temazepam (a type of sleeping pill)...