Rehabilitation centre warns against drugs marketed as ‘legal highs’

These can include prescription medications or even household products misused for intoxication

- Sahim Salim

The UAE's National Rehabilitation Centre (NRC) has observed significant shifts in the substances that young people are experimenting with. In an interview with Khaleej Times, CEO Yousef Altheeb Alketbi noted that while traditional drug use remains a concern, there has been a rise in experimentation with alternative substances, often marketed online as “safe” or “legal” highs.

“These can include prescription medications or even household products misused for intoxication. For teenagers, the line between curiosity and harm has become more blurred,” he said.

These so-called “legal highs” are formally known as new psychoactive substances (NPS). They are chemicals designed to mimic the effects of traditional illicit drugs but are not yet regulated under international drug control treaties. According to the World Health Organisation, many NPS have no legitimate medical use and can cause serious harm, including acute psychosis, seizures, agitation, aggression and the potential for dependence. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime reports that NPS are now present in over 150 countries, often sold under misleading names, and that long-term health effects are largely unknown. These substances are particularly concerning for youth, who may perceive them as harmless due to their “legal” status or easy online availability.

“The encouraging part is that awareness is growing. Schools, parents and policymakers are far more proactive now, focusing on prevention as much as treatment. Early interventions, honest conversations and tailored education are helping shape a generation that’s better informed and more cautious about these risks,” Altheeb said.

The most significant shifts in substance use are occurring among adolescents and young adults. “This is a stage where they're exploring, building their identity and making big decisions, all while navigating peer pressure, which can increase vulnerability to substance use.”