What are designer drugs? NPS, bath salts and synthetic drugs in South Africa

What is a designer drug?

A designer drug is a synthetic (man-made) psychoactive substance that has been chemically formulated to produce similar effects to an existing controlled drug. Some of the drugs these substances mimic include cocaine, LSD, cannabis, methamphetamine, and MDMA.  

In medical and legal contexts, these substances are often referred to as ‘novel psychoactive substances’ (NPS). NPS is a broad term used to describe newly created — or newly identified — drugs that alter the user’s mood, perception, or behaviour. 

Also known as ‘synthetic drugs’, these novel psychoactive substances are often created to bypass drug laws. Manufacturers frequently adjust formulas to stay ahead of legislation, which means new versions appear regularly on the illicit market. This makes them difficult to regulate.

Small changes in chemical structure allow manufacturers to:

• Copy the effects of known drugs
• Avoid immediate classification as illegal
• Distribute products that may not show up on standard drug tests
• Sell substances as “legal highs” or “research chemicals”

Because these substances are constantly altered at a chemical level, their strength, ingredients, and long-term effects are unpredictable. This makes them especially dangerous. Just because a substance is sold online and marketed as a harmless-seeming “legal designer drug” does not mean it is safe. In many cases, these synthetic drugs are later banned by authorities once scientists have had a chance to study their effects and identify the risks.

In South Africa, designer drugs have become increasingly common in certain high-risk communities and party settings — especially among young adults and adolescents experimenting with psychedelics for the first time.

How novel psychoactive substances (NPS) are created

Most designer drugs fall under the broader category of novel psychoactive substances (NPS). These substances are created by making small chemical changes to existing drugs to mimic their effects while attempting to avoid current drug laws.

Chemists may:

• Modify the molecular structure of a banned drug
• Combine elements from different psychoactive compounds
• Develop entirely new synthetic variations that have not yet been studied in humans

Because these changes can be minor, a new version of a drug can produce similar (or even stronger) effects than the original substance. Once authorities ban a specific compound, manufacturers often adjust the formula again and release a new variation.

This cycle makes NPS particularly difficult to regulate and extremely unpredictable in terms of potency, side effects, and long-term impact.

Unlike pharmaceutical medications, novel psychoactive substances are not tested for safety, purity, or dosage consistency. As a result, people using them are effectively experimenting on their own brains and bodies.

Why are designer drugs so dangerous?

Designer drugs are dangerous for several reasons:

1. Unknown ingredients

Users rarely know what they are taking. A substance sold as a stimulant may contain multiple chemicals, including powerful synthetic compounds that have never been tested in humans.

For example, products sold as “bath salts” or “bath salts drug” may actually contain synthetic cathinones such as methcathinone or other related compounds.

2. Unpredictable potency

Because there is no quality control, the strength of a designer drug can vary dramatically from batch to batch. This increases the risk of overdose, psychosis, seizures, and death.

3. Severe mental health effects

Many NPS drugs act on the brain’s dopamine and serotonin systems, which regulate mood, reward, and perception. This can lead to unpleasant side effects, including:

• Anxiety and panic attacks
• Aggression and paranoia
• Hallucinations
• Psychotic episodes
• Long-term cognitive impairment

Examples of designer drugs 

These drugs fall into several categories. Below are some of the most common types encountered internationally and in South Africa.

Synthetic stimulants (bath salts and “cat”)

Synthetic cathinones are stimulant drugs chemically related to substances found in the khat plant. They are often sold as “bath salts”, “bath salt”, or under street names like “cat”.

Common related substances include:

• Methcathinone
• Other synthetic cathinones
• Variations sold as “cat drug”

In South Africa, synthetic stimulants may be sold under street names such as “cat”, and are sometimes confused with other stimulant drugs. People searching for “what is cat drug” or “cat drug ingredients” may not realise that these substances often contain synthetic cathinones — powerful stimulants linked to aggression, paranoia, and addiction.

Synthetic cannabinoids

Synthetic cannabinoids are laboratory-made chemicals designed to mimic the effects of cannabis. They are often sprayed onto dried plant material and sold under names such as:

• Spice
• K2
• Herbal incense

Unlike natural cannabis, synthetic cannabinoids can bind much more strongly to brain receptors. This makes their effects significantly more intense and unpredictable.

Possible effects of synthetic cannabinoids include:

• Severe anxiety or panic
• Rapid heart rate
• Confusion
• Psychosis
• Seizures
• Aggressive behaviour

In South Africa, synthetic cannabinoids have appeared intermittently in urban drug markets and are sometimes sold as cheaper alternatives to cannabis. Because they are far more potent than natural cannabis, they carry a higher risk of psychosis, hospitalisation, and sudden death.

Synthetic hallucinogens and psychedelics

Some designer drugs are classified as psychedelic drugs or hallucinogens. These substances distort perception, mood, and thinking.

Examples include:

• LSD drug variations
• DMT
• Mescaline
• 2CB
• Phencyclidine (PCP)

While some of these substances are sometimes grouped under “psychedelics” or “hallucinogenics”, designer versions can be far more potent and unpredictable than traditional compounds.

People may search for “hallucinogenic drugs street names” or “hallucinogens” without realising that many street products contain modified chemical analogues with unknown safety profiles.

Synthetic sedatives and depressants

Certain designer drugs mimic the effects of sedatives such as methaqualone, also known historically as Quaaludes, “ludes”, or “lemons” (as seen in The Wolf of Wall Street).

In South Africa, mandrax (a combination of methaqualone and diphenhydramine) has been widely abused. It’s often mixed with cannabis and smoked in a combination known as ‘white pipe’. While mandrax has its own history and patterns of misuse locally, modified sedative-type designer drugs continue to emerge in similar categories.

These substances can cause:

• Extreme drowsiness
• Respiratory depression
• Loss of consciousness
• High overdose risk, especially when combined with alcohol

Are designer drugs legal?

Many novel psychoactive substances are designed specifically to exploit gaps in drug legislation. Once a compound is banned, manufacturers may slightly alter its chemical structure and release a new version under a different name.

However:

• Most synthetic drugs are eventually scheduled once identified
• Possession or distribution may already fall under analogue drug laws
• Selling them as “not for human consumption” does not make them safe

In South Africa, drug legislation continues to evolve in response to new synthetic substances entering the market.

Signs someone may be using designer drugs

Because designer drugs vary widely, symptoms can differ. Warning signs may include:

• Sudden personality changes
• Severe mood swings
• Paranoia or hallucinations
• Unexplained aggression
• Risky behaviour
• Physical symptoms such as tremors, sweating, or seizures

In some cases, individuals experiencing psychosis from synthetic stimulants may appear extremely agitated or disconnected from reality.

Designer drugs in South Africa

South Africa faces unique challenges related to drug supply chains, unemployment, and access to mental health care.

South Africa has been identified as part of a broader Southern African region where synthetic drug markets are expanding in response to global trafficking routes. 

Illicit drug markets are constantly shifting. When one substance becomes heavily regulated or scarce, new synthetic alternatives often emerge in its place. 

Substances such as nyaope have drawn attention in SA because they often contain unpredictable mixtures of drugs. While nyaope itself is typically associated with heroin and cannabis, reports suggest that synthetic or novel psychoactive substances may sometimes be added to street mixtures, increasing the risk of overdose and severe psychiatric complications.

Limited access to advanced toxicology testing in many communities make policing and emergency response and treatment more complex. 

Can you become addicted to designer drugs?

Yes.

Many designer drugs affect the brain’s reward system in the same way as cocaine or methamphetamine. Over time, repeated use can lead to:

• Psychological dependence
• Cravings
• Tolerance
• Withdrawal symptoms
• Compulsive drug-seeking behaviour

Stimulant-type substances such as synthetic cathinones carry a particularly high risk of addiction.

When experimentation becomes a problem

What often starts as curiosity, party use, or “trying something new” can quickly escalate.

Warning signs that someone’s designer drug use has become problematic include:

• Inability to stop despite consequences
• Financial problems related to buying drugs
• Relationship conflict
• Work or academic decline
• Legal trouble
• Worsening anxiety, depression, or paranoia

If someone is searching for phrases like “cat drug how to stop” or asking about long-term effects, it may already indicate concern about dependence.

Treatment for designer drug addiction

Recovery is possible, and you don’t have to do it alone.

Because novel psychoactive substances affect the brain in complex ways, professional assessment is essential. Treatment at a drug rehab may include:

• Medically supervised detox
• Psychiatric evaluation
• Individual therapy
• Inpatient addiction treatment
• Trauma-informed counselling
• Group therapy and peer support
• Dual diagnosis treatment for co-occurring mental health disorders

At Houghton House, we have seen first-hand how synthetic and novel psychoactive substances can destabilise individuals and families. Because these drugs are chemically unpredictable, proper medical assessment is essential before beginning treatment.

We understand the unique challenges posed by these novel substances of abuse. Many individuals arrive feeling confused, ashamed, or frightened by the intensity of their experiences.

Remember, you are not alone.

With the right medical and psychological support, it is possible to stabilise, rebuild, and regain control.

Frequently asked questions about designer drugs

What is the difference between designer drugs and novel psychoactive substances (NPS)?

The terms are closely related. “Designer drugs” is a commonly used term for synthetic substances created to mimic the effects of illegal drugs.

“Novel psychoactive substances” (NPS) is the broader medical and legal term used to describe newly created or newly identified substances that affect the brain and behaviour.

In most cases, designer drugs fall under the category of NPS.

Are bath salts considered designer drugs?

Yes. Products sold as “bath salts” are often synthetic stimulants known as synthetic cathinones. These substances are chemically altered versions of stimulant compounds and are classified as designer drugs or novel psychoactive substances.

Despite the name, they are not related to cosmetic bath products and can cause severe psychological and physical harm.

Are designer drugs legal in South Africa?

Many designer drugs are initially sold in ways that attempt to avoid drug laws. However, most are eventually classified as illegal once authorities identify their risks.

In South Africa, drug legislation continues to evolve to address new synthetic substances entering the market. Even if a compound is newly created, possession or distribution may still be illegal under analogous drug laws.

Is cat considered a designer drug?

The substance commonly referred to as “cat” in South Africa is often linked to synthetic stimulant compounds, including synthetic cathinones. These are considered designer drugs or novel psychoactive substances.

Because street drugs are frequently mixed or altered, the exact ingredients can vary significantly.

Can designer drugs cause psychosis?

Yes. Many designer drugs affect brain chemicals such as dopamine and serotonin. High doses or repeated use can trigger severe anxiety, paranoia, hallucinations, and drug-induced psychosis.

In some cases, these psychiatric symptoms can persist even after the drug has left the body, particularly with potent synthetic stimulants or synthetic cannabinoids.

Can you become addicted to designer drugs?

Yes. Many designer drugs stimulate the brain’s reward system in the same way as cocaine or methamphetamine. Repeated use can lead to tolerance, cravings, and compulsive drug-seeking behaviour.

Early intervention improves recovery outcomes.

Getting help

If you or someone you care about is using designer drugs, early intervention can make a significant difference.

Whether the substance is marketed as bath salts, a psychedelic, mandrax, cat, or something else entirely, the risks are real, and treatment is available.

Contact Houghton House today to speak confidentially with a member of our admissions team.