N-bomb
A powerful hallucinogen, similar to LSD, sold as tiny squares of paper
Also called:
- 25I
- 25I-Nbome
- 2C-I-Nbome
- Bom-25
- SmileyPaper
What does it look like?
N-Bombs were often sold as tiny squares of paper. These tiny squares are commonly called tabs or blotters. Blotters can come in various sizes, shapes, colours and designs.
They were also sold in spray, powder and liquid form. It is possible that they will continue to be available in these forms now that they are illegal.
N-Bombs are very powerful, with only a small amount needed to have an effect.
It is reported that N-Bombs don’t work if swallowed, so they are usually placed under the tongue or held in the cheeks, where they are absorbed by the lining of the mouth.
They can also be sniffed if in their powder form or absorbed via the nose or mouth if a spray form is used.
N-Bombs are very strong, with only a small amount needed to have an effect.
How does it make you feel?
N-Bombs (members of the NBOMe family of drugs) are powerful hallucinogens, similar to LSD, which means it changes the way you see objects and reality.
You might see or hear things which aren’t there (known as hallucinations). The experience of taking hallucinogens is often referred to as a trip. Trips can be good or bad, but until you take it you don’t know how it will affect you – and once you’re on a trip you can't stop it.
Trips can feed off your imagination – so if you’re unhappy or nervous it can make these feelings a lot worse.
The main effects of taking hallucinogens, like N-Bomb, are:
- Time and movement can appear to speed up and slow down.
- Colour, sound and objects can get distorted and you can experience double vision. These distortions of your senses can be quite unpredictable, sometimes pleasant, but sometimes very frightening (these are called bad trips).
- Feelings of euphoria (intense happiness) and love/empathy.
- Mental and physical stimulation.
- A pleasant or positive change in consciousness.
- Unusual body sensations.
- Feeling tired, anxious, panicky and depressed.
- Feelings of confusion and paranoia.
- Insomnia, this is where someone finds it very hard to fall asleep or to stay asleep for a normal amount of time.
- Feeling sick and nauseous.
- Body tremors and shaking.
How long the effects last and the drug stays in your system depends on how much you’ve taken, your size and what other drugs you may have also taken.
How long it lasts:
The effects can last between 6 and 10 hours.
Physical health risks
N-Bombs are similar to LSD so some of the risks of LSD may apply to N-Bombs as well.
Physical health risks include feeling sick and nauseous, and body tremors and shaking.
Doctors who have treated people who have taken N-Bombs have reported the following common effects/risks:
Increased heart rate and blood pressure, which can put pressure on your heart and circulation system and in extreme cases can lead to heart failure.
Some people might have seizures and a fever or high body temperature.
Mental health risks
Doctors who have treated people who have taken N-Bombs have reported the following common effects/risks:
- Feelings of confusion and paranoia.
- Insomnia, this is where someone finds it very hard to fall asleep or to stay asleep for a normal amount of time.
- Agitation and aggression.
- You may see and hear things that aren’t there (known as hallucinations).
What is N-bomb cut with?
FRANK is not aware of N-Bombs being cut or mixed with other substances. However, with drugs like N-Bombs, you can never really be sure what you're buying contains what it says it does.
Is it dangerous to mix with other drugs?
Mixing drugs is always risky but some mixtures are more dangerous than others.
What happens if I mix N-bomb and
Class: A
This is a Class A drug, which means it's illegal to have for yourself, give away or sell.
Possession can get you up to 7 years in prison, an unlimited fine or both.
Supplying someone else, even your friends, can get you life in prison, an unlimited fine or both.
Like drink-driving, driving when high is dangerous and illegal. If you’re caught driving under the influence, you may receive a heavy fine, driving ban, or prison sentence.
If the police catch people supplying illegal drugs in a home, club, bar or hostel, they can potentially prosecute the landlord, club owner or any other person concerned in the management of the premises.
Additional law details
Because of their recognised harms, the Government followed expert advice and banned these drugs and controlled them as a Class A drugs, from 10th June 2014.
This means that if the police arrest you in possession of N-Bombs, they'll always take some action. This could include a formal caution, arrest and prosecution.
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Help and advice
What to do in an emergency
If you or someone else needs urgent help after taking drugs or drinking, call 999 for an ambulance. Tell the crew everything you know. It could save their life.
What else to do in an emergency