Author: James Anderson

Diversion Control Division About Synthetic Drugs

Contrary to what some may think, synthetic drug use is not a safer alternative to illicit substance use. And synthetic drug use can be especially dangerous if the synthetic substances are combined with other drugs or alcohol since potential interactions may not be fully understood and may have unintended negative consequences. For some, remaining in a dark, quiet room works; for others, medications may be helpful to counteract the symptoms of withdrawal. Typically, stabilization is the initial goal of detox, and this may be accomplished after the drug is fully and safely removed from the bloodstream.

I’m In Recovery

Fortunately, addiction is a treatable disease; and a comprehensive substance use treatment program can help you or someone you love make a full recovery. Synthetic drugs are chemically engineered substances that mimic the effects of natural drugs. Also referred to as New Psychoactive Substances, represent an emerging and ongoing public health threat in the United States. Some may be sold in colorful little baggies at gas stations and convenience stores or as a street deal like other illegal drugs. As well as synthetic and semisynthetic opioids, there are natural opioids called opiates.

What makes synthetic drugs dangerous?

Long-term effects to the mind and body include addiction, the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, kidney failure, brain swelling and death. As with synthetic opioids, certain semisynthetic opioids have illegal recreational uses. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2019, heroin was responsible for more than 28% of opioid overdose deaths in the United States.

designer drugs

The brain may therefore be altered and a dependence on these artificial chemicals may occur, causing the brain to stop working normally without the drugs. Physically and emotionally, a person may experience withdrawal symptoms as a side effect of this dependence, and the person may feel anxious, depressed, irritable, and restless without the drug. Some of these drugs may have physical withdrawal symptoms as well that may include flu-like symptoms and drug cravings. Reach out to Avenues Recovery Center today, and get started on your journey towards sobriety and freedom from addiction. Our team of compassionate professionals is ready to hold your hand and guide you, step by step, away from the dangers of synthetic drugs and to a healthier future .

What chemicals are in synthetic drugs?

Synthetic drugs refer to substances that are artificially modified from naturally-occurring drugs and are capable of exhibiting both therapeutic and psychoactive effects. Individual products can contain a vast range of different chemical formulations and potency. Consuming these Synthetic Drugs can cause severe symptoms to include seizures, psychotic episodes, suicidal thoughts, and even death.

1. According to AAPCC, 60% of the synthetic drug cases involved individuals aged 25 and younger.
2. The manufacture and distribution of these dangerous substances may result in a prosecutable offense.
3. Synthetic cannabinoids are best avoided in users who suffer from rapid heart rate, vomiting, agitation, confusion and hallucination.
4. According to the American Association of Poison Control Centers, young people are particularly and increasingly at risk of synthetic drug use because of these reasons.
5. In today’s complex world, the realm of drug use and abuse has evolved beyond traditional substances.

In the United States, concern about designer drugs subsided in the mid-1980s, when crack cocaine was perceived to be a major problem. In the 1990s there were renewed fears regarding various synthetic drugs, especially Ecstasy and methamphetamine. Ecstasy, which was consumed by young people at dances known as “raves,” became a major component of youth subcultures. In the late 1990s, a new wave of concern focused on the so-called “date-rape drugs,” synthetic chemicals such as GHB (gamma hydroxybutyrate) and Rohypnol, which were used to render potential victims unconscious. As there are many different types of synthetic drugs, withdrawal side effects and detox timelines vary as well.

Behavioral therapy can improve a person’s self-esteem and feelings of self-worth while teaching healthy stress coping mechanisms and communication tools—both of which can help prevent relapse. According to the MTF Survey, it was the second most commonly used drug behind marijuana among surveyed high school seniors, with an annual prevalence of use over 11%. Many of these Synthetic Drugs are controlled under federal law which makes manufacturing or distributing them a prosecutable offense, even if it is sold as an over-the-counter item. The exact treatment will vary on a case-by-case basis, but it will likely involve medications in combination with some form of behavioral therapy.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse warns us about the continuing evolution of drug use, highlighting the new and constantly changing chemical makeups and formulations of drugs. These new drugs are often produced in a lab, and vary markedly from naturally occurring drugs and mood-altering substances like marijuana, cocaine and morphine. One of the greatest dangers of synthetic drug use is the risk of addiction, as users seek to recreate positive experiences or avoid the discomfort of addiction withdrawal. Once addicted, it can sometimes take a lifetime of struggle to overcome the synthetic drug addiction and achieve sobriety.

About Medical News Today

Synthetic cannabinoids are best avoided in users who suffer from rapid heart rate, vomiting, agitation, confusion and hallucination. American Addiction Centers (AAC) is committed to delivering original, truthful, accurate, unbiased, and medically current information. Behavioral therapies such as motivational interviewing (MI) may be used to help individuals, who lack motivation, change their thoughts and behaviors. MI can help these individuals to recognize that change is necessary, through non-confrontational and nonjudgmental methods.

Since there are limited clinical trials and human studies, the pharmacology and drug effects of most of the synthetic drugs are not well-known. Misuse of synthetic drugs can be fatal so take advice from the professionals before use. The DEA continues to monitor and respond to the emergence of new synthetic drugs to protect the public. To help DEA combat this threat, the DEA is asking the public to submit information via the online form.

How do synthetic drugs affect the brain and body?

In addition, use of phenethylamine might cause people with bipolar disorder to convert from depression to mania and worsened schizophrenia symptoms. As the drug also affects the central nervous system, administration of such drug before surgery is not recommended. When the EWS detects a new drug, the substance will be reported to EMCDDA along with any analytical data such as structures, analysts or components found pertaining to that particular drug. Then, an interconnected system is established to closely monitor the development of the substance. If harm is induced, an initial report is drafted to document the adverse effects of the drug. For some, a residential treatment program may provide the comprehensive, round-the-clock care they need.