If you or a loved one are dealing with the struggles of drug addictions, or have any concerns about the potential risk factors, it is important to understand what synthetic drugs are, as well as the harm that they can present.

There is Nothing Designer about “Designer Drugs”

According to NIDA, synthetic drugs may also be known as “designer drugs,” which are man-made substances that are chemically similar to controlled substances that produce drug-like effects. Synthetic drugs target the Central Nervous System and can produce hallucinogenic, stimulant, or depressant properties for the user.

Some of the most common synthetic drugs are spice, which are laced with synthetic cannabinoids, and “bath salts,” which are stimulants designed to replace cocaine or amphetamine.

They Pose Risk to Public Health

Synthetic drugs have been known to cause extreme anxiety, paranoia, and confusion.

According to the Office of National Drug Control, synthetic drugs can present many threats as the contents of every compound available are unknown and unpredictable. The chemicals used in the manufacturing of these synthetic drugs lack any quality control or government regulation, so what goes into them remains unregulated.

The U.S. government has taken many steps towards banning the production and use of synthetic drugs, due to all the risks and negative effects on health from these drugs.

They Are Falsely Advertised

It is important to note that many individuals selling synthetic drugs may market their items as natural, since they can be plant-based compounds. However, since there is zero regulation on what goes into these drugs, there may also be many side ingredients that they don’t include in their marketing.

So just because a seller promises that their product is natural and “safe,” there is no guaranteeing what they slipped in there to make it more effective. The extra ingredients could pose more potential health risks and also make the drug more addictive.

They Chemically Alter the Brain

Many users take these drugs because the effects are similar to those of marijuana, including the elevated mood, relaxed state, and an altered perception of reality. However, there are also severely negative effects that accompany this “high” that users are seeking.

Synthetic drugs can produce extreme anxiety, paranoia, and confusion in the individual, along with other physical symptoms such as nausea, rapid heart rate, and violent behavior. These synthetic cannabinoids can be extremely addictive as well, and attempts to quit can produce withdrawal symptoms such as headaches, depression, and anxiety.

Compared to the studies for treatments of more natural drugs, there is a lack in research for what types of behavioral and medicinal treatments may work to help an individual with a synthetic drug addiction.

If you or a loved one are dealing with struggles of drug addiction or have questions about synthetic drugs, just call 800-411-9312 (Who Answers?) to speak with a caring specialist who can answer any of your questions or concerns.

It is important to stay knowledgeable on the dangers of drugs and to seek recovery if you have been impacted by addiction in any way.

10 Reasons to Choose Treatment If you’re Using Synthetic Hallucinogens