Loving Myself Again

At Narconon Fresh Start, we help people rediscover who they are so they can start loving their self again. Here’s a success story from Kendra who has found true happiness within and has learned to start loving herself again as a result of the program.

I am pleased with how far I have come since I got here. This program has not only taught me so much about myself, but it has taught me to love myself again. I am truly happy within me for once. Thank you so much to the whole staff for pushing me to keep going and being there for me.

– Kendra K.

Synthetic Drugs: Legal, Tempting and Life-Threatening

Synthetic drugs contain man made chemicals that produce similar effects of illegal drugs like cocaine, cannabis and methamphetamine. The chemical structure in synthetic drugs are altered to avoid law restrictions and are sold on the internet or at gas stations and smoke shops under different names.

Why Users Turn to Synthetic Drugs

Synthetic drugs are tempting to users because they are cheaper and most often can’t be detected in a urine test. They also come across as safe to use since they are found online and in stores. The truth is that these drugs are very harmful and dangerous. The effects that synthetic drugs can have on a person are unpredictable because the chemicals that are used are always changing. Pills, powders and dried herbs are soaked in these man made chemicals and can be very damaging to the body and mind and even fatal.

Synthetic Cannabinoids

These are dried plants and/or marijuana that are sprayed with chemicals and then smoked. The chemical can even come as a liquid form that can be vaporized in an e-cigerette. It’s about four times stronger than marijuana.

Are Synthetic Cannabinoids Addictive?

Yes, people can become addicted. Users who try to quit may experience withdrawal symptoms which may include:

• Depression
• Irritability
• Headaches
• Anxiety

Harmful Effects of Synthetic Cannabinoids

Many users have been rushed to the emergency room and have even died from using synthetic cannabinoids. Some of the harmful effects include:

• Altered perceptions
• Detachment from reality
• Hallucinations
• Paranoia
• Violent behavior
• Suicidal thoughts
• Vomiting
• Seizures
• Heart damage
• Kidney damage

Street Names for Synthetic Marijuana

There are over 500 different street names and brand names for synthetic marijuana. Here are some of the most common names:

• Spice
• K2
• Spice Diamond
• Solar Flare
• Dark Night

Synthetic Cathinones

Synthetic cathinones are usually sold as bath salts and marketed as substitutes for methamphetamine and cocaine. The effects are much stronger and, in many cases, very dangerous. It’s usually in the form of brown or white crystal-like powder and sold in small plastic packages labeled, “Not for Human Consumption.” Users typically smoke, snort, inject or even swallow synthetic cathinones.

Are Synthetic Cathinones Addictive?

Yes, synthetic cathinones are highly addictive. Users have reported having very intense cravings to use the drug again. Animal studies have even shown that rats will self-administer the drug over and over again. Users who try to quit can experience strong withdrawal symptoms which include:

• Paranoia
• Problems sleeping
• Tremors
• Anxiety

Harmful Effects of Synthetic Cathinones

People have lost limbs after injecting synthetic cathinones from a flesh-destroying infection. People have been known to strip off their clothes, commit suicide, act out violently and murder others. The chemicals in these synthetic drugs are so toxic that they can lead to a breakdown of skeletal muscle tissues and organs. Some of the harmful effects include:

• Panic attacks
• Excited delirium
• Hallucinations
• Suicidal behavior
• Homicidal behavior
• Increased blood pressure
• Dehydration
• Seizures
• Heart damage
• Kidney failure
• Liver failure

Street Names for Synthetic Cathinones

There are many different street names and brand names for synthetic cathinones. Here are some common names:

• Flakka
• Cloud Nine
• Blue Silk
• Vanilla Sky
• Plant Food

Signs and Symptoms of Synthetic Drug Use

There’s a wide range of signs and symptoms of synthetic drug use. The chemicals are always being altered and each user may experience different effects. Here are several signs and symptoms that can determine if someone has been using synthetic drugs:

• Delusions
• Hallucinations
• Aggression
• Seizures
• Paranoia
• Chest pain
• Sweating
• Inability to speak
• Restlessness
• Agitation
• Tearing off clothes
• Suicidal tendencies
• Self-destructive behavior

These symptoms can last for either hours or, in some cases, even days. Users will usually continue to use despite the harm that is being done since these synthetic drugs are addictive.

What to do if Someone is Using Synthetic Drugs

Though these drugs can cause severe effects to a person’s mind and body, Narconon Fresh Start is able to help repair the damage by flushing the harmful drug toxins out of the body and addressing the cause of addiction and restoring the person’s personal values and integrity. Each week, many people complete the Narconon Fresh Start program and return to a productive and successful member of society without ever having to turn to drugs again.

Call a rehab specialist today and go over your treatment options if you or someone you love is struggling with addiction.

1-855-734-2223

Learn about the new W-18 Synthetic Drug that is 100 times more powerful than than fentanyl and 10,000 times more powerful than morphine.

Getting Rid of the Drug Toxins

The Narconon Fresh Start program helps individuals to get the drug toxins out of their body so that they can think more clear and feel better physically. Here’s a success story from one of our students. 

Wow, I really can’t even begin to rationalize my actions of the past 3 years of my life. Drugs and alcohol really transformed me into a degenerate. My mother didn’t raise me to be this way. I am ashamed of the things I’ve done, but proud that I actually found the strength to change. The Rainbow Canyon Retreat program is the key factor responsible for the change I’ve gone through. I can finally see myself again. I’m no longer dreading my reflection in the mirror. I still don’t know what was uglier, my actual face or my personality while I was high. I’m just so glad to be rid of all the toxins that I had stored in my body.

– J.V.

I’m In Control of My Life

The feelings of guilt and shame can keep a person trapped in their drug addiction. It is one of the factors that drive a person to keep using over and over. They are able to escape these feelings and find relief and a false sense of happiness by getting high. 

The Narconon Fresh Start program addresses this factor by helping an individual examine and take responsibility for all of the harmful acts that he or she committed. This is done on the Personal Values course in the Life Skills portion of the program. Not only do individuals find true relief and happiness from their guilt and shame, but they regain their integrity and self worth and develop a set of personal morals to live by which helps them continue to stay in control of their life doing what is morally right.

Narconon Fresh Start Success Story

It felt good to get out all the things I’ve been holding onto for so many years. Deep secrets that perpetuated a violent, self-induced affliction that had plagued my life and my loved ones for so many years. Life is good and I never have to be a slave again. I’m in control of my life. Point blank period.

– Chad R.

Prepared to Live a Drug-Free Life

A Narconon Fresh Start graduate shares his success and experience throughout the program.

Today I completed the Narconon program. When I first came up to the lodge from withdraw I had a very bad attitude towards the program. I did not want to be here and didn’t think the program would help me. I started sauna and at first my attitude got worse. About halfway through I started to feel a lot better and realized that it was helping me a lot. The cravings for drugs were gone and I had a lot more energy. I completed sauna and started the objectives course. Once again I thought they were pointless, but as time went on I realized that they really were making me more aware of my environment and bringing me into present time. I got through them and went on to complete the Ups and Downs book, the Personal Values book and the Changing Conditions book. I feel like a new person now that I have completed the program and now I feel prepared to live a drug free life.

~ Caleb G. ~