Synthetic Drug Chemicals

Synthetic Drugs: Legal, Tempting and Life-Threatening

Synthetic Drug ChemicalsSynthetic 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

Synthetic CannabinoidsThese 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

Smoking Synthetic MarijuanaMany 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

Cathinones Bath SaltsSynthetic 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

Snorting CathinonesPeople 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

Signs and Symptoms of Synthetic Drug UseThere’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

Recovery from DrugsThough 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

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Synthetic Marijuana Predominately Abused by Young Males

Synthetic CannabinoidsOver the last few years you may have heard of synthetic marijuana/synthetic cannabinoids, also known as “Spice” or “K2”. Since arriving on the drug scene this dangerous substance has become the second most popular illicit drug among American teens, after actual marijuana. Statistics show that synthetic marijuana is especially prevalent among teen boys. In 2012, 11% of American high school seniors acknowledged using synthetic marijuana in the past year. Until recently, synthetic marijuana was hyped as a natural or safe alternative to actual marijuana. However, nothing could be further from the truth. This drug is very un-natural and is part of a class of designer chemicals that have begun to pose a serious threat to drug users young and old. Since being on the market, synthetic marijuana has landed thousands of young adults and teens (mostly young men) in the emergency room. They arrive suffering from severe symptoms including vomiting, racing heartbeat, elevated blood pressure, seizures and hallucinations. In 2010, there were 11,406 ER visits associated with synthetic marijuana: 75% were between the ages of 12-29 years old, 22.5% were females and 77.5% were males.

Designer chemical drugs such as synthetic marijuana (i.e. Spice and K2) along with others like synthetic cocaine (i.e. Bath Salts and Plant Food) and synthetic opioids (i.e. China White) are taking the country by storm. More and more teens and young adults are experimenting with these deadly substances in an attempt to get high. For many, their recreational drug use often spirals into abuse and then addiction leaving them without the resources they need to stop using once and for all. Narconon Fresh Start is a network of exceptionally successful drug rehab programs that can do more than just help an addict get off the drugs they are addicted to, they can help them uncover and resolve the underlying issues that drove them to choose substance abuse as a way to solve their problems. Their treatment centers are focused on helping clients make real and lasting recoveries so that they no longer think of themselves as addicts but as fully recovered individuals who now have all the tools and skills necessary to remain sober on their own.