Synthetic drugs often produce the same effects as marijuana, cocaine, heroin, or amphetamines. However, they are very hazardous to consume because they contain dangerous compounds. If you or someone you care about is considering synthetic drugs, an understanding of the truth behind these products is crucial.

What are Synthetic Drugs?

Synthetic drugs are drugs that imitate the effects of other drugs. These drugs afford users the same euphoric and psychedelic effects as conventionally misused drugs. However, manufactured under illegal circumstances, synthetic drugs are not regulated by any governing body. In fact, many of these drugs enter the U.. illegally.

Additionally, synthetic drugs are untested and have unknown side effects due to their reliance on uncontrolled and unfamiliar properties. Widespread usage of synthetic drugs spurred the creation of The Synthetic Drug Abuse Prevention Act of 2012. This act ruled synthetic drugs to be placed into Schedule 1, deeming them illegal in the US, dangerous, addictive, and with no medicinal value.

Types of Synthetic Drugs

Some drug users believe that synthetic drugs are less harmful than the “real thing.” However, beneath the enticing labels, synthetic drugs contain dangers considerably greater than their natural counterparts. For instance, the synthetic opioid fentanyl has been partly responsible for the nationwide increase in opioid-related overdose deaths.

The dangers of synthetic drugs continue, as manufacturing labs worldwide produce new concoctions without testing and content information. As a result, any safety information provided is incomplete. And with these drugs sold in stores, the belief that they are somehow not addictive remains.

The following list includes the more popular forms of synthetic drugs:

Synthetic cannabinoids have the potential to be over 100 times more potent than plant-based marijuana. The relaxing or mellowing effects mirror marijuana’s depressant qualities. Synthetic cannabinoids go by such nicknames as Spice, K2, Skunk, Blaze, and Bliss.

Synthetic cathinones are stimulants affecting heart rate, body temp, blood pressure, energy levels, and increased focus. They go by such names as “flakka” or “gravel.” Synthetic cathinones include MDPV, methylone, or mephedrone in their production. A 2011 report noted in Science Direct stated that a single dosage of bath salts produced effects similar to snorting ten lines of cocaine.

2C-I-NBOMe and 2C-C-NBOMe are highly hallucinogenic psychedelic compounds with the same effects as LSD and mescaline. In addition, synthetic tryptamines and phenethylamines are popular choices in clubs. Nicknames include Smiles, DMT, AMT, Foxy, Nexus, and Blue Mystic.

Synthetic Ecstasy or MDMA is a 3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine. Oftentimes, “Molly” is a synthetic stimulant cut with other chemicals.

What are the Effects of Synthetic Drugs?

The dangers of synthetic drugs lie in part in the unknown ways these drugs are made. Synthetic drugs are made to imitate the effects of other drugs. With no testing or reliable means of production, no one knows what these synthetic drugs actually contain. Many people who are addicted to drugs do not consider who manufactured a drug or what went into their production.

Unfortunately, this can cause a variety of side effects. Some of the potential symptoms of synthetic drug abuse include:

Heightened anxiety and irritability
Paranoia or hallucinations
Seizures
Fits of aggression
Nausea and vomiting
Loss of consciousness
Death

What are the Dangers of Synthetic Drugs?

The dangers of synthetic drugs lie in misconceptions. Many users believe they are safe because they can buy synthetic drugs in stores. Another misconception is that synthetic drugs are not addictive. (This is false.) These two factors add a high risk for overdose and death.

Are Synthetic Drugs Addictive?

The common belief that synthetic drugs are not addictive is wrong. While synthetic drugs may be available to purchase legally, they are just as addictive, if not more. For instance, the component found in synthetic cannabinoids affects the receptors in the brain more than THC in marijuana. As a result, synthetic cannabinoids are more debilitating and more addictive.

Finding Treatment for Addiction to Synthetic Drugs

Finding a treatment center is crucial if you have found yourself addicted to synthetic drugs or someone you love is experiencing an addiction. Initially, an assessment determines individual needs. After all, the dangers of synthetic drugs are evident. First comes a detox programs. These programs can be medically managed for safety and comfort. Individual therapy then delves into the foundation of the addiction to learn how to stay sober and live a long healthy life.