The term ‘synthetic drugs’ can cover a broad spectrum of substances. Many of these substances are not yet regulated by the FDA or part of the DEA’s drug schedule. They are frequently marketed to consumers as ‘not intended for human consumption, but disingenuous. These drugs are sometimes labeled as a ‘natural’ or ‘legal’ way to get high, but what are they? It is still much that medical science has to learn about these chemicals, but they are known to be dangerous and can be addictive. If you or a loved one has been using a synthetic drug, it can be helpful to learn some facts about synthetic drugs and some of the ways that addiction to such drugs can be treated. You can find the synthetic drug addiction treatment you or a loved one needs to start the healing and recovery process at Liberty Health Services.
What Are Synthetic Drugs and Where Do They Come From?
As mentioned previously, the term ‘synthetic drug’ can describe many different kinds of substances. Put, a synthetic drug is a chemical compound that has been created in a lab rather than processed from a natural source. Some of the various drugs and descriptors that can be considered part of the synthetic category are:
- Spice, K2, Blaze, Bliss, Yucatan Fire, or synthetic weed
- Flakka, also called gravel (alpha-PVP)
- DMT and other hallucinogens
- Bath salts (MDPV, methylone, etc.)
- Molly, sometimes marketed as a pure version of ecstasy or MDMA
Many of these drugs are manufactured in unregulated foreign laboratories and illegally imported into the United States. Some of the lesser-known compounds are not yet illegal in the United States and are imported as potpourri, bath products, herbal incense, or even cleaning products.
What Are the Dangers of Synthetic Drug Use?
Since the category of synthetic drugs is so broad, it can be hard to sum up in a short article all of the different effects that the compounds can have on the human body. However, drugs in general often cause the body to change how it emits or reabsorbs neurotransmitters in the brain. Neurotransmitters are how the cells in the brain pass messages to each other and are often responsible for things like moods, feelings, and perceptions. Any substance that alters how the brain deals with neurotransmitters should be handled with extreme caution, preferably under the care of a physician.
Many substances marketed as not for human consumption are dangerous to the body, especially when recreationally. Because the labs in which these substances are created are unregulated and even illegal, there is no way to know exactly what is in the substance. Some users have even died because they ingested an unknown chemical.
What Can Be Done to Help Someone Who Is Addicted to Synthetic Drugs?
The best way to help someone addicted to synthetic drugs is to get them into a synthetic drug addiction treatment program. These situations can be complicated because the exact makeup of the drug, or even what the drug is, might not be known. It is important to consult a professional to determine the best course of action for someone who wants to stop using synthetic drugs.
If you or a loved one are struggling to stop using synthetic drugs and looking for help in the New England region, we at Liberty Health Services in Derry, New Hampshire, are experienced with helping patients in your situation. Our synthetic drug addiction treatment program in New Hampshire’s premiere facility combines luxurious accommodations with cutting-edge treatments. We use a family-oriented approach to help our patients and their loved ones heal from the trauma of addiction. Reach out to our caring and compassionate counselors today at 855.689.5685.
