Are you worried about your teen using designer drugs? Manufacturers will specially design all sorts of different drugs using an array of different chemicals in order to create different effects. Some people want more hallucinations, some people want more of an upper, and some more of a downer. No matter the case, these drugs are produced in very questionable places and often are hard to track back to the source. With Banyan’s Pompano Beach rehab center, learn about the very real dangers that synthetic drugs pose to you or your teen.
What Are Synthetic Drugs?
Synthetic drugs are substances that are chemically designed to mimic the effects of other drugs, such as marijuana, cocaine, or amphetamines. Unlike natural drugs, synthetic drugs are created in laboratories using a combination of chemicals and compounds that are designed to have specific effects on the brain or body. Synthetic drugs can be extremely dangerous, as their chemical makeup is often unknown and can cause unexpected and sometimes fatal side effects.
Synthetic drugs have become increasingly popular in recent years, particularly among younger people who are looking for a quick, cheap, and easy way to get high. They are often sold under brand names that sound innocent, such as “Spice” or “K2,” but they can be much more dangerous than the drugs they are designed to mimic. Synthetic drugs are often sold in small packets or bottles and can be found in gas stations, convenience stores, and online. The dangers of synthetic drugs have led many countries to ban their production and sale, but they continue to be a problem in many parts of the world.
Drugs Synthetically Made Can Ruin Your Teen
Synthetic drugs come in various forms and can mimic the effects of different types of drugs, making them a significant challenge for law enforcement agencies and health professionals.
Some examples of synthetic drugs include:
- Synthetic Cannabinoids: These drugs, also known as “Spice” or “K2,” are designed to mimic the effects of marijuana. Synthetic cannabinoids are often sprayed onto plant material and smoked like marijuana, but they can be much more potent and unpredictable. They can cause severe and even life-threatening side effects such as seizures, hallucinations, and heart problems.
- Synthetic Cathinones: Also known as “bath salts,” these drugs are designed to mimic the effects of amphetamines and cocaine. Synthetic cathinones can cause extreme agitation, paranoia, and hallucinations, and they have been associated with violent behavior and self-harm.
- Synthetic Opioids: These drugs are designed to mimic the effects of opioids such as heroin and prescription painkillers. Synthetic opioids can be extremely potent and can cause overdose and death. Some examples include fentanyl and carfentanil.
- Synthetic Stimulants: These drugs are designed to mimic the effects of cocaine and amphetamines. They can cause increased heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature, and they have been associated with heart attacks and seizures. Some examples include MDMA (ecstasy), mephedrone, and methamphetamine analogs. A drug analog is a Schedule I controlled substance.
- Synthetic Dissociatives: These drugs are designed to mimic the effects of ketamine and PCP. They can cause hallucinations, dissociation, and delirium, and they have been associated with violent behavior and self-harm. Some examples of synthetic dissociatives include methoxetamine and phencyclidine analogs.
Synthetic drugs are a significant concern due to their unpredictable nature and potential for severe side effects. It is essential to be aware of the different types and the effects they can have on you or your loved one.
Drugs Synthetically Made Can Harm Your Teen
Designer drugs are mostly made overseas, with many of them originating in China. The US government has worked diligently to control these substances under federal law, although instances of abuse will inevitably fall through the cracks. Adolescents are particularly susceptible to the allure of these substances. Synthetic drugs are often marketed as an affordable and legal way to achieve a high, making them appealing to youth who may not have access to conventional drugs. The anonymity and ease of purchasing synthetic drugs via online marketplaces also make it easier for teenagers to obtain them.
Another factor that contributes to the popularity of synthetic drugs among teens is the perception that they are safe or less harmful than traditional drugs. Many teens incorrectly assume that synthetic drugs are safer because they are legal. However, synthetic drugs are often much more potent and unpredictable than traditional drugs, making them significantly more dangerous. Furthermore, the effects of synthetic drugs can be more intense and longer-lasting than traditional drugs, making them more attractive to teens looking for a more intense high. Regrettably, this can lead to addiction and other long-term health consequences.
There’s Help for Addiction to Synthetic Drugs
Despite the mish-mash quality of designer drugs, they’re still very dangerous—maybe even more dangerous because of how hard it is to find out exactly what the contents are. In any case, if your teens are messing with these substances, you need to get them the help they need. Hundreds of teens across the US have already died from synthetic drug overdoses.1
It is important to note that our Pompano Beach drug rehab only treats addicted individuals over the age of 18. If you have a child that is 18 or over, they can access life-changing addiction treatment programs with our team of recovery professionals. Banyan Treatment Center is a Florida facility close to the water and beaches, and palm trees, providing a serene atmosphere for healing to take place. The staff of our Pompano Beach treatment center uses experience and a variety of effective therapy programs to treat designer drug addiction once and for all.
Call Banyan Treatment Centers Pompano rehab facility at 888-280-4763 to learn how our programs and care levels can help you or a loved one recover.
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