Across America, drug use has risen over the last decade. Whether it’s cocaine, heroin, or marijuana, the drug crisis continues to be a problem. What makes it even more of a challenge is the new synthetic drugs now becoming available nationwide. This has the potential of increasing the drug epidemic to more dangerous levels. These drugs have different dangers and risks associated with them than more well-known substances.
However, treatment is available. Through synthetic drug rehab at an addiction recovery center in Tampa, Florida, users can find help for this growing problem.
What are Synthetic Drugs?
Synthetic drugs are often referred to as designer drugs, club drugs, or party drugs. People illegally create these drugs in labs, and they mimic the effects of other drugs such as cocaine, marijuana, and so on.
Also, synthetic drugs are continually changing partly because drug makers attempt to outwit drug enforcement officials. By labeling the drugs as “not for human consumption” and marketing them for different purposes such as incense and bath salts, synthetic drugs makers can continue to promote their products over the internet and elsewhere.
Then, once drug enforcement officials crack down on one drug, the drug makers simply change the ingredients slightly and put it back on the market. This makes it difficult to stop the sale of these drugs.
There are two main types of synthetic drugs:
Cannabinoids
This type of product is available under the names Spice and K2. It’s advertised as herbal incense and those who sell it online must put a disclaimer about not consuming it. However, many people recognize their true use. Spice and K2 consist of plant materials mixed with synthetic cannabinoids. The cannabinoids mimic THC, the active ingredient found in marijuana. So, people smoke these substances without understanding the risks.
Stimulants
These drugs mimic cocaine, amphetamine, and Ecstacy. Derived from the ingredients such as methylone, mephedrone, MDPV, and butylone, these drugs have stimulating effects. It’s marketed under “bath salts” and people ingest, snort, inhale, smoke, or inject it. Again, the risks posed by these synthetic drugs are unknown, and they can be dangerous.
Dangers and Side Effects of Synthetic Drugs?
Many people who are getting these synthetic drugs are doing so with the idea that they are safer than “street” drugs. They’re marketed as more natural and “legal.” So, people don’t always understand the extreme dangers associated with taking them. However, these drugs may be even more dangerous because you never know what ingredients are in the drug. Many emergency room visits and calls to Poison Control have occurred due to these drugs.
Synthetic drugs, like many illegal substances, also can cause addiction. People who take them often report intense cravings. Some of the effects of these drugs include:
- Chest pain
- Hallucinations and anxiety or panic attacks
- Paranoia or heart attack
- Aggression and even violence
- Psychotic behavior or disorientation
- Stroke or nausea
The reason these drugs are so problematic is that the ingredients are always changing and no long-term effects on the body and brain have been studied.
Finding Hope Through Synthetic Drug Rehab
If you or someone you love is using synthetic drugs, it’s vital to seek treatment right away. These drugs do cause withdrawal effects, so safely detoxing from the drugs in a protective environment is best. At BoardPrep Recovery Center®, we provide synthetic drug rehab for your complete healing. With a quasi-residential program, you’ll have access to help day and night. Our certified therapists are compassionate and trained in dealing with those in the midst of drug addiction and withdrawal.
At our addiction treatment center, we offer the following programs:
- Medical Detox Program
- Day-Night Addiction Treatment Program
- Partial Hospitalization Program
- Intensive Outpatient Program
- Outpatient Addiction Treatment Program
- Women’s Rehab Program
- Men’s Rehab Program
Don’t let synthetic drugs ruin your life. You can be successful in overcoming your addiction by going to a premier drug rehab. Contact us at 866.796.4720, and we’ll get you on the right pathway.
