Synthetic drugs have burst onto the scene in recent years. Synthetic drugs are oftentimes cheaper and more accessible than narcotics and prescription drugs resulting in an increase in their popularity. As with the high demand, so too has risen the amount of overdoses, emergency room visits, and tragedies related to synthetic drug misuse. Educating yourself on the dangers of synthetic drugs can help save lives. Join us in discovering what makes synthetic drugs so lethal.
What are Synthetic Drugs?
Synthetic drugs, also known as “designer drugs,” are controlled substances created to mimic the physiological or psychological effects of a given drug, while bypassing the normal parameters surrounding said drug. An example would be “spice” or “synthetic marijuana.” Designed to be a “legal” alternative to marijuana “spice” avoids having the same chemical makeup and therefore avoids legal drug classification status as well as avoiding detection in standardized drug tests.
Synthetic drugs come in many forms. For almost every popular drug in existence today there is a “knock-off” copy. This makes synthetic drugs particularly unpredictable and dangerous. Any drug user at any stage of addiction could hypothetically come into contact with an even more dangerous substitution.
Types of Synthetic Drugs
Synthetic Drugs come in all forms. The list is wide-ranging and covers essentially all facets of drug classification. Generally, there are several main categories of synthetic drugs in wide availability, each of which has their own subsets of substances:
- Psychedelics
- Empathogens
- Stimulants
- Synthetic cannabinoids
- Dissociatives
- Piperazines
- Sedatives
Each category has a multitude of different drugs that fall under it, many of which have uniquely devastating properties that even their “real” and already dangerous counterparts do not possess.
What are the Effects of Synthetic Drugs?
There are several effects of synthetic drug use. From mild bouts of paranoia to almost immediate overdose and death, synthetic drugs pose a unique threat to the user. Common effects of synthetic drugs include but are not limited to:
- Aggression
- Seizures
- Cold sweats
- Heart attack
- Brain swelling
- Loss of motor function
- Delusions
- Suicidal thoughts or actions
- Hallucinations
By comparison, the effects of synthetic drugs can oftentimes be more intense in terms of the user experience, the user’s bodily reaction, and ultimately the aftermath of use.
What are the Dangers of Synthetic Drugs?
Due to the lack of legal oversight, testing, and long-term research, the dangers of synthetic drugs are wide-ranging and often terrifying. To exacerbate this issue, it can be confusing to emergency response personnel on how they should handle certain medical issues, as it is not always clear what kind of drug has been ingested.
On top of this fact, bodily responses to synthetic drugs are often much more extreme and intense than the original make of the drug. Additives and fillers make up a large bulk of the danger, as disturbing drugs such as Fentynal have begun popping up in more and more synthetic drugs.
Are Synthetic Drugs Addictive?
Like all drugs, synthetic drugs have a high potential for abuse and addiction. Depending on which drug has been used, various synthetic drugs have highly addictive physical and mental properties. This makes them a nightmare for those already struggling with or predisposed to addiction. Often more addictive than their original counterparts, the dangers of synthetic drug addiction can prove deadly. With the ease of accessibility and general lack of regulation, the potential for abuse sky-rockets when mixed with the fact that the strength and lethality of the drug are also beyond that of most commonly abused non-synthetic drugs.
Finding Treatment for Addiction to Synthetic Drugs
Treating addiction to synthetic drugs can give a person a new lease on life and a fresh perspective on the benefits of sobriety. Every year, loved ones are lost and families experience immense heartbreak at the hands of the dangers of synthetic drugs. As their popularity grows, so too grows the consequences of synthetic drugs.
The likelihood that your life or the life of someone you love will be impacted by them also grows with their demand. Avoiding tragedy and distancing oneself from these harmful substances is paramount in maintaining a happy and healthy life. By seeking help, one can give themselves or their loved ones a chance to begin anew and reclaim their independence from addiction.
Recover from Synthetic Drugs in Knoxville, TN
Tennessee Valley Recovery is the perfect option for those seeking to regain their independence from synthetic drug addiction. Located in Knoxville, TN, our knowledgeable and compassionate staff members are ready to answer any questions you may have about the many treatment services that we provide. We believe that one size does not fit all when it comes to treatment, and are excited to personalize your plan to best benefit your life and give you the greatest chances of success. A lasting recovery from addiction is possible. Avoid the dangers of synthetic drugs and get the help you deserve today. Call or visit our admissions page at Tennessee Valley Recovery to regain your independence today.