The popularity of synthetic drugs has been on the rise.
According to the American Association of Poison Control Centers (AAPCC), 60% of
synthetic drug users involve individuals aged 25 and younger and synthetic drugs
are emerging drugs of abuse for college students. Because some of these
substances are legal, young adults may not believe they are dangerous. In
reality these substances mimic other illegal drugs, and in fact can be even
more potent.
Bath salts are a common example of synthetic drug. Bath
salts mimic drugs like cocaine and amphetamine with like-chemicals called
cathinones. This chemical stimulates dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine.
These stimuli invoke feelings of pleasure, and are what makes bath salts so
addicting. However, there are also nasty side effects like hallucinations,
violent behavior, paranoia, and even heart attack. An example of extreme side
effects would be the news story that gained national attention, when a Florida
man, under the influence of bath salts, reportedly ate another person’s face
off.
Another common drug is synthetic marijuana. It’s primary
ingredient is synthetic THC, and has a much higher content. It also does not
have any health benefits that normal marijuana does, and is therefore banned y
the DEA. People can get around this ban by using a mix of different chemicals.
These chemicals cause feelings of pleasure, altered consciousness, and
calmness. However, it can induce seizures, severe psychotic symptoms, heart
attack, and can be fatal.
Sources:
Best Drug Rehabilitation. What are synthetic drugs?
Retrieved October 27 2013 from http://www.bestdrugrehabilitation.com/drugs/synthetic/
Van Pelt, Jennifer. (2012, August). Synthetic Drugs—Fake
Substances, Real Danger. Retreived October 27 2013 from http://www.socialworktoday.com/archive/070212p12.shtml
Lyndsey R. W.
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