Synthetic drugs, or drugs created in a lab, are a category of drugs that many people know little about. Most people have read about spice or bath salts in the news, but what are they, where do they come from, and what do they do to the people who use them? Often, these substances are marketed as a ‘safer’ or ‘legal’ way to get high, but neither of these descriptions is likely to be true. Synthetic drugs can be very harmful to the body and can also be addictive. People who find themselves struggling to quit using these substances might wisely choose to seek out the help of a synthetic drug withdrawal management program. Drug use and addiction are complex issues that professional medical care staff and therapists are best treated. For a person attempting to stop using synthetic drugs, it can motivate to learn about what these drugs can do to the body.
What Are Synthetic Drugs and Where Do They Come From?
Synthetic drugs are chemical compounds created in a lab to create a substance that people can use to get high. Many of these synthetic drugs are closely related chemically to other, more well-known drugs like psilocybin or LSD. Others are similar to MDMA, also known as molly or ecstasy. Still, other synthetic drugs are created to cause certain conditions in the body and brain that will produce a feeling of euphoria, increased energy, or other “high” feelings.
Many substances are produced in countries that do not have a robust regulatory system for chemical manufacturing. This makes synthetic drugs especially dangerous because there is no way to know what chemicals or processes were used or whether the compounds were manufactured under safe circumstances for human consumption. Most synthetic drugs are brought into the country under the guise of being non-consumable products such as incense, bath products, or potpourri.
What Effects Can Synthetic Drugs Have On the Body and Brain?
The category of synthetic drugs is quite broad, so there are many potential dangers and side effects that can be experienced. Drugs generally act by causing the body and/or brain to behave differently than they normally would, and many of the effects noticed during the use of synthetic drugs result from these changed behaviors.
Some of the effects that can occur as a result of using synthetic drugs are:
- Increase in heart rate, respiration, and general stimulation of the central nervous system
- Excitability, agitation, and a feeling of ‘speeding.’
- Hallucinations and psychosis
- Confusion, disorientation, and difficulty communicating
- Fatigue, sleepiness, and a state similar to that of being drunk on alcohol
- Euphoria, happiness, and a tendency to become talkative
- Alteration of the brain’s release and reabsorption of its neurotransmitters can cause permanent damage over time
Of course, the particular effect of a synthetic drug that’s abused will vary.
How to Find Help For Synthetic Drug Addiction and Withdrawal?
Suppose you or someone you care about has been using synthetic drugs. In that case, it is vital to seek professional help from a treatment center or withdrawal management program that has experience with synthetic drug use. Patients who use these drugs are at high risk because of the unknown ingredients and dosages of these substances and may need medical and therapeutic supervision to help them withdraw.
In the New England region, we at Liberty Health Services are committed to helping our patients, and their families heal from drug addiction. As New Hampshire’s premier substance abuse withdrawal management program, we have experience guiding our patients through withdrawal from synthetic drugs. Reach out to our kind and compassionate staff today at 855.959.4521 and let us tell you how we can help.
