Synthetic drug use has a reputation as varied and turbulent as its side effects. One version of the tale is that synthetic substances like bath salts are a safer alternative to traditional drugs. Another rendition tells the horrors of hallucination and suicide. It is, however, the user's depiction that pulls back the curtain and shows the true side of synthetic drugs.
As they come down off the drug, typical comments are along the lines of, "That was a trip through hell", "Don't let anyone take this stuff" or "This is the worst thing I've ever had." Why, then, is synthetic drug use increasing? The truth is, synthetic drugs are extremely addicting. Hard-core drug addicts try it for the promise of a better high when their favored substances don't do it for them anymore.
No matter how intense or how long the reaction, they may find themselves experiencing strong cravings after the first or second hit. The rest is history.
What Are Synthetic Drugs?
Synthetic drugs are chemical substances created to produce the same effects as traditional drugs, but until last summer, there was no legislation against them. Experts believe that this is the origin of the misconception that they are safer than their counterparts. The truth is in the faces of the users--synthetic drugs are by no means safe. Synthetic drugs produce powerful hallucinations and psychotic episodes.
Following is a description of some of the most current synthetic substances and their effects. Synthetic marijuana, also known as K2 or Spice, was designed to mirror the effects of regular pot. In many ways, it does--it produces a similar high, although some users report that it doesn't give the same "head high" and leaves the throat and lungs burning. It can cause nausea, vomiting, rapid heartbeat, severe agitation and anxiety, muscle spasms, seizures, intense hallucinations, psychotic episodes, suicidal and violent thoughts and/or actions.
It doesn't show up on conventional drug tests, and packages are labeled "100% Natural Herbs". Yet there is very little about synthetic marijuana that is natural. Bath salts are extremely toxic chemicals that are supposed to act like cocaine and amphetamine.
They come as a fine, white powder that looks like flour and it is typically smoked. Someone high on bath salts may be inclined toward violence and suicide. Psychotic episodes are common as hallucinations come on intensely, and they often last days at a time.
Case Study: New Glasgow, Nova Scotia
The city of New Glasgow in the Canadian maritime province of Nova Scotia has been dealing with a number of sizable drug busts since it was recently made illegal to sell or possess bath salts. A 22-year-old man was arrested for possession of traditional marijuana, but upon search of his premises, authorities found over $350,000 worth of bath salts. Despite the substantial bust, authorities say that this will merely make a dent in the problem.
And they are just one of many areas dealing with synthetic drug abuse issues.
The truth is that communities across the US are also struggling with synthetic addiction. The solution; drug prevention, education, rehab and stricter enforcement to get these substances off the streets and out of the wrong hands.
For more information contact Vista Bay drug rehab.