Designer drugs are synthetic or fake drugs that are often made in a laboratory. Though many assume that drugs such as ecstasy, amphetamines, and LSD are “safer” because they are less prone to abuse, they are just as dangerous — if not more dangerous — than other drugs. There has been a spike in designer drug use, as in 2018, 281 new designer drugs were identified. This includes different classes of designer drugs, including cannabinoids, stimulants, benzodiazepines, psychedelics, and dissociatives. In this article, we will discuss the dangers and why they are growing in popularity.
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What Are Designer Drugs?
Designer drugs are typically synthetic drugs, meaning they are made in a laboratory, and this poses a dire problem. Chemists can tweak the chemical structure of illegal drugs, thus making it possible to avoid detection in drug screenings and other means. A designer drug can include any substance that is created in a lab, whether it is legal or not. When the chemical structure of a drug is modified in a laboratory, it poses a daunting risk. Some examples include synthetic cannabinoids (including “spice”), MDMA (ecstasy), and LSD (one of the drugs that cause hallucinations).
Another dangerous synthetic drug has made headlines: bath salts. Bath salts come from a plant called khat, an Eastern African leaf that produces a stimulant effect. It is often mandated as a substitute for drugs such as cocaine, and it has since been the cornerstone of the dangers of designer drugs. It has been made illegal since then.
Why Are Designer Drugs So Dangerous?
Designer drugs are hazardous because of how they are created. They typically contain chemicals that are untested and unregulated, and often, each batch of designer drugs is different in their chemical makeup. Because they are made in a lab or a synthetic environment, they possess properties that pose a threat. Also, because so many of them are made in laboratory environments, you never know what you are getting.
The chemical structure of designer drugs is typically modified, and this is due to legal aspects. Because they are undetectable, their chemical makeup is different between each set, and this makes regulation difficult. Many designer drugs are undetectable by drug screenings, making them a highly sought-after solution for heavy drug users.
Short-Term Effects of Designer Drugs
Though each designer drug differs in short-term effects, many physical and psychological effects can occur. Many designer drugs that are similar in structure to cocaine can produce increased heart rate, nausea, and dehydration. Because they vary in makeup, it depends on the substance being consumed when it comes to short-term effects.
However, depending on the type of drug, short-term effects are often worse than typical drugs. This is because the chemical makeup changes from each batch, and it is difficult to determine what side effects will occur without knowing what is in each.
However, a few commonalities exist among all designer drugs. This includes psychological effects that include paranoia, hallucinations (as is the case with LSD), amended perception (common with MDMA), and anxiety. Again, this depends on the designer drug being used. LSD, for example, produces different effects than bath salts and vice versa. The danger is not knowing what is in each.
Long-Term Health Risks
The long-term effects of designer drugs can lead to addiction, which is why you should seek drug addiction treatment from Muse Treatment. Because they can mimic the effects of stimulants or opioids, they can cause dependency. Tolerance can occur, meaning higher doses of the substance must be used to achieve the same effect.
Also, because designer drugs can create a defect in cognition, impairment is possible. This means memory loss and other issues that can complicate daily life. Lastly, mental health issues can be triggered by them, including psychotic episodes, anxiety, and depression. Many also experience paranoia.
Again, it depends on the designer drug that is consumed, but these are just a select few of the long-term health risks that make them so dangerous.
Legal Status and Risks
Because designer drugs are synthetic, they are often undetectable by law enforcement. However, with the implementation of “The Controlled Substance Analogue Enforcement Act” of 1986, it is stated that any designer drug that is similar to a controlled substance is treated the same as one that is illegal. However, on a global scale, the regulations surrounding designer drugs vary. This is because not all countries treat illegal substances similarly.
If found in possession of a designer drug, even if it is not illegal, one may still find trouble with possession charges. Also, when using a designer drug, if found driving while under the influence or resulting from criminal activity, the rules do not change.
You will be arrested and charged accordingly. Lastly, the distribution of designer drugs is considered a felony and could be classified as trafficking. This is because of their deadly makeup. Just because they are undetectable at one point does not mean they will not be made illegal eventually. Because of new regulations (among them, the European Monitoring Centre For Drugs And Drug Addiction), this can be treated similarly to a typical possession charge.
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Recognizing the Signs of Designer Drug Abuse
If you are (or suspect someone is) abusing designer drugs, look out for the physical, behavioral, and psychological signs. These are common among all designer drugs, though depending on their type, they will differ. Physical signs include weight loss, dilated pupils or bloodshot eyes, nosebleeds, tremors (involuntary movement of muscles), severe sweating, and shaking.
An individual may try to hide the behavior among behavioral signs involving the person’s actions. It is also valuable to look at changes in one’s relational abilities, such as distancing oneself from social life. Lastly, psychological effects can include severe mood swings, anxiety and paranoia, confusion, hallucinations or delusional thinking, and a lack of interest.
It is best to consider your options. If you suspect a loved one is abusing designer drugs, the best bet is to approach them about it. Though they may be dismissive, do not be afraid to reach out. Designer drugs are just as dangerous (if not more dangerous) than typical drugs, and this can be a life-or-death situation. If you confirm the use of designer drugs, seek treatment options, such as rehabilitation through a center like Muse Treatment.
Treatment Options for Designer Drug Addiction
Designer drugs are just as dangerous, if not more dangerous, than other drugs. They are synthetically made and can be altered to achieve any result. If you are struggling with designer drug addiction, seek treatment. At Muse Treatment, we offer a high-class detoxification program where medication is used to aid in recovery.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is used to emphasize the addict’s true feelings, thus potentially discovering underlying mental or psychological issues — known as co-occurring disorders that require dual diagnosis treatment — that are factors in substance abuse. Lastly, we offer a supportive and therapeutic environment where a trained and licensed staff treats you, using individualized treatment plans for each person, as all differ in their needs and requirements for sobriety. If you want help, contact Muse Treatment or call 800-426-1818.
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source https://musetreatment.com/blog/designer-drugs/
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