Synthetic Drugs and Chemical Research Drugs

Synthetic Drug Scheduling & List

There are literally hundreds of different chemical compounds that may be just slightly altered from a previous form in order to escape regulation or control by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The Synthetic Drug Abuse Prevention Act, passed in 2012, placed many of the synthetic compounds being used for their psychoactive effects into Schedule I, meaning that they are illegal in the United States and considered dangerous, potentially addictive, and have no approved medicinal value. Some of the more common synthetic drugs include:

• Spice or K2 (also known as Yucatan Fire, Skunk, Blaze, and Bliss). Synthetic cannabinoids have an active ingredient that is potentially over 100 times more potent than plant-based marijuana, as it more effectively binds to cannabinoid receptors in the brain.
• Bath salts. These are synthetic cathinones, which are stimulants, and often include the substances MDPV, methylone, or mephedrone.
• Flakka or gravel. A synthetic cathinone, flakka can produce effects similar to amphetamines, cocaine, and MDMA.
• Smiles, 2C-I-NBOMe, and 2C-C-NBOMe. This hallucinogenic drug has similar effects to LSD.
• DMT, AMT, Foxy, Nexus, and Blue Mystic. These tryptamines and phenethylamines are psychoactive substances that may produce hallucinations similar to those caused by LSD and mescaline.
• Molly. Supposedly a pure version of ecstasy or MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine), this mind-altering drug distorts the senses and acts as a stimulant, but it is often “cut” with other chemicals.

Side Effects of Synthetic Drugs

Any products that are smoked, snorted, swallowed, injected, or inhaled to produce mind-altering effects should be considered drugs even if they are technically legal and marketed as other products like “research chemicals.” When misused, these drugs cause chemical changes in the brain relating to mood, decision-making, impulse control, and pleasure.

Some of these drugs distort the senses and cause hallucinations or psychotic side effects as well. These substances can interfere with neurotransmitters—the chemical messengers in the brain that send messages throughout the body. For example, stimulant drugs like flakka or bath salts may increase norepinephrine levels and stimulate the central nervous system, raising heart rate, respiration, blood pressure, and body temperature, and decreasing a person’s need to sleep and desire to eat. Spice, on the other hand, may have the opposite effect, acting as a central nervous system depressant, slowing down heart rate and breathing.

To be sure, synthetic drugs can cause unpredictable effects, too. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), suicide and self-harming behaviors, violence, aggression, psychosis, heart attacks, seizures, and damage to internal organs may also be potential side effects of synthetic drug use. The risk for overdose on a synthetic or designer drug is high as the chemicals used in making them may be unknown and result in lethal consequences. Additionally, while side effects may be short term, prolonged, regular use may cause physical and chemical changes in the brain and body.

Addiction to Synthetic Drugs

The neurotransmitters that normally flow through the brain and tell it to feel happy—and help to regulate moods and control impulses—may be negatively disrupted due to chronic drug use. The brain may therefore be altered and a dependence on these artificial chemicals may occur, causing the brain to stop working normally without the drugs. Physically and emotionally, a person may experience withdrawal symptoms as a side effect of this dependence, and the person may feel anxious, depressed, irritable, and restless without the drug. Some of these drugs may have physical withdrawal symptoms as well that may include flu-like symptoms and drug cravings.

When a person spends a significant amount of time figuring out how to get more drugs, using them, and then coming down from the drug’s effects, it is likely due to addiction. Addiction is considered a disease manifested by drug-seeking and compulsive drug-using behaviors. Individuals may no longer be able to control the amount of drugs they are using each time or the time spent using them. Responsibilities, pleasure in regular activities, school grades or work production, familial duties, and social interactions may not be fulfilled. Relationships may suffer as individuals battling addiction are likely to be secretive, withdrawn, and prone to erratic behavior and intense mood swings. Sleep patterns and regular eating habits may seem out of the ordinary, and those addicted to synthetic drugs may have significant changes in weight and a disregard for personal hygiene. Even though synthetic drugs may not always show up on a drug test, behavioral and social changes may be evidence enough that addiction treatment is necessary.

Who Abuses Synthetic Drugs?

The internet has changed the way drugs are obtained and even used. With the click of a few buttons, these potentially dangerous, and often legal “research chemicals” can be sent to someone’s doorstep. People are also able to browse drug forums and find new synthetic drugs to try.

According to AAPCC, 60% of the synthetic drug cases involved individuals aged 25 and younger. Additionally, Addiction Science & Clinical Practice reported that young adults—and primarily males in their mid to late 20s—make up the highest percentage of individuals who use designer drugs.

The Monitoring the Future (MTF) Survey, which reports the drug trends for students in 8th, 10th, and 12th grades, found that nearly 5% of students in these grades reported using synthetic marijuana in the month leading up to the national survey.

Synthetic marijuana use was first recorded in 2011 and its use peaked in 2012. According to the MTF Survey, it was the second most commonly used drug behind marijuana among surveyed high school seniors, with an annual prevalence of use over 11%.

Use seems to have dropped a bit in recent years—possibly due to stricter regulations in place, or it could be that new, unrecorded chemical compounds are being used instead. As illicit laboratories create new synthetic drugs, it becomes difficult for authorities to keep up. Statistics regarding synthetic drugs are likely a bit skewed and may not be entirely accurate.

Treating Addiction to Synthetic Drugs

Synthetic drug compounds—many of which may be unknown—may complicate addiction treatment. That being said, treatment can help you or a loved one stop the use of synthetic substances. Treatment may take place in a number of different settings. The treatment plan that’s right for you depends on your specific needs. You should meet with your primary care physician, mental healthcare provider, or an addiction care specialist, who can assess your needs, determine the appropriate level of care for you, and create an individualized treatment plan with you.

For some, a residential treatment program may provide the comprehensive, round-the-clock care they need. In residential treatment settings, sometimes referred to as inpatient treatment, patients live at the facility for the duration of treatment, which typically includes psychoeducation, medication management (if necessary), individual and group counseling, and therapy.

Behavioral therapies such as motivational interviewing (MI) may be used to help individuals, who lack motivation, change their thoughts and behaviors. MI can help these individuals to recognize that change is necessary, through non-confrontational and nonjudgmental methods. Behavioral therapy can improve a person’s self-esteem and feelings of self-worth while teaching healthy stress coping mechanisms and communication tools—both of which can help prevent relapse.

Withdrawal and Detox Timeline for Synthetic Drugs

As there are many different types of synthetic drugs, withdrawal side effects and detox timelines vary as well. As a general rule, detox typically takes 5-7 days. Medical detox in a specialized facility can help individuals withdraw from the substance or substances safely and as comfortably as possible under the supervision of healthcare professionals.

Detox may look different depending on the substance taken. For some, remaining in a dark, quiet room works; for others, medications may be helpful to counteract the symptoms of withdrawal. Typically, stabilization is the initial goal of detox, and this may be accomplished after the drug is fully and safely removed from the bloodstream. Detox is often the first step in a more comprehensive treatment plan, which may include inpatient or outpatient care.

Finding Treatment for Synthetic Drug Addiction Near You

Contrary to what some may think, synthetic drug use is not a safer alternative to illicit substance use. And synthetic drug use can be especially dangerous if the synthetic substances are combined with other drugs or alcohol since potential interactions may not be fully understood and may have unintended negative consequences.

Regular use of synthetic drugs can lead to dependence and addiction. Fortunately, addiction is a treatable disease; and a comprehensive substance use treatment program can help you or someone you love make a full recovery.

If you or someone you love struggle with synthetic drug use, reach out to American Addiction Centers (AAC). With treatment centers that offer evidence-based therapies and the entire continuum of care, AAC can help get you on the path to recovery.