Since synthetic drugs are not quality controlled or regulated, there are concerns over what is actually in them. All 50 states have reported health risks associated with synthetic cannabinoids and stimulants. These symptoms might range from temporary behavioral changes to overdose to death.
Synthetic cannabinoid products have been found to contain chemicals like rat poison, accounting for several hospitalizations and deaths. These substances are not approved for human consumption. As a result, people consuming them have no idea what they are putting into their bodies.
They may suffer from unpredictable and life-threatening effects. Even in small amounts, designer drugs can be toxic, addictive and even deadly. With the number of synthetic drugs increasing, symptoms of addiction may vary.
Synthetic cannabinoids can induce serious health problems such as hypertension, respiratory difficulties, muscle twitches, tachycardia, acute renal failure and psychosis. Learn more of the common short- and long-term effects of synthetic drug addiction if you or someone you know is struggling:
When people first ingest synthetic drugs, they may experience fleeting feelings of euphoria. However, it’s impossible to accurately predict how each individual will respond to these risky drugs — some may even experience life-threatening symptoms when first taking them.
Short-term and long-term health problems associated with designer drug misuse may include:
The more severe long-term symptoms associated with synthetic drug use include:
Chronic use of synthetic drugs is associated with severe psychiatric conditions and cognitive impairment. The following are examples of typical symptoms related to synthetic cannabinoids and stimulants:
Bath salts and other synthetic drugs can also cause psychotic and self-harming behavior. It’s essential to seek emergency health services immediately if you or someone you know exhibits these symptoms.
An overdose occurs when a person has a dangerous reaction from using too much of a drug. The response to unpredictable substances like synthetic drugs can result in severe, harmful symptoms or death. Taking these drugs can result in toxic reactions, elevated blood pressure and reduced blood supply to the heart.
Synthetic drugs can also cause heart complications such as a heart attack. They might even lead to kidney damage and seizures. The risk of death increases when synthetic opioids like fentanyl are added to the mixture without the user’s knowledge.
Many of these synthetic opioids are more potent than heroin and morphine and thus have the potential to cause a fatal overdose. In 2020, more than 56,000 people died from synthetic opioid-related overdoses.
Signs of a synthetic opioid overdose include:
Symptoms such as pinpoint pupils, coma and respiratory depression are highly suggestive of opioid poisoning. It’s essential that you alert medical services right away if you suspect someone you know is overdosing from synthetic drugs.
The long-term effects of addiction go even further than the physical symptoms. Individuals might deal with legal, economic and relationship difficulties that often arise as a result of substance use:
Ending your relationship with substances is a courageous step toward recovery, though you don’t have to go at it alone. When you enter a synthetic drug addiction treatment center, you’ll find a highly-trained medical staff eager to support you through the process.
Stability, encouragement and accountability are all staples of rehabilitation programs, where you can work toward overcoming addiction and restoring your overall health. You’ll appreciate several benefits of synthetic drug addiction treatment programs:
One of the most beneficial aspects of addiction treatment centers is the sense of belonging they provide. In treatment, you’ll have endless opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals. This way, you can overcome obstacles along the way and support others on their paths to sobriety. Individual and group treatments address the social recovery issues associated with substance use and help you heal with the support of others.
Interventions might address how to avoid or reduce contact with high-risk people or places, resolve relationship issues and develop new friendships. The friendships you make in recovery can become a supportive network to prevent relapse and help you post-treatment. Support groups can also help you improve your communication and teach you how to ask for help from others. Additionally, you’ll learn to engage in substance-free social activities and hobbies to successfully recover and improve your quality of life.
Individuals battling substance use disorder tend to have chaotic lifestyles. The lack of structure can make it difficult for them to stay sober. They may have unhealthy coping mechanisms to deal with the stressors in their lives and have difficulties keeping organized. As a result, addiction treatment programs focus on structure and stability to help people overcome this complex disease.
You can appreciate around-the-clock care and supervision while following a treatment plan that emphasizes daily routines and productive activities. These customized programs can help shield you from substances, keep you engaged and help prevent relapse as you learn to replace unhealthy behaviors with positive ones.
When you enter an addiction treatment facility, you’ll work with a team professional team of doctors, therapists and counselors to support you on your recovery journey. Specialists can help you avoid substances by working on healthy coping mechanisms and holding you accountable to meet your sobriety goals.
You’ll also attend group therapy and support groups to help others reach their goals. Together, you can work to overcome substance use problems and prevent relapses post-treatment. The accountability provided by peers and professionals in treatment centers can help you stay healthy and safe.
You’ll appreciate support and accountability when you have peers and professionals waiting to hear from you in residential or outpatient treatment.
Treatment programs emphasize improving the mind and body. Through productive activities and healthy meals, you’ll work on restoring your physical and mental health and learn the healthy habits you can take with you post-treatment.
Chronic substance use can negatively affect your brain and body, making it difficult to overcome addiction. That’s why most treatment centers provide nutritionally-dense meals and supplements to restore your body and give you the strength needed to overcome addiction. They also promote regular exercise and art therapies to rejuvenate your spirit. These activities can provide the optimism and energy required for recovery.
Examples of recreational activities provided at synthetic drug addiction treatment centers include:
The following are our answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about synthetic drug addiction treatment:
There are several types of synthetic drugs. The most common ones include:
When a person displays signs of acute synthetic drug intoxication, you should seek immediate emergency medical services. You can also call the Poison Control Center at 800-222-1222 if necessary.
Bath salts are often marketed as bath salts, plant food, incense, potpourri or research chemicals. They’re often sold in gas stations, head shops or novelty stores in small shiny packets. They may come in liquids, powders or crystals and have various names, such as:
Due to their ever-changing chemicals and risks, medically monitored detox is necessary for synthetic drug addiction. Many may experience severe and dangerous effects when attempting to quit these substances on their own, which is why professional treatment is crucial. Health providers can treat a patient’s withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings to prevent relapse.
Synthetic drug addiction treatment centers might use Suboxone or Vivitrol to treat withdrawal symptoms and help patients experience a smoother recovery process. These medicines are not a substitute for ongoing treatment, though they can help patients taper drugs from their systems and comfortably attend individual and group therapy sessions.
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