Synthetic Drug Addiction

There is a dangerous drug phenomenon sweeping across the globe related to synthetic drug addiction . Synthetic marijuana, Molly and the drug known as Gravel (the main ingredients of which are Klonopin and bath salts) are among the leaders.

How dangerous are these Drugs?

With two states passing legislation to legalize marijuana and dialog continuing for other states to follow suit – it is important to note that synthetic marijuana is not the same thing. In many instances, the material used in synthetic marijuana includes potpourri and then chemicals, in some cases household cleaning products, is applied to this material.

“Molly”, another synthetic drug, known that is not the version by the same name that is primarily MDMA or Ecstasy, but a chemical concoction produced in clandestine labs that the US Drug Enforcement Administration warns is highly toxic.

Still, a new drug making its way across the U.S. is “Gravel” – a combination of bath salts (not the kind you bathe in) and the seizure medication Klonopin. While “bath salts” is not a new drug, the composite of “Gravel” has made it difficult for emergency departments to detect and treat.

As with other substance abuse, synthetic drugs present the same psychological and physical potential for addiction . The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), poison control centers and medical professionals have witnessed a significant increase in the number of individuals suffering from the side effects of these drugs, and caution to the toxic abilities including extreme psychosis that have led to many suicides.

Side Effects, Signs and Symptoms

Most of these drugs can be ingested in foods or drinks, snorted, injected into the vein, or smoked. Similar to the effects of Ecstasy, feelings of elation and power are the most appealing effects; however those feelings do not last, which results in a craving for more of the drug.

The side effects of synthetic drug addiction include:
• Chest pains/high blood pressure
• Speech problems
• Kidney failure
• Muscle damage
• Extreme psychosis
• Delusions and hallucinations of extreme violence
• Agitation and paranoia
• Seizures/Coma/ Death

Treatment and Recovery

Treating synthetic drug abuse and addiction has been a challenge because up until recently healthcare professionals did not understand the addictive capabilities. There were no tests available to detect abuse and no clear path for treatment. In short, these drugs have been a challenge in addiction treatment.

Medical detox is seen as the preferred method for treatment with intravenous therapy as the most recommended. IV therapy medical detox allows the protocol to be changed for an immediate effect which helps to keep the patient comfortable. After the patient has successfully completed detox, enrolling in a rehab treatment program, or community support group, to help continue sobriety is strongly encouraged.