Are synthetic drugs bad? The term synthetic means that the drugs are made by people rather than found in nature. It is common for doctors to prescribe these types of drugs to patients to treat conditions. However, illegal synthetic drugs are different. These drugs have a unique impact on the function of the brain. They can be very dangerous. At Crestview Recovery, we encourage you to learn more about these drugs and why they can be problematic.
What Can Synthetic Drugs Do to You?
Synthetic drugs are unique combinations of substances created in labs. The drugs you are using are likely to be a unique combination – one that is made by someone experimenting in some cases. That means you do not know what is in them. You also do not know what these drugs can do to you. Your reaction may be very different from what happens to other people, too. Take a look at some of the most significant effects of these drugs.
Aggressive Behavior
Some people taking synthetic drugs find themselves experiencing intense emotions. This can lead to aggressive behavior. Bath salts are one type of synthetic drug that can cause this. They also create hallucinations, which makes a person believe there are things present that are not. They are very addictive and lead to violence in some situations.
Hallucinations
Many of these drugs have a hallucinogenic effect. Hallucinations are dangerous because they can create intense feelings and make you react in a way that is not appropriate. Flakka or gravel is a type of drug like this that takes just a small amount of it to create intense hallucinations. Some people compare the impact to that of LSD. You may feel high when using this drug, but you may also find yourself overwhelmed by hallucinations.
Unknown Substances
Perhaps what is one of the most worrisome dangers of these drugs is the unknown. Each batch of these drugs is a mixture of ingredients that can change from one batch to the next. In some cases, these drugs may cause you to be unable to think clearly. Other times, the same product may cause you to feel intense fear or emotion. Because these drugs are often contaminated with other drugs, the impact you have may range widely from one situation to another.
Physical Changes
Aside from the psychological impact of synthetic drugs, they can also create physical changes to your health. This may include:
- Seizures
- Depressed heart rate
- Depression respirations
- Heart rhythm issues
- Feeling ill
The key to remember about these drugs is that they are very addictive. Some people may experience them for the first time and find they are ideal because of the way they can create a euphoric feeling. Yet, this is fleeting. Your brain, though, can remember it and seek out that type of high again. This can put your health at risk. More so, every time you use, the results can be different. That means there is always a risk of an overdose occurring.
You Can Get Help If You’re Using These Drugs
If you’re using synthetic drugs, now is the time to get help for them. At Crestview Recovery, we offer a wide range of treatment programs to support you through this process. That includes a comprehensive set of therapies designed to support you through recovery including:
- Individual therapy programs
- Group therapy programs
- 12 step recovery
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Mindfulness meditation therapy
Explore Your Future with Help from Crestview Recovery
Our team at Crestview Recovery is dedicated to working closely with you for all of your needs. If you’re using synthetic drugs and you are ready to reclaim your life and future, contact our team today. Call our rehab center today at 866.262.0531 to get the support you need.
Since 2016, Dr. Merle Williamson, a graduate of Oregon Health Sciences University, has been the Medical Director at Crestview Recovery, bringing a rich background in addiction medicine from his time at Hazelden Treatment Center. He oversees outpatient drug and alcohol treatments, providing medical care, setting policies, detox protocols, and quality assurance measures. Before specializing in addiction medicine, he spent 25 years in anesthesiology, serving as Chair of Hospital Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee and Chief of Anesthesia at Kaiser Permanente. This experience gives him a unique perspective on treating prescription drug addiction.
