The world of drugs is as extensive as it is varied. Different classifications exist to distinguish between types of substances based on various factors. For example, according to the effects they produce, we can find depressant drugs, stimulant drugs, or hallucinogenic drugs. Another type of classification is based on the composition and manufacturing process of these substances. In this case, a distinction is made between drugs of natural origin or drugs of chemical origin. The latter are what we know as synthetic drugs, generally manufactured in a laboratory. In our article today, we will focus on this type of drugs and see what characteristics they have and which are the most commonly consumed today.
What are synthetic drugs?
A synthetic drug is a substance created artificially through the manipulation of chemical products. This substance produces a series of direct effects on the central nervous system, such as inhibiting pain, altering perceptions, and modifying the consumer’s mood. Synthetic drugs were initially active ingredients that were abandoned by pharmaceutical industries due to their harmful effects. However, these substances were salvaged and distributed in various eye-catching presentations (tablets, capsules, powders, or liquids) for consumption as drugs.
Many synthetic drugs are sold as designer drugs to make them attractive to young people. Furthermore, these substances are synthesized with current legality closely in mind, altering the original composition of the drug on which they are based to prevent them from being classified as illegal. However, as authorities update their databases on new drugs on the market and classify them as illegal, the people who produce synthetic drugs change their recipe to continue their illegal business.
Manufacturers of this type of drug sell them both on the Internet and in stores, but with a label that reads “not for human consumption.” Likewise, they market them as plant fertilizer, herbal incense, or bath salts. In this way, they intend to avoid problems with the authorities regarding the addictive use made by buyers, stating that they clearly indicate they are not suitable for human consumption.
Effects of synthetic drugs
Most of these drugs cause a series of psychoactive effects that inhibit pain, alter visual and acoustic perceptions, and improve mood. However, one of the greatest dangers of synthetic drugs is the lack of knowledge regarding their composition, as questionable chemical products are normally used. This makes them potentially dangerous psychoactive substances, as there is no record of some of the consequences their consumption can cause. Despite the mentioned “positive” effects, the negative ones are much more numerous in proportion and all of them are very dangerous, both in the short and long term.
In the short term, the effects can be many, among which we find:
- Memory loss
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Lack of appetite
- Sleep disorders
- Panic attacks
- Aggressiveness
- Strokes
- Thrombosis
- Hyperthermia
- Death (in very high doses)
On the other hand, it has been observed how, in the long term, the neurological damage produced can be irreversible.
Most commonly consumed synthetic drugs
There are a multitude of drugs of this type on the market, mainly due to the constant appearance of different versions with recipe changes as older drugs are made illegal. Even so, we will look at some of the most important ones.
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Ecstasy
Also known as MDMA, it is a phenethylamine especially consumed at concerts, music festivals, and nightclubs. Its main appeal is that it enhances the perception of music and lights in these environments. Among its effects, it raises body temperature and the perception of heartbeat and breathing. It can also cause panic attacks and general paranoia. When the effects begin to wear off, it causes cramps in the jaw muscles.
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Synthetic cocaine
This drug chemically mimics cocaine, with the difference that this designer version is legal in most countries. Synthetic cocaine can be purchased through stores and websites, labeled as a research chemical or plant fertilizer. It is consumed by inhalation, in the same way as real cocaine. It has stimulant effects, so it can cause high blood pressure and an increased heart rate. Additionally, it can also cause anxiety and temporary psychotic episodes.
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Synthetic cannabinoids
In this case, these substances mimic the effects of marijuana, although chemically they have nothing in common with each other except that the reaction they cause in the body is similar. The effects of synthetic cannabinoids are four times greater than those produced by marijuana if the drug is consumed by smoking. These drugs produce confusion, agitation, nausea, and dizziness, in addition to increasing the heart rate. There have been cases where they can cause serious heart damage.
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Ketamine
Currently, it is used as a tranquilizer for animals and was discarded at the time as a human anesthetic due to side effects such as agitation and hallucinations. As it is a legal substance, consumers obtain it by stealing it from veterinarians or buying it from those who have no qualms about selling it. Among the effects it causes, we find sedation and a disconnection from self-awareness and one’s own thoughts. Prolonged consumption can cause irreversible damage to the bladder to the point of destroying it.
CCAdicciones is an addiction treatment centre where we have the best professionals to help you if you are addicted to any drug or have any other addiction. Get in touch with us if you think you need help to regain control of your life.
