Most illegal drugs are derived from natural substances, whether that is the opium used to create heroin or the coca leaves used to produce cocaine. Synthetic drugs, on the other hand, are composed of man-made chemicals. Produced in a laboratory setting, they’re designed to mimic the pharmacological effects of illegal substances while being different enough to bypass existing laws.
The synthetic drug addiction treatment program at BlueCrest Recovery helps people overcome their dependence on any of these manufactured substances. With years of experience helping people overcome addiction and regain control of their lives, our professionals know the road to recovery isn’t easy. Using a holistic approach to evidence-based therapies, we help our clients stay fulfilled and engaged in our substance abuse treatment programs. If you struggle with addiction, call 888.292.9652 to learn more about recovering in our synthetic drug addiction treatment program.
The Dangers of Synthetic Drugs
Modern technology and years of science have led to tremendous breakthroughs in medicine and supplements. Synthetic drugs work to alter standardized substances to produce euphoric or other desirable effects for people to use recreationally. Often, they are designed to imitate illicit or highly regulated substances with small tweaks in order to be sold over the counter in head shops and gas stations.
Unfortunately, even a small alteration to the chemical structure of a substance can have profound implications for the health and safety of users. Popular among high school students as well as adults, such designer drugs nonetheless contain dangerous chemicals that may lead to addiction, serious harm, or even death.
Why Has Synthetic Drug Abuse Become so Common?
Given the dangers, why do so many people rush to fill their bodies with these toxic substances? Why have synthetic drugs become the recreation of choice for a growing segment of the population?
One reason is accessibility. Chemists are able to create new varieties with alarming speed by making only minor changes to the chemical structure of existing substances. As a result, the law has a hard time catching up to the ever-changing nature of synthetic drugs, and people looking for mind-altering substances can easily buy them on the internet, at a local gas station, or through a friend.
Another reason is marketing. Typically produced in foreign countries such as China and then smuggled into the United States, such designer drugs often come in colorful packaging with fun names such as “Spice” and “Cotton Cloud.” Suppliers also mislead buyers by claiming their products are similar to existing drugs, such as marijuana, although they bear little resemblance to more traditional drugs.
Popular Synthetic Drugs
The term “synthetic drugs” encompasses many different types of substances. Some of the most common synthetic drugs you’ll hear about include, but are not limited to:
Synthetic Marijuana
Also known as K2, Spice, or fake weed, synthetic marijuana may sound like its natural counterpart, but otherwise, it has little in common with the cannabis people have been smoking for centuries. A chemical substance sprayed onto dried plant material, its effects are not only different from marijuana but far more dangerous.
Bath Salts
A group of synthetic stimulants known collectively as “bath salts” have been known to cause everything from hallucinations to chest pains, high blood pressure, physical dependence, and even death.
Synthetic Opioids
Synthetic opioids such as fentanyl have played a key role in driving the opioid epidemic that has devastated entire communities and regions of the country. These drugs were responsible for 31% of overdoses in 2016. Illicitly made fentanyl is often cut into other drugs, like cocaine, heroin, manufactured pills, and even marijuana, which can easily cause an overdose.
Synthetic Drug Addiction Treatment in NJ at BlueCrest Recovery
BlueCrest Recovery Center in New Jersey is one of many synthetic drug addiction treatment programs across the nation. Our partial care program offers hope to people who want to break the bonds of synthetic drug abuse and regain their independence. Participants in our synthetic abuse rehab meet for a few hours multiple days per week to deal with the underlying issues that contribute to their addiction.
We encourage New Jersey residents who need help overcoming synthetic drug abuse to contact us at 888.292.9652 for more information about our synthetic drug abuse recovery program.
