Synthetic Drugs

Synthetic drugs represent a growing category of substances that are chemically manufactured to mimic the effects of traditional drugs. If you or someone you care about is struggling with synthetic drug use, understanding these substances can be an important first step toward healing. This page provides information about what synthetic drugs are, how to recognize signs of use, and what help is available.

What Are Synthetic Drugs?

Synthetic drugs are laboratory-created substances designed to produce effects similar to illegal drugs like marijuana, cocaine, or heroin. Unlike traditional drugs derived from plants or natural sources, synthetic drugs are manufactured using chemical processes to create new compounds that may be legal when first introduced because they haven't yet been classified as controlled substances [1].

These drugs often go by street names like Spice or K2 (synthetic cannabinoids), Bath salts (synthetic cathinones), NBOMes or N-Bomb (synthetic hallucinogens), Flakka (alpha-PVP), and synthetic opioids (including fentanyl analogues).

What makes synthetic drugs particularly dangerous is their unpredictable nature. The chemical composition can vary significantly between batches, making it impossible for users to know exactly what they're taking or how strong it will be. Many synthetic drugs are also deliberately mislabeled as "not for human consumption" to avoid legal restrictions [2].

Common Signs and Symptoms of Synthetic Drug Use

Recognizing synthetic drug use can be challenging because different synthetic substances can cause varying symptoms. However, there are some common signs to watch for:

Physical symptoms may include elevated body temperature and excessive sweating, rapid heartbeat and high blood pressure, nausea and vomiting, seizures, muscle tension or pain, difficulty breathing, and extreme agitation or anxiety.

Behavioral signs might include paranoia or hallucinations, violent or aggressive behavior, confusion or disorientation, impaired coordination, extreme mood swings, risk-taking behaviors, and withdrawal from family and friends [3].

In severe cases, synthetic drug use can lead to life-threatening complications including heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, or psychosis. These reactions can occur even with first-time use, making these substances particularly unpredictable and dangerous.

How Synthetic Drug Use May Present Differently

Not everyone experiences synthetic drugs the same way. How these substances affect an individual can depend on several factors including body chemistry and metabolism, pre-existing mental health conditions, weight and overall health, other substances in their system, and past drug experiences.

Each category of synthetic drug produces different effects. Synthetic cannabinoids (Spice/K2) often cause more severe psychiatric symptoms than natural cannabis, including acute psychosis, aggression, and suicidal thoughts [3]. Synthetic cathinones (Bath salts) typically produce stimulant effects similar to amphetamines but may cause more intense paranoia, hallucinations, and dangerous physical symptoms [4]. Synthetic hallucinogens can cause profound perceptual distortions, with effects that may last longer and be more intense than traditional hallucinogens.

Synthetic opioids like fentanyl analogues are particularly dangerous because they can be 50-100 times more potent than morphine, significantly increasing overdose risk [5].

What Causes or Triggers Synthetic Drug Use

Understanding the factors that contribute to synthetic drug use can help in addressing the underlying issues. Risk factors include curiosity and experimentation, peer pressure and social influences, attempting to avoid detection in drug tests, seeking stronger effects than traditional drugs provide, self-medication for underlying mental health issues, availability and perceived legal status, and previous substance use disorders.

Young people may be particularly vulnerable to synthetic drug use due to the misleading marketing of these substances as "legal highs" or "herbal products," their relatively low cost, and their availability online or in certain stores [1].

Impact on Daily Life and Relationships

Synthetic drug use can significantly disrupt a person's life and damage important relationships in several ways. Personal impacts include declining performance at work or school, financial difficulties due to spending on drugs, legal problems related to possession or behavior while under the influence, neglect of responsibilities and self-care, and development of tolerance and addiction.

Effects on relationships often include increased conflict with family members and partners, breakdown of trust due to deception about drug use, isolation from loved ones, difficulty maintaining healthy boundaries, and strain on support systems.

Family members often report feeling helpless, afraid, and confused when a loved one is using synthetic drugs. The unpredictable behavior and health risks associated with these substances can create significant emotional burden for everyone involved [7].

Treatment Options for Synthetic Drug Use

Recovery from synthetic drug use is possible with appropriate treatment. For many people, the first step in treatment is supervised detoxification to safely manage withdrawal symptoms. Because synthetic drugs can cause severe physical and psychological symptoms during withdrawal, medical supervision is often necessary to ensure safety and comfort.

Evidence-based therapeutic approaches include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Enhancement Therapy, Contingency Management, family therapy, and group therapy and support groups [6]. Effective treatment typically addresses not just the substance use but also any co-occurring mental health conditions, as many people who use synthetic drugs have underlying issues like depression, anxiety, or trauma.

Care may be provided in various settings depending on individual needs, including inpatient/residential treatment, partial hospitalization programs, intensive outpatient programs, and standard outpatient care. The appropriate level of care depends on factors like the severity of addiction, presence of co-occurring disorders, previous treatment history, and available support systems [6].

Self-Care Strategies and Coping Skills

Recovery involves developing healthy coping mechanisms to replace drug use. For those in recovery, helpful strategies include identifying and avoiding triggers, building a strong support network, developing stress management techniques, establishing healthy routines, engaging in meaningful activities, practicing mindfulness and relaxation techniques, regular exercise and proper nutrition, and setting achievable goals.

Understanding potential relapse warning signs can help prevent return to use. These signs may include romanticizing past drug use, reconnecting with people from drug-using past, isolating from support systems, neglecting self-care, and experiencing increased stress without healthy outlets [7].

How Family Members Can Provide Support

Supporting a loved one with synthetic drug issues requires balance and self-care. Supportive approaches include educating yourself about synthetic drugs and addiction, communicating with compassion and without judgment, setting clear, consistent boundaries, encouraging treatment while respecting autonomy, celebrating progress and recovery milestones, and practicing patience during the recovery process.

Family members should also seek support through groups like Nar-Anon or SMART Recovery Family, consider family therapy, maintain their own physical and emotional health, connect with others who understand similar challenges, and remember that you cannot control another person's choices [7].

Finding Professional Help

When seeking professional help for synthetic drug issues, consider starting with your primary care physician for referrals, SAMHSA's National Helpline (1-800-662-HELP), local mental health or substance use treatment centers, employee assistance programs (if available), or school counselors (for adolescents) [6].

Questions to ask treatment providers include: What experience do you have treating synthetic drug addiction specifically? What treatment approaches do you use? How do you address co-occurring mental health issues? What levels of care do you offer? How do you involve family in treatment? What aftercare support is available?

Treatment can be accessed through private health insurance, Medicaid or Medicare, state-funded programs, sliding scale payment options, or treatment scholarships and financing options.

Related Conditions and Resources

Synthetic drug use often occurs alongside other conditions that may need attention. Related pages you may find helpful include:

• Addiction and Substance Use Disorders

• Co-occurring Mental Health Disorders

• Treatment Locator

Hope for Recovery

Recovery from synthetic drug use is possible. Many people overcome addiction to synthetic substances and go on to lead fulfilling lives. The path to recovery may not be linear and may include setbacks, but with proper support and treatment, healing can occur.

Remember that reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Whether you're struggling yourself or supporting someone who is, taking that first step toward getting information and support is crucial.

References

[1] National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2023). "Synthetic Drugs (K2/Spice, Bath Salts, etc.)." https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/synthetic-drugs-k2spice-bath-salts

[2] Drug Enforcement Administration. (2022). "Synthetic Drugs Fact Sheet." https://www.dea.gov/factsheets/synthetic-drugs

[3] Roberto, A.J., et al. (2023). "A review of synthetic cannabinoids as novel psychoactive substances: Pharmacology, toxicology, and psychiatric implications." Journal of Clinical Psychiatry. https://www.psychiatrist.com/jcp/addiction/substance/synthetic-cannabinoids-review/

[4] Palamar, J.J. (2022). "Bath salts use and related adverse health outcomes." Frontiers in Psychiatry. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/psychiatric-disorders/bath-salts-health-outcomes

[5] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). "Synthetic Opioids and Overdose Prevention." https://www.cdc.gov/drugoverdose/synthetic/index.html

[6] Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2023). "Treatment of Stimulant Use Disorders." https://www.samhsa.gov/resource/ebp/treatment-stimulant-use-disorders

[7] National Alliance on Mental Illness. (2022). "Substance Use Disorders." https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Common-with-Mental-Illness/Substance-Use-Disorders