Addiction to Synthetic Drugs

Recent years have seen the rise of a new drug mutation. In an effort to evade drug laws and avoid a positive result in a drug test, marijuana users have taken to a new substance to achieve the pot-like high. Referred to as synthetic marijuana, K2 or spice, the substance is actually not marijuana and not all that closely related to the original, natural product either.

While the drug is designed to produce an effect similar to THC in the body through the use of cannabinoids (and other various substances) sprayed on non-marijuana herbs, it is actually far more dangerous than natural marijuana and often much stronger, depending on the compounds in the particular blend.

The drug is also highly addictive—far more than natural marijuana—making fake pot addiction a new area for drug addiction and treatment professionals to address. Many users have experienced disturbing hallucinations, psychotic episodes and convulsions. For some, use of this synthetic drug substance has resulted in death.

The Appeal

One thing that marijuana users typically appreciate about the traditional form of the drug is that it is, essentially, a natural plant. Unlike lab-created drug products such as crystal meth, cocaine, or ecstasy, it is generally the case with marijuana that what you see is what you get. Relative to other drugs, the high and any other side effects of the drug are fairly predictable.

However, new methods of drug testing for K2 may put an end to its popularity. Synthetic marijuana is not detectable in most drug tests; however, it is possible to test for metabolites of this designer drug in urine ensuring that the drug is not completely invisible in the body.

It is important to note that this drug, though a synthetic, is by no means safer than its natural counterpart. Research on the effects of K2 is in the beginning stages, but more and more is being discovered about what sorts of compounds these mixtures actually contain and how they affect the body. At this point, medical and drug professionals have only the several cases of misuse resulting in death as their guide to the many potential risks of the drug. As scientists are able to better analyze the contents of the drug mixture, lawmakers will continue pushing to see these components banned.

Addiction and Treatment

Currently, synthetic cannabinoids appeal to younger males, typically the under-thirty crowd. As use of this lab-produced herbal mixture increases, addiction and treatment professionals must find new ways to address the problem of addiction to the substance and the psychological effects of use, many of which are more severe than traditional marijuana and, given the anonymous nature of the substance, largely unknown and unpredictable.

Synthetic marijuana use, abuse, and addiction among younger drug users are of special concern. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, synthetic marijuana is “the second most used illicit drug among high school seniors.”

It is important to help your child to understand the many risks of synthetic marijuana. If you suspect your teenager may be using synthetic marijuana and are wondering what to do when your child has a drug addiction of this nature, begin by speaking with a professional at a local drug treatment center for advice on how to best proceed in getting help for your child.

Inhalant Addiction Can Become Life Threatening

There are many popular drugs available today, but one of the most destructive types is a class all its own known as inhalants. These drugs provide a "high" feeling and teenagers as well as adults are at risk. Inhalants are more commonly used by teenagers and oftentimes, those who start using at a young age continue to do so well into adulthood.

Many of the inhalants that we commonly classify as drugs are regular products that are often found in most households. For example, products such as shoe polish, glue, alcohol based markers and aerosol spray cans are all household products which are identified as inhalants. The "beauty" of inhalants is that when they are huffed or inhaled, they create a feeling of pure bliss, but often result in slurred speech as well as slow loss of muscle control.

Most people don't understand that addiction to inhalants can result in sudden death. What's even more shocking is that there are no warning signs as to when death can occur. For some, one huff can kill them and for others, it may take several uses. Statistics in the United States alone show that one in every five students has already used inhalants at some point before they reach the age of 13.

Common symptoms and signs found in those who are addicted to inhalants are:

-irritability
-sudden weight loss
-dizziness
-confusion
-a constant euphoric state
-lethargy
-delirium
-disorientation
-impaired judgment
-drowsiness
-muscle weakness

There is no lack of danger involved when people decide to use inhalants. In fact, the dangers are more likely to increase as many of the users are mere children. It is very important to take action if you know someone who is using inhalants, as each day of use brings them closer to death. Never take chances with a loved one and know that drugs in any form can be toxic, often causing permanent damage.

Addiction and Recovery

It can be very hard for a person with an addiction to face their problem head on. It can feel overwhelming and embarrassing. However the first step is admitting that there is a problem which needs to be fixed.

Substance abuse is often used by people who feel that they need to escape from their day to day lives. They take drugs in order to alter their mood and create feelings of happiness.

This type of abuse does not just happen with illicit drugs, but also with perfectly legal substances like alcohol.

This type of abuse starts out innocently enough many times. Often a person at a party, or with some friends decides to try some drugs that are available. They usually believe that there is no way they could become addicted, but as the usage increases the chemical dependency on the drug also increases. After this dependency kicks in it can be very difficult to get over the habit.

Using any abusing any drug for a long period of time has terrible consequences that come along with it. From a mental perspective you will find that your ability to think clearly has been compromised. Making good decisions becomes far more difficult. You will also suffer from terrible mood swings and will have a hard time functioning when you are not high. From a physical perspective you can severely damage your brain, lungs, heart and other essential bodily functions.

Anyone who is addicted to drugs can recover. There are numerous rehab facilities out there that want to give you the help that you need. Leaning on your friends and family and creating a support network is a great way to begin this process. You do not have to let the drugs beat you. You can take control of your life and rebuild it into something better.