Designer drugs are lab-formulate drugs designed to create specific outcomes. These are highly dangerous drugs because they tend to be more potent than their original, natural counterparts. They are also produced in labs where there are no control measures or regulations. For those with drug addiction, treatment can be effective if embraced fully. At Sierra Sage Recovery Services, we provide you with the help and support you need to achieve that goal.
What Are Designer Drugs?
The goal of designer drugs is to make new versions of illicit drugs to be sold legally. However, these drugs are not regulated, and the drug combinations created can be dangerous. There are thousands of these types of drugs made each year, often in home labs or overseas. There is no oversight into what is included in them, and, in many cases, the combination of drugs can be dangerous on the first dose.
Some examples of these drugs include:
- Synthetic cathinone, a stimulant drug, is made to create pleasure, increase attention, and improve focus.
- Synthetic cannabinoids: These drugs aim to mimic marijuana but can be numerous times more potent, causing intense relaxation, altered perception, psychosis, and a sense of elevated mood.
- Synthetic phenethylamines: These drugs are designed to be a hallucinogen, which means they cause a person to feel detached from their body.
Each of these designer drugs is made up of a combination of chemicals and other artificial substances. Each batch may be different, and there is no way to know what’s included in them without extensive testing.
What Happens When You Use Designer Drugs?
The side effects of designer drugs vary significantly based on the type of drug it is. Most of the time, these drugs cause high, a feeling in which a person feels pleasure and euphoria. They are also often addictive, which means a person cannot stop using them without professional help and medication aid. Some of the most common side effects of these drugs include:
- Drops in heart rate and respirations contributing to the risk of passing out
- Intense euphoria
- Amnesia or losing track of time
- Panic attacks
- Hallucinations
- Paranoia
- Inability to sleep
Some people may blackout and not remember what’s happened to them. This is one way designer drugs can be specifically harmful as they can be used as a date rape drug. Other times, these drugs can cause an immediate overdose, requiring emergency medical care. Sometimes can lead to death as well.
Each time a designer drug is used, the outcome can be different. Sometimes a person may have a seizure, while other times, they may experience nausea and vomiting. They can often also lead to legal problems, a decline in cognitive function, and reckless behavior.
How to Get Help for Drug Addiction Like This
If you are using these drugs and are unable to stop doing so on your out, our team can help you. Reach out to us to learn more about the programs we can offer to help you stop using for good. That includes programs such as:
- Partial hospitalization program
- Intensive outpatient treatment program
- Outpatient treatment program
- Aftercare treatment programs
- Dual diagnosis treatment programs
You will also have access to a wide range of therapies designed to provide you with ample support and healing.
Engage in Treatment to Overcome Your Addiction – Call Sierra Sage Recovery Services Today
Designer drugs are dangerous, whether taken once or consistently. Addiction treatment begins by talking to our team at Sierra Safe Recovery Services. Learn more about our substance abuse program and how it can reclaim your health and your future. Learn more when you call 833.922.2884 or reach out to us online.
