Designer drugs have been around for years. Still, many people don’t know what they are or how damaging they can be. If you use drugs or you know someone who does, you might be asking, “What are designer drugs and are there risks when you take them?” Knowing about designer drugs and their risks can help you or someone you love stay safe and get sober.
What Are Designer Drugs?
People may refer to designer drugs as synthetic drugs, research chemicals, or research drugs. People manufacture these drugs so they’re chemically similar to substances that already exist but that the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) label as dangerous. Because of legal loopholes, the DEA doesn’t always regulate designer drugs. There are no guidelines the drug producers have to follow in order to make their product safe.
Because the DEA isn’t involved with the production or distribution of the drugs, designer drugs are easy to buy. Some retail outlets and online stores sell them. Some sellers market the drugs as herbal substances.
The government has classified some well-known designer drugs as illicit. Though, that doesn’t mean their popularity has waned. People still seek out, use, and sometimes abuse these substances. Some popular designer drugs over the years include certain types of heroin, cocaine, ecstasy, methamphetamine, synthetic marijuana, and bath salts.
What Are Designer Drugs Side Effects And Risks?
Many designer drugs aren’t illegal to possess. However, that doesn’t mean people won’t face any risks when they take them. Extreme health risks are always present when people use designer drugs, some of which are lethal.
Designer drugs are usually a lot more potent than the drugs they mimic. That means people take much less than the regular version in order to have the same effect. It also means users are far more likely to overdose. What people experience when they overdose varies depending on the drug, but no matter what drug it is, the user can die.
Because manufacturers create them to mimic illicit drugs, designer drugs are also addictive. If users repeatedly abuse them, they’ll build up a tolerance for the substance and will experience withdrawal symptoms when they try to stop using. Once someone develops an addiction, they’ll need outside help in order to get and stay sober.
What Help Is Needed To Recover From Designer Drug Addiction?
Addiction treatment centers are the best options for people struggling with a designer drug addiction. Some treatment centers offer detox programs only, some offer rehabilitation programs only, and some offer both. Detox is the first step for many patients. Rehab, though, is also important, as most of the long-term healing comes from behavioral, holistic, and physical treatment programs that rehab centers offer.
If you or a loved one is struggling with designer drug addiction, help is always an option. Reach out and get the help you need. Call Pinnacle Peak Recovery today at 866-377-4761.
