Updated 01/23/2020
For some people, regular drugs are not enough. Instead, they are looking for a stronger high and more pronounced effects with their drug use. If this is the case, they may turn to designer drugs.
What Are Designer Drugs?
A designer drug is a drug whose properties have been chemically and illegally altered in a lab to mimic other drugs, but with new and often more powerful effects on the brain and the body. Typically, these drugs originate from plants, but their chemistry is altered. These drugs are also called synthetic drugs, because of their chemical creation, or club drugs, because of their common recreational use in nightclubs. They can also be addictive and many people may need a PHP or another treatment program in order to stop their use.
Examples of Designer Drugs
There are several types of designer drugs and because they are created in mostly illegal labs, their chemical makeups can also range drastically.
Some of the more common types of designer drugs include:
- MDMA (Ecstasy, Molly)
- Rohypnol (Roofies or a date rape drug)
- LSD (Acid)
- Methamphetamine (Meth or Crystal Meth)
- Ketamine (K, Special K)
- Alpha-PVP (Flakka)
- Synthetic marijuana (Spice, K2)
- U-4700 (U4, Pink)
- GHB (Gamma hydroxybutyrate)
- Bath salts – synthetic drugs related to cathinone and often marked “not for human consumption”
While these drugs may be popular at dance clubs or music festivals, these altered substances also come with many dangers.
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Dangers of Designer Drugs
These club drugs, while seemingly harmless for a fun night out, can have devastating results. Designer drugs are so dangerous because their potency and chemical makeup can vary greatly depending on where it was made. These underground chemistry labs are not regulated, and the result can be irregular ingredient amounts as well as the presence of other potentially harmful drugs. If designer drugs are laced with another drug that the consumer is not aware of, it could lead to overdose. Also, because they lack uniformity, designer drugs can lead to dangerous side effects like hallucinations, dizziness, violent outbreaks, headaches, vomiting, heart complications, and more. Not to mention the fact that because these drugs are often taken in a party environment, many users will also consume alcohol at the same time that can make these side effects worse or lead to even more health problems. These synthetic drugs can also be addictive. What starts as recreational and occasional drug use can shift into a serious drug dependence that requires treatment to kick the habit.
Designer drugs may seem like a fun time in college or for one night out, but they can have devastating consequences on a person’s life as well as everyone around them. If you suspect that someone you love is using designer drugs, our drug rehab in Chicago could be the answer. At Banyan Treatment Center Chicago, we work with people who suffer from designer drug addictions to help them avoid such a dangerous and uncertain future from these risky concoctions.
Whether you require medically-monitored detox or PHP treatment, if you or someone you know is looking for help to deal an addiction problem, you should reach out to our drug and alcohol treatment center immediately.
Whether you are trying to stop drinking or looking for prescription pill treatment in Chicago, if you or someone you know has a substance abuse problem, you should reach out to us immediately. Contact us today at 888-280-4763 to start taking steps in the right direction.
