Discouraging Facts & Figures About Synthetic Drug Addiction

 

Have you heard about news stories where some folks were taken to hospitals because they were walking around town “dazed” or were having “altered states of minds”? Well, I've heard of a couple of them, and in most cases the folks who were dazed and confused often exhibited violent or outrageous behaviors, because of their addiction to synthetic drugs! Read on to earn more about the discouraging facts and figures about synthetic drug addiction. 

What are These, and Why are Many Addicted to Them?

According to experts on dangerous drugs, synthetic drug addiction is on the rise today, especially among young adults, is because they're believed to give people a “safe” high. In addition, it's quite easy to acquire these, as one can find them in smoke shops, convenience stores and online venues. 

For example, there's something called synthetic marijuana, which is believed to be 800 times more potent than its natural, plant-based counterpart (and sells for just $30 per gram). Since these drugs are man-made, the drug's potency is literally in the hands of the manufacturer, and every dose is different too (and they're so sneaky that regular drug tests won't easily pick them up). 

Who Usually Falls Prey to Synthetic Drugs?

According to dangerous drugs experts, the ones who often fall prey to synthetic drug addiction are young teenagers, recovering drug addicts and convicted felons. The young folks are usually aged from 12 to 17 years old, and are a prime target because of their curiosity and gullibility. 

Those who recover from an addiction to heroin, cocaine and methamphetamine also see these synthetic drugs as “safer” alternatives to the more dangerous concoctions, so much that they could be taking something stronger than anything they've used before. And of course, convicted felons use these stuff in prisons, because they know that these won't easily show up in drug tests. 

What Types of Synthetic Drugs are Readily Available Today?

According to law enforcement officials, there's a designer drug in the works in a laboratory somewhere in the planet today, and what's sad is that the authorities just can't keep up with the influx of new, and even more dangerous variants. 

For starters, one of the drug called Spice and K2, which are actually street names for synthetic marijuana. These are often sold in small, silver plastic bags which look like dried leaves. What's bad is that these are often advertised as legal and safe! 

Next, there's Molly or ecstasy, which are referred to as MDMA, and are a common fixture as colored pills in night clubs, music festivals and dance clubs. Most often believe it's only ecstasy, but the truth is that the pill could be laced by something more potent, and more dangerous. 

There are even synthetic opioids like fentanyl, and synthetic cocaine, which can be easily sourced online, and are often labeled as 'research chemicals” or even “plant food”. These are also sold under street names like Amplified, Mint Mania and Mind Melt, and are fueling much of the global synthetic drug addiction. 

So, how do you stop, or contain the world's synthetic drug addiction? Well, there are many options available today, and these include enrolling patients in the 12 Step Program, or by placing them in various inpatient and outpatient programs.  

However, the type of treatment may depend on the severity of the condition. Like for example, if the patient is already addicted, then he or she may require 24/7 care in an inpatient treatment program.

Fast, Furious Facts about Fentanyl Addiction

 

According to drug enforcement experts in the United States, 67,367 people in 2018 died from drug-related overdose, which was nearly double the number in 2017. Around 31, 335 of these people died from an overdose due to a synthetic opioid called fentanyl. So, what is fentanyl, how does it affect its users and how can people overcome it? Read on to learn more fast, furious facts about fentanyl addiction. 

Fentanyl is a Powerful Synthetic Drug for Treating Chronic Pain

Doctors use fentanyl for treating patients who suffer from severe or chronic pain, especially after surgical procedures. Fentanyl is a synthetic drug which belongs to the prescription opioid class. However, because it's like morphine (but 50 to 100 times more powerful) a lot of folks easily get addicted to it. 

Today, fentanyl addiction is the newest drug threat to the planet, and its strength and potency has made it so popular for recreational use and abuse. Drug dealers often mix fentanyl with heroin to increase its potency, and then they sell fentanyl itself as heroin, which explains why  many users think they're taking pure heroin. 

How Do Addicts Use Fentanyl?

Fentanyl can be used in many ways, although this may depend on the intention of use. When used properly, clinicians and doctors provide it for patients in a monitored setting. Fentanyl is available via an intramuscular shot, a patch on the skin or cough drop-like lozenges. 

But, when used illicitly, fentanyl comes in different forms like pressed pills, powder, dropped onto blotted paper, eyedroppers and nasal sprays.  

The Effects of Using Fentanyl

Those who fall prey to fentanyl addiction often get a strong, pleasurable high, which leaves them feeling relaxed, euphoric and calm. Users also report “nodding out”, which refers to the blissful shift between states of semi-consciousness and alertness. But, when the high is over, the addict will continue to take fentanyl again. 

The other less pleasurable side effects of fentanyl use include drowsiness, confusion, slowed breathing, constipation and nausea. And like all opioids, fentanyl can also slow down breathing and heart rate, which can further lead to difficulties in breathing and potential respiratory arrest. 

What's the Best Way to Treat an Addiction to Fentanyl?

Perhaps the most frightening thing about fentanyl addiction is that it's much easier to overdose on it than on other opioids, because of its amazing potency. And, fentanyl-laced heroin can make things worse, because substances that are laced with fentanyl are usually to blame for many accidental overdoses.   

Thankfully, there are a number of ways to treat fentanyl addiction. For starters, drug and alcohol treatment centers an help treat substance abuse issues. Much of these programs are well-equipped and well-staffed to handle the complex conditions of fentanyl abuse. 

Most fentanyl addicts begin with a medically-supervised detoxification process, after which they transition to another level of care, depending on their treatment program. Next, patients are provided with the tools and resources required to enable them to return to their normal lives.

How to Counter the Evils of Over-the-counter Drug Addiction

 

If you think that the usual cough, cold or headache medications that you normally see on the shelves of pharmacies and drug stores are used properly by everyone, think again. In fact, the  truth is that over-the-counter (OTC) medications are generally available without a prescription, and are often safe at recommended doses. However, they can also be abused. But, even though these are less potent (or as harsh) as other substances like cocaine or ecstasy, they can still pose a high risk for developing a nasty addiction. Read on to learn more on what steps are being done to counter the evils of over the counter drug addiction. 

Even Recreational Addiction to OTC Drugs Can Alter the Brain

Whether the person is addicted to cough medicines like dextromethorphan, or cold medications like pseudoephedrine, or motion sickness pills, over the counter drug addiction in the long run may alter or damage the brain's chemistry. 

According to health experts, OTC drug addicts eventually build a tolerance to the drug, which prompts them to require more of the substance to get the previous effects. And, even when they stopped using the drug already, the person may develop withdrawal symptoms that are hard to control. 

The most common symptoms of  over the counter drug addiction include irritability, confusion, agitation, anxiety, depression and mood changes. The problem with this type of substance addiction is that it can be difficult to spot. 

For example, OTC medications like Tylenol and other cough medications do not carry the same dangerous image as illicit substances like ecstasy, opium and cocaine. Thus, most folks don't see them as addictive, and many of their loved ones or friends will not know that they're already addicted to it. 

The Grim Statistics of OTC Abuse

Some of the signs of over the counter drug addiction include continuing to use the drug despite knowing the consequences, and spending too much time and money using or getting them. In 2005, the US Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) issued a warning regarding dextromethorphan  abuse after a series of incidences caused by the medication. 

The World Health Organization also notes that around 3.1 million young adults aged 12 to 25 have used non-prescription cough and cold medications just to get high. An estimated 4% of 12^th graders in the United States have also been noted to have abused some form of cough medicine.  

The Treatment/Intervention Options for OTC Addiction 

According to drug intervention specialists, those who suffer from over the counter drug addiction have  a lot of effective treatment options to choose from, whether it's individual or group therapy, mental health counseling, and psychotherapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). 

There are also inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation programs and interventions which allow recovering addicts to stay sober, improve their lives and get helpful resources for preventing a relapse. 

Recovering addicts can also attend 12-step groups like Narcotics Anonymous (or any group that resembles this in their hometown), where they are afforded the love and guidance by fellow recovering substance abusers and their guidance counselors.