Many drugs are becoming increasingly accessible and even more worrying. Some illegal substances come from natural products, like plants, but designer drugs are developed in a laboratory. This article will examine some of the most common types of these chemically enhanced drugs. Seek out proper substance abuse treatment if your loved one is struggling to overcome addiction.
Types of Designer Drugs
All designer drugs began as a naturally-occurring substance, such as a type of plant. However, the substance is then altered in a laboratory to change how it behaves in the human body. These substances affect the brain differently. For example, to increase the buzz or alter the mood differently. Some common types of designer drugs include:
- MDMA (ecstasy, E)
- Ketamine
- GHB
- Rohypnol
- LSD (acid)
- Methamphetamine
Many of these drugs are known as “club drugs” because they are often used in nightclubs or parties. The list also includes “date rape” drugs, such as Rohypnol, designed to act as a tranquilizer. Another term for designer drugs is synthetics. Some “legal highs” are synthetically created, and there is little legislation to safeguard potential users. Nevertheless, these are still designer drugs and are risky, unpredictable, and addictive. Many people assume “legal highs” are safe simply because they are currently legal. However, cigarettes are legal, and yet it is well-known that they are dangerous. Another reason designer drugs are dangerous is the secrecy surrounding the industry. A drug dealer will not know who he is buying his stock from, where they got it, or what’s in it. It’s highly unlikely that the average dealer will know who the manufacturer of his stock is, or how many times the substance had changed hands before it got to them.
Drug Addiction
Designer drugs are as addictive as any other type of drug. There have been incidents of ketamine addiction, as well as Rohypnol, GHB, and more. Rohypnol is a benzo, which is a group of medicines notorious for their addictive side effects. Another danger of designer drugs is the uncertainty of what each pill contains. Some manufacturers cut their drugs with cheap, filler products, or even other drugs. Mixing drugs can be highly dangerous, and there is no guarantee that one pill contains what it is supposed to. Thousands of people have lost their lives because of a contaminant mixed in with their drug. There are also many different batches of designer drugs that have been created for various recipes by different people. Designer drugs even have increased addictive qualities deliberately. The good news is, there is plenty of help available if you or a loved one are struggling with drug addiction. Residential treatment programs have never been better, and they integrate mental health support into patients’ treatment plans. This gives you or your loved one a much better chance at a full recovery. Coupled with excellent aftercare, you or your loved one can take back your life.
Substance Abuse Treatment at Oceanfront Recovery Center
We are based in a stunning location at the Oceanfront Recovery Center, just two blocks from the Pacific Ocean. It’s the perfect place to recover from substance abuse or drug addiction problems. All our technology is up-to-date, and we provide fashionable and comfortable facilities. The Oceanfront Recovery Center offers treatment for a wide range of substance addictions, as well as a variety of mental health problems. Some of the treatment programs we offer include:
- Alcohol addiction treatment program
- Benzodiazepine addiction treatment program
- Meth addiction treatment program
- Polysubstance addiction treatment program
- OCD treatment program
- Bipolar disorder treatment program
We accept most insurance policies and have a supportive and helpful admissions staff. We also offer an excellent aftercare program to ensure that your recovery is for life. Our friendly, highly-skilled staff are here to help. If you or a loved one need to talk to someone about designer drugs, call the Oceanfront Recovery Center today on 877.296.7477.