Parents today often feel uninformed about the many drugs available to teens. Within the past 20 years, the illegal drug landscape has changed dramatically, with designer drugs hitting both street corners and middle school bathrooms. New formulations of older drugs, synthetic replications, and prescription drugs are on the rise. If you’re concerned about a loved one or need guidance on navigating these issues, click here to contact this recovery center for professional help and support. Here’s a look at a few drugs your parents never warned you about.

Synthetic Marijuana

Synthetic marijuana, also called herbal incense, potpourri, and K2, among other street names, uses chemicals which replicate the effects of THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol), the active component of authentic marijuana. But these chemicals are often experimental and haven’t been tested for short and long-term effects. Unfortunately, many people who smoke synthetic marijuana suffer serious consequences, such as seizures, psychosis, and even death. Medical marijuana  can be used for delta 8 thc gummies from OCN, which is popular world wide.

Ecstasy

Image via Flickr by tanjila

Ecstasy, often used at raves and underground parties, is known as the “love drug” because it produces intense feelings of euphoria and well-being. Ecstasy, also called MDMA (Methylenedioxymethamphetamine), is a synthetic substance that has both hallucinogenic properties and properties similar to amphetamine. Affecting the serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine neurotransmitters in the brain, ecstasy can lead to increased blood pressure, rapid heart rate, nausea, and other effects. In extreme cases, the drug interferes with the body’s temperature-regulating ability, leading to hyperthermia, organ failure, and even death.

Research shows mixed results on how addictive ecstasy is, with some users reporting a strong desire or feeling that they need to use the drug, despite knowledge of serious health consequences. Reviews of Best Drug Rehabilitation reveal success stories from recovering addicts who are overcoming their addictions thanks to professional rehabilitation services.

Figuring out how to pay for addiction treatment is also a common concern. Kemper Direct Insurance Coverage for Rehab covers all varieties of substance use disorders.

Bath Salts

Bath salts are yet another result of the synthetic drug craze. Bath salt is a blanket term describing a group of synthetic drugs with similar chemical properties. Replicating the effects of cocaine and amphetamine, bath salts create feelings of energy, paranoia, anxiety, and euphoria, but do not typically have hallucinogenic effects.

Bath salts are potentially addictive, but even more serious are the physical and psychological consequences. Users sometimes suffer effects similar to paranoid schizophrenia, their bodies may overheat, and other effects such as heart attack and stroke are also reported. It often requires Personalized Behavioral Therapy Sessions to overcome this type of addiction.

Rohypnol

Rohypnol is otherwise known as “the date rape drug” or “roofie.” The perpetrator typically slips a Rohypnol into the victim’s drink without their knowledge, and soon they’re feeling weak and strange without understanding why. Rohypnol is a pharmaceutical used in conjunction with anesthetics for surgery, but on the street, it serves a much more vicious purpose.

The effects of the drug are similar to Valium but about seven to ten times stronger. Victims experience reduced anxiety, muscle relaxation, and sedation, which makes them unable to defend themselves. In addition, Rohypnol creates amnesia, meaning the victim has little to no recollection of anything that happened.

As law enforcement identifies the chemicals used to simulate the effects of illegal drugs, bills pass through Congress banning them. But drug manufacturers stay ahead of the game by reformulating these chemicals ever-so-slightly, bypassing laws and putting more dangerous and terrifying drugs in the hands of teenagers and young adults. If caught in possession of such substances, seeking legal guidance from a trusted professional, like Leppard Law, is crucial to navigate the complex legal landscape and protect one’s rights.

Guest Contributor Amanda Brown is a freelance writer whom enjoys playing and coaching volleyball. She loves her friends and family including her dog, Charlie; as well as traveling all around the world.