What are Designer Drugs?

As if narcotics and prescription medications aren’t dangerous enough, there’s always a flow of new drugs hitting the streets. Experts call many of these substances “designer” drugs. It’s gotten to the point where Americans are seldom shocked to hear about a new street drug that’s leaving victims in its path. So, what are designer drugs?

What are Designer Drugs?

Here’s a definition from a medical dictionary–A drug synthesized to have properties similar to a known hallucinogen or narcotic but having a slightly altered chemical structure, usually in order to evade restrictions against illegal substances.

While that may not sound very threatening, there’s some information missing. The amateur chemists who develop these drugs often use ingredients that are dangerous and unpredictable. Their motivation is money. They care very little, if at all, about the long-term effects their concoctions might have on end users. Certainly, it’s the responsibility of a reasonable person to say no to any drug. Unfortunately, frequent drug users and party goers love trying mysterious, new drugs.

In every way, designer drugs are illicit. No one of authority has tested or approved these substances other than a black market manufacturer sitting in a garage. Many times, designer drugs cause significant health concerns, which the medical and addiction treatment industries have yet to counter. What are designer drugs? A ticket to self-destruction.

Popular Designer Drugs

It’s appropriate to mention a few designer drugs currently flowing on the streets. Knowing the name and information about side effects might keep someone from jumping aboard.

K2 or Spice–A synthetic marijuana that is many times more potent than pot. This drug has a reputation for causing physical illnesses and prompting overdose.

Crystal meth–Made with harsh materials that on their own would offer substantial health risks. A highly addictive substance.

Ecstasy (MDMA)–A hallucinogen and stimulant that produces effects similar to amphetamines.

LSD– A potent mood-altering drug that produces euphoria and hallucinations. It’s not very addictive, but more than a little dangerous.

Addiction Treatment at Beaches Recovery

At our premier addiction treatment center in Jacksonville, Florida, we off a top-level synthetic drug addiction rehab program. We do this as a progressive treatment organization that stays in tune with the streets. Here’s a short list of our treatment services:

• Detox at Tides Edge
• Inpatient, outpatient, IOP, and PHP treatment
• Family therapy
• Teen drug rehab programs
• Aftercare programs

If you are playing with designer drugs, you are playing with fire. Before you fall victim to serious health issues and addiction, we hope you will consider asking, “What are designer drugs, really?” The answer might scare you. For more information about designer drug addiction treatment, call Beaches Recovery at 866.605.0532.