Designer Drugs Abuse is a huge problem in many parts of the world. This includes synthetic cannabinoids like Mephedrone and K, K, K bath salts. It is important to know about these drugs so you can prevent addiction.
Synthetic cannabinoids
Synthetic cannabinoids are a class of new psychoactive substances that are unregulated. These substances mimic the effects of cannabis, but are sold as liquids or as a mixture of dried plant materials. They are sold in gas stations, novelty stores, and online stores.
Some of the products have been around for years, and some are re-entering the market in new chemical forms. These synthetic cannabinoids are designed to bind the same cannabinoid receptors as D9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a compound found in marijuana. However, these synthetic cannabinoids are often much more potent, and have been associated with serious health effects.
In addition to the potential for physical damage, some users have reported experiencing severe psychiatric symptoms. These include severe agitation and anxiety, and tachycardia, among others.
The most common users of synthetic cannabinoids are people in their 20s and 30s. However, some studies indicate that adolescent children may use designer drugs. It is important to educate parents, teens, and the medical community about this growing problem.
Designer drugs can produce an unpleasant psychological reaction to acute intoxication, although the acute effects are often manageable. The long half-lives of some cannabinoid compounds make them more likely to induce an extended psychoactive effect. Depending on the amount of the substance taken, some users will experience withdrawal symptoms.
K, K, K bath salts
Designer drugs are often marketed as "legal highs." These products are chemically different from the controlled substances they mimic. They have been designed to avoid detection on drug testing. The result is an increase in abuse.
Many designer drugs are sold without age restrictions. Acute intoxication produces typical stimulant-like effects, including euphoria, increased energy, and elevated feelings of sociability. However, long-term use may cause physiologic dependence.
Adolescents, those in foster care, and populations under criminal justice supervision may take designer drugs to escape detection. For this reason, routine inquiry into designer drug use is important. This helps physicians determine whether the patient is suffering from a substance use disorder (SUD).
When treating patients who are suspected of using designer drugs, it is important to be able to distinguish between the effects of an acute dose and the long-term effects of chronic use. Typically, the unpleasant psychological effects of acute intoxication resolve within a few days. If they do not, there are no specific antidotes.
Designer drugs are sometimes used to treat prolonged anxiety. Treatment of such symptoms is similar to treatment for depression.
In addition, clinicians should be prepared to treat patients who have abused multiple classes of designer drugs. It is also important to provide them with information about the effects of each drug and the potential consequences of continued use.
Mephedrone
Mephedrone, also known as 4-methyl methcathinone, is a designer drug. It is a derivative of cathinone. It is soluble in water. These drugs are not for smoking and are classified as illegal in most countries. They can be injected, insufflated, or consumed intravenously.
The effects of mephedrone are similar to those of amphetamine, cocaine, and MDMA. However, mephedrone has a shorter half-life than these drugs. This results in a more rapid onset of effects. Some of the effects last for up to three hours after a single dose.
The long-term effects of mephedrone include increased heart rate, severe panic attacks, paranoia, depression, and hallucinations. There are also reports of addiction and tolerance.
In Europe, several deaths have been linked to mephedrone consumption. These include several deaths in the United Kingdom. Since 2010, mephedrone has been banned in most European countries. Mexico outlawed it by decree in 2014. Spain and Israel banned it in 2011.
According to the Canadian Medical Association, mephedrone is considered to be a legal high and it is being sold on the Internet. However, Canadian police have not prosecuted it under the Controlled Substances Act.
Mephedrone is a designer stimulant that may be consumed orally or intravenously. Users report sociability, light sexual arousal, talkativeness, and stimulation. Unlike amphetamine, mephedrone has an earlier onset.
