Recently, more than ever, parents have been searching for everything there is to know about synthetic drugs. This is because synthetic drugs are the fastest-changing drug category and they pose hair-raising health risks.
This Halloween, do not be haunted by the unknown.
It is important for parents to stay in the know about synthetic drugs and keep up with their evolution in the drug world.
What are synthetic drugs?
Synthetic drugs are manmade chemicals that were created to mimic the effects of other drugs, such as marijuana, meth, LSD or cocaine. They look like dried leaves or powder, and though illegal, they can sometimes be purchased at smoke shops, large retail outlets and online. They are typically labeled “not for human consumption,” but this is just a misleading mask to those unaware of their purposes. These masks can be found in the form of packets being sold as “herbal incense,” “potpourri,” “bath salts” and “jewelry cleaner.”
Do not let these disguises fool you.
Some street names for synthetic drugs:
- Spice
- K2
- Bath Salts
- Plant food/fertilizer
- Bliss
- Black Mamba
- 2C-I Smiles
What are the hair-raising health risks?
Using synthetic drugs can elevate someone’s heart rate and blood pressure and can lead to paranoia, panic attacks, anxiety, giddiness, hallucinations, violent behavior, psychosis induced by sleep deprivation, nausea and vomiting.
This Halloween, make sure your child’s trick-or-treat goodies are not a mask for something grave.
