Everyone knows about the dangers and abuse potential of drugs like cocaine, heroin or alcohol. But not everyone is aware of lesser known drugs like Spice or Smiles. Because new synthetic drugs are constantly being designed in laboratories, there are new drugs coming into the market on a regular basis. So what are some lesser known drugs that individuals should be aware of?
Smiles
This is one of the newest designer drugs on the market. It is also known as 2C-I. Smiles is a hallucinogenic chemical compound and is usually available as a tablet and taken orally. When used, Smiles produces feelings of euphoria, intimacy, high energy and mind altering hallucinations. The drug has now been classified as a Schedule 1 controlled substance in the United States due to its extremely dangerous side effects, making it illegal. Some of the side effects of using Smiles are hyperventilation, high blood pressure, kidney failure, seizures, aggressive behavior and violence. The drug has also been associated with several tragic accidents including deaths.
AMT and Foxy
These are hallucinogenic drugs that have become very popular in the teenage club scene. AMT (alpha-methyltryptamine) is a drug that causes euphoria and intensified emotions, along with hallucinations. Foxy (5-MeO-DIPT) used to be used in scientific research and it is suggested that it has ten times the potency of Ecstasy. However it is less expensive. These drugs are available in capsule forms, while Foxy can also be found in tablet form.
Bath Salts
A collective name for a group of synthetic drugs that are sold as a powder, Bath Salts can have names like ‘Ivory Wave’ and ‘Ocean Snow’. These drugs produce effects that are similar to Amphetamines and stimulate the central nervous system.
It is difficult to determine their exact chemical composition, however one of their most dangerous active ingredients in Mephedrone, which belongs to a family of drugs called Cathinones. This is a narcotic drug which is what stimulates the central nervous system making the individual using it feel elated and filled with energy. However, it can also cause aggression, violence and depression. Like cocaine, Bath Salts can produce tolerance, cravings and addictive behavior.
Spice
A synthetic form of Cannabis, it is also known as ‘Incense’. Originally, Spice was sold as a legal alternative to Marijuana, but it isn’t legal any more. Spice is produced by spraying synthetic Cannabinoids onto leaf matter, to replicated the effects of Marijuana. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, Spice is amongst the most teen abused drugs.
GHB
Gamma Hydroxybutyrate or GHB is a central nervous depressant which is used to treat narcolepsy. The drug is legal but strictly monitored by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. However, it is illegally manufactured in underground laboratories and sold in liquid, powder or tablet form. Other names for GHB are ‘Liquid Ecstasy’ and ‘Georgia Home Boy’.
GHB causes a euphoric high and hallucinations as well as feelings of intimacy. Its side effects include dizziness, nausea, vomiting, vision problems and respiratory depression. If mixed with alcohol, it can cause unconsciousness, coma or even death.
Street or Designer Drugs are especially dangerous as they are manufactured illegally, in underground laboratories or even abroad, and therefore there is no way of knowing what might be in a particular batch. Educating people about these drugs is the best way of preventing people from using them.
At The Villa we have personalized recovery plans and a wealth of information about street drugs. Contact us for any guidance or resources you may need to learn about these drugs and how to recover from them.