Usually when we think of drug addiction, we think of heroin, painkillers, cocaine, or methamphetamine. But there are some lesser-knownsubstances that are used to experience a high.
Depending on the severity of the addiction, drug treatment and addiction help might still be needed. At the very least, exploring the drive behind the use of these substances can be a part of treatment.
The following describes three lesser-known substances that individuals can use to experience a high or a shift in consciousness.
Spice
Spice is a synthetic marijuana product that can be sold legally. Some believe that because a drug is legal it is not harmful. However, this is clearly not the case with alcohol. The dangers are like any drug that can lead to an addiction: drop in functioning, impairment at work, relationship problems with a spouse and family members. Spice is considered to be a serious drug.
According to the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), it is a Schedule I drug, along with heroin, marijuana, and LSD.
Spice, also known as K2, has similar effects on its users as marijuana. Although it might lead to many experiences of euphoria, it can also cause vomiting, high blood pressure, increased heart rate, seizures, and hallucinations.
The synthetic version of THC (the compound in marijuana that creates euphoria in its users) was originally created with the intent to use it for medical purposes. However, since then, others have abused the synthetic version, just as they have marijuana.
Bath Salts
“Bath Salts” is another recent drug use trend. The name “Bath Salts” is a nickname given to different designer drugs, which is also a recent trend in drug addiction. Designer drugs are those that are made to have similar effects as other illegal drugs, such as marijuana, but have been altered just enough to keep it legal.
For instance, the drug mentioned above, Spice, is a designer drug of marijuana. The makers of designer drugs will continue to make alterations to the drug’s ingredients in order to stay one step ahead of the law. Another name for designer drugs, aside from “Bath Salts” is “Plant Food”.
Bath Salts can be even more damaging than cocaine. Its effects on the mind and body can be serious. For instance, Bath Salts affect the brain’s ability to process particular neurotransmitters effectively, resulting in an excessive amount of neurotransmitters, such as Dopamine and Norepinephrine.
Although too much of these two neurotransmitters create the feeling of euphoria, it also leads to damaging effects such as rapid heart rate, high blood pressure, damage to the blood vessels, heart attack, heart failure, and a stroke. Other stimulants, such as cocaine, typically wear off relatively quickly; however the effect of Bath Salts can last up to four hours.
Inhalants
Some individuals might be looking for a quick high and choose to use solvents or inhalants around the house. Although they are legal, they can be extremely dangerous, even leading to death with the first use.
Solvents, paints, and fuels are likely substances found in the garages of most homes. Although this type of drug use peaked in the 1990’s, it continues to be a problem. Different forms of inhalants include glue, gasoline, nail polish remover, shoe polish, paint and paint thinner, aerosol products, and correction fluid. The effects of inhaling these products can last from 15-30 minutes and create a feeling of euphoria.
However, damaging effects include a rapid heart rate, central nervous system problems, spasms in limbs, brain damage, and hearing loss. Although these symptoms can result in those who use inhalants regularly, they can also appear after first time use.
Although the drugs listed above may not be as well known, their effects are just as serious. As mentioned above, the use of these drugs should invite curiosity around the drive to use them. Addiction help can explore this and help a user end his or her addiction to these substances.
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