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Current Trends for Teen Drug Abuse

Teen drug abuse is a growing problem nationwide with the inclusion of many club drugs on the open market and available online. Teenage substance abuse comes with its own designer trends, not available in the average apparel store. Learn more about current trends for teen drug abuse.

Synthetic Drugs

“Designer drugs” are hitting the scene at an overwhelmingly rapid pace. The drugs are designed to be more powerful and produce lengthier ‘highs’ which can be very addictive. Dangerous and unpredictable compounds are often the base of the effects and are more easily obtainable. Current drugs on the market include:

  • GHB
  • Ketamine
  • Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD)
  • MDMA (Ecstasy)
  • Methamphetamine
  • Rohypnol
  • Synthetic cannabinoids (K2, Spice)

The DEA classified the sale and possession of many synthetic and cannabinoid ingredients as illegal yet, in spite of this, use of the varieties of dangerous synthetic marijuana remain high among teens in high school.

Molly

Molly is not new to the scene, in fact, it is not a cute drug, it is very dangerous, indeed. The drug acquired its nickname from the world ‘molecule.’ It is a pure form of MDMA and is produced in multi-colored pills or in powdered form. Popular with 16 to 24 year olds, Molly was recently placed in the spotlight by pop-artists and creates a sought-after euphoric high, producing a massive ‘adrenaline rush’ type experience lasting up to a few hours.

Going Up, Coming Down

The real danger of using Molly, which comes packaged as pink, green, yellow, baby blue and orange pills embossed with Pac-man faces or other symbols, is that nobody ever knows what is mixed in the drug. Some negative side effects may include:

  • Cardiac issues
  • Coma
  • Dehydration
  • Gastrointestinal issues
  • Hallucinations
  • Kidney stones and infections
  • Long-term depression
  • Panic attacks
  • Permanent kidney damage
  • Seizures

Molly originated in Asia, the Netherlands and Canada but what a person sees is not what a person buys. Suppliers make it look like something easy and fun to take but it is really a game of Russian roulette. Likely the person will have no idea the environment in which chemicals and substances were mixed. Long term effects of the drugs are still unknown and need more research to understand the impact of using designer drugs beyond the teen years.

 

The Villa is committed to helping teens and adults overcome addiction to designer drugs, marijuana and other substances. If you or a loved one are experiencing problems with addiction, it is not too late to seek help. Call us to find out how we can support your journey back from addiction.

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Medically Reviewed By:

Dr. Scott is a distinguished physician recognized for his contributions to psychology, internal medicine, and addiction treatment. He has received numerous accolades, including the AFAM/LMKU Kenneth Award for Scholarly Achievements in Psychology and multiple honors from the Keck School of Medicine at USC. His research has earned recognition from institutions such as the African American A-HeFT, Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles, and studies focused on pediatric leukemia outcomes. Board-eligible in Emergency Medicine, Internal Medicine, and Addiction Medicine, Dr. Scott has over a decade of experience in behavioral health. He leads medical teams with a focus on excellence in care and has authored several publications on addiction and mental health. Deeply committed to his patients’ long-term recovery, Dr. Scott continues to advance the field through research, education, and advocacy. 

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