Teenage substance and drug abuse comes with trends for what is known as synthetic ‘designer drugs.’ The potency of the drugs are more powerful which produce lengthier ‘highs’ which are highly addictive. Dangerous and unpredictable compounds are often the base of the psychoactive effects. Find out what drugs are currently trending in the teen market right now and what to do if a teen is suspected of using drugs.
Current Trends
Some of the following drugs are ones currently on the market and in high demand with teenagers:
- GHB
- Ketamine
- Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD)
- MDMA (Ecstasy)
- Methamphetamine
- Rohypnol
- Synthetic cannabinoids (K2, Spice)
The DEA classified the sale and possession of many synthetic cannabinoid ingredients as illegal. In spite of the ruling, varieties of dangerous synthetic marijuana among high school seniors remained unchanged. Continued use can suggest either teens are not complying with the law or manufacturers of K2 and Spice have found a way to change chemical formulas to contain legal ingredients.
Molly
The drug known as ‘Molly’ is growing in popularity in spite of not being a new drug. Having acquired the name ‘Molly’ from ‘molecule,’ it is a pure form of methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) which is produced into multi-colored pills or in powdered form. The drug is both a stimulant and a psychedelic drug which produces a sought-after euphoric high. Some of the negative side effects of ‘Molly’ may include:
- Cardiac issues
- Coma
- Dehydration
- Gastrointestinal issues
- Hallucinations
- Kidney stones and infections
- Long-term depression
- Panic attacks
- Seizures
Suppliers are making the drug look safe and easy to take but many teens play Russian roulette with the drug. The lab environment for chemicals or substances is unknown.
New Drugs Emerging
Many drugs, such as ecstasy, have been around for awhile. A drug known as 2C-E recently was in the news when some teens died as a result of use. The compounds are derivatives of ecstasy or MDMA. The drugs are sold differently now, in a more global marketplace known as the internet. Information can go lightening fast which changes how teens find, distribute and take the drug.
Internet Trend
A quick search online turns up dozens of sellers not only offering raw ingredients but advertising the drugs also for sale. Drugs like LSD and mushrooms have low toxicity. The heart rate and vegetative functions are not impacted by the drugs which can cause death. Drugs such as 2C-E have effects on serotonin receptors in the brain, the blood vessels and elsewhere in the body. A large dose is easy to take which causes the blood vessels to contract, heart rate to go up and temperature regulation to fluctuate dangerously. Other vital functions of the body may be impacted though research is limited on its true impact. As use increases and young people are finding more opportunity to locate and ingest the drugs, more teens will get into trouble with safety and health risks.
Teens are natural risk takers, pushing boundaries as part of the growing up process. Teens who experiment with drugs are taking greater risks with health which can long and short term consequences. The Villa can help by providing resources and information to support recovery from teen addiction. Call us to get started.