The Reality of Synthetic Drug Addiction

Spice, legal highs: Call them what you will. Legal, they are not. If you or someone you love is struggling, specialised Synthetic Drug Addiction Rehab may be needed to help regain control and recovery.

These drugs are very problematic. They can cost you your life: Fast.

Rife in prisons and found in the streets of towns and cities, the immediate effects can be devastating.

Nowadays, they are commonly known as New Psychoactive Substances (NPS)

What are New Psychoactive Substances?

In short, they are drugs designed to mimic the effects of other drugs, namely cannabis, cocaine and ecstasy.

They are in no way safer to use. In fact, they can be even more dangerous.

How Long Have They Been Around?

NPS began to be prevalent in 2008-2009.

There are, currently, four main types:

• Stimulant type: These try and imitate the effects of cocaine, ecstasy and amphetamines.
• Cannnabinoids: These are in no way chemically related to cannabis only that they work on the same receptors in the brain as cannabis does. Sometimes known as black mamba and clockwork orange as well as spice.
• “Downers”: These are designed to have the same effect as benzodiazepines (tranquilisers)
• Hallucinogens’: Made to imitate the effects of LSD.

Though they are sold in shops, they are now illegal.

While there may be a list of ingredients on the packet that is as reliable as a horoscope.

Effects

These drugs are relatively new and research takes time: Years, in fact.

What is known is the catastrophic effect they can have on people.

NPS can have an incredibly fast and intoxicating effect on people.

Deaths occur due to severe intoxication as well as people choking on their own vomit when under the influence.

Ignore the urban legend that sucking on an orange will help: It won’t.

The following are some of the harmful effects of using NPS:

• Overdose
• Psychosis
• Extreme violence
• Uncontrollable agitation
• Rapid low mood, leading to suicidal thoughts, when the effects wear off
• Long term psychiatric disorders
• Physical and psychological dependency

Reported harms during intoxication and come down include:

• Overdose and temporary psychotic states and unpredictable behaviours;
• Attendance at A&E and some hospital admissions;
• Sudden increase in body temperature, heart rate, coma and risk to internal organs (PMA);
• Hallucination and vomiting;
• Confusion leading to aggression and violence;
• Intense comedown that can cause users to feel suicidal.

Recovery Is Possible

There are four elements to recovery:

Detox

Unlike Heroin and alcohol, there is no “detox” , as such. However, what is absolutely essential is medical monitoring by experienced clinicians and staff.

Adjunctive medication is provided to ensure a safe transition from use to abstinence. To try and do it without could lead to very uncomfortable symptoms, at the very least.

A worst case scenario would be an acute medical emergency, even a fatality.

Therapy

Drug use is not a choice. It is an escape from things you can’t face.

Childhood trauma, broken relationships, work pressures. There is always a reason.

The therapy in rehab will get to the bottom of it.

Confronting your demons will be challenging. It needs to be .

In the groups and individual sessions you will get all the help, support and guidance you need.

Relapse Prevention

Rehab has staff on duty 24/7.

Most of the staff are in recovery themselves. While everyone’s experience is different, there are common themes and they understand what you are going through.

When you go home this support is not by your side.

If you are prepared for situations that can be difficult, you stand a much better chance of staying abstinent.

Relapse happens. Not to everyone but it doesn’t need to be catastrophic. If you have the skills you need to deal with it your path will be smoother.

Aftercare

All rehab centres offer a minimum of a years aftercare.

Usually, this is a weekly support group as well as regular telephone check in’s.

If you find yourself struggling, there will be a dedicated number to call for immediate support.

Get Free Advice and Referrals From an Addictions Clinician

We are experienced addictions clinicians.

NPS is something we deal with.

If you would like free advice on treatment and where you can find help: Call or email.

We provide free, confidential and impartial advice.

If you need a referral for a rehab centre, we do not charge for this.

Our service is registered with the Information Commissoner’s Office.

We only signpost to legally registered centres.

Synthetic drug addiction rehab is possible.

Recent Posts