Creative and unsuspecting packages make synthetic drugs hard to spot for parents. Surely, the labels don’t read, “contents are potentially fatal to the consumer.” Instead many of the products say things such as, “Not for human consumption,” and are given titles like Herbal Incense and Bath Salts. The words alone make it seem like they are safe or better substitutes than illicit substances.
As a result, we are left with many of these dangerous substances right under our nose, hiding in place sight—could you recognize synthetic drugs if put to the test?
Synthetic Marijuana and Bath Salts Toxic and Unpredictable
Two of the most widely used synthetic drugs are synthetic marijuana [also called K2 or Spice] and synthetic methamphetamine [Bath Salts].
Bath Salts are engineered to mimic the effects of both LSD and methamphetamine. The combination of hallucinogenic and speed-like effects presents a specific set of risks. Many synthetic drug consumers have reported disturbing highs and adverse reactions, including:
Aggression
Anxiety
Extreme self-inflicted violence
Hallucinations
Depression
Dependency
Psychotic episodes
Synthetic marijuana has very similar effects with users feeling extremely paranoid as well as even lethargic and having black outs and a tendency toward violence.
Because bans from state to state prevent manufacturers from using particular chemical ingredients, synthetic drug makers are often forced to make use of other substances. These toxic chemicals are potentially fatal and highly hazardous to one’s health, but most importantly, anti-drug enforcement agents are unable to predict the effects these drugs will manifest.
Parents Put to the Test
Because the drug scene has changed so vastly, experts wonder if parents today are able to spot the hazards that are hiding in plain sight—could you recognize synthetic drugs if put to the test? Despite the number of bans and health warnings issued on these substances, many gas stations, smoke shops and online vendors still supply synthetic drugs to youth across the country. Sadly, most onlookers would have no idea that synthetic drugs (in their specially designed packaging) are dangerous. Instead, they look like candy, potpourri or a body product—anything but a hazardous and life-threatening drug.
A small American news channel wanted to put parents to the test, and so recently planted packages of synthetic drugs in the bedroom of a teenager (with his parents’ permission.) The parents were then asked to spot anything out of the ordinary in the room. The boy’s mother found all 8 items that were planted in the room, after spotting objects she didn’t recognize. She had no idea what these items were, however, and admitted they looked more like candy than anything.
What Do Synthetic Drugs Look Like?
Synthetic drugs are creatively packaged and marketed as “safe, fake and legal” alternatives to the street drugs they take after. Synthetic marijuana is manufactured from chemicals called synthetic cannabinoids. These toxic substances are mixed into a solution and then sprayed onto a blend of ground up leafy plants. The end result is a man-made marijuana-like drug that is both toxic and unpredictable and looks more like oregano than marijuana.
Synthetic drug packaging is generally bright, colorful and made to look unsuspecting. If you notice anything out of the ordinary or suspicious in the bedroom of your child or a loved one, look into the matter right away. These man-made chemicals are highly dangerous.
Look at pictures of different synthetics so you can recognize them. Make sure you talk to your kids about the dangers of these substances. To see videos on how to stop addiction to synthetics and other drugs find Narconon on Vimeo.