While marijuana, alcohol and prescription drugs continue to be fodder for many high school student addicts, there has been a recent surge in synthetic drug use.  The three main drugs are synthetic marijuana (K2 or Spice), synthetic methamphetamine (Bath Salts) and herbal ecstasy.

The thing that is shocking to many is that these drugs have been banned. Still the abuse issues remain high. Many are wondering, why this is occurring and what can be done to stop this new epidemic.

Synthetic Marijuana Facts

Synthetic marijuana, the most popular of the three, was legal up until very recently.  It is prepared by spraying a chemical on regular plant leaves, creating a substance that, when smoked, has a similar effect on the brain as marijuana.  It was being sold under the alias “plant food” or “potpourri”, and was labeled “not for human consumption”.  It was, however, sold in smoke shops and convenience stores all over the country.

Synthetic marijuana causes an increase in heart rate and blood pressure, anxiety, nausea, vomiting, seizures and hallucinations.  There have also been many stories of teens acting violent and psychotic while on the drug.  It was once being sold as a safer alternative to regular marijuana, but it is obvious that that is not the case.

One of the easiest ways to spot synthetic marijuana is by its strong clove smell.  Parents may find a coffee grinder around the house, as many teens prefer to grind the drug before smoking it.  They may notice physical changes in their children, such as increased agitation, profuse sweating, pale skin or vomiting.  The most dangerous manifestation of synthetic marijuana is the loss of physical control, including seizures, a lack of pain response, and uncontrolled movements such as muscle spasms.

In a recent survey, eleven percent of high school seniors–one in nine–reported taking synthetic marijuana within the last year.  Between 2010 and 2011, calls to poison control centers for exposure to synthetic marijuana doubled.  The numbers are predicted to increase through 2012.

Other slang names for the substance include Blaze, Bliss, Black Mamba, Bombay Blue or Genie.

Synthetic Meth/Bath Salts Information

Bath Salts, a synthetic imitation of cocaine, is another drug sold under the misnomer “not for human consumption”.  It is currently legal at a federal level, although the dangers of Bath Salts are catching a lot of attention.  This drug can cause hallucinations, suicidal thoughts, violence and psychosis.

Because it is a relatively new drug and is not currently regulated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, scientists are not entirely sure of the ingredients in every brand.

Slang names include Ivory Wave, Purple Wave, Red Dove, Blue Silk, Zoom, Bloom, Cloud Nine, Lunar Wave, Vanilla Sky, White Lightning and Hurricane Charlie.

The Basics On Herbal Ecstasy

Herbal Ecstasy is sold over-the-counter at pharmacies and shops all over the country.  These small pills contain ephedrine, which is used to treat asthma and colds, and other chemicals.  Amongst teens, they are promoted as party drugs giving a “natural high” and promise increased energy.  They are swallowed, snorted or smoked, and they can cause heart attacks, strokes or seizures.

If your teen is addicted to synthetic drugs, or in an environment where he could be exposed to these harmful substances, rehab information can help.  Basic rehab information programs offer effective solutions for those on drugs including drug education, a physical detox component and skills to handle the mental and physical issues that lead to the problem in the first place. Contact us today for rehab information or help at 800-468-6933.