Designer drugs can lead to addiction issues. This blog will explore what designer drugs are, what they do to the body, and suggest designer drug rehabs to help cope with addiction.

Designer drugs: what are they?

In the case of designer drugs, they are synthetic versions of other drugs made by copying or changing existing substances. They are more dangerous and unpredictable because they are different from the drugs they are intended to mimic.

Designer drugs are usually manufactured in illegal labs to maximize potency and minimize side effects. The primary purpose of these drugs is to simulate the effects of marijuana, heroin, and cocaine. The use of designer drugs is dangerous and may result in death.

Types of Designer Drugs

Club drugs are psychoactive drugs that affect the central nervous system. Individuals who use them can completely change their behavior, awareness, and mood. Many drugs have nicknames that vary by variation and region. Club drugs are no exception. In terms of designer drugs, the following are some of the most common types:

• Ecstasy/Molly/MDMA
• Acid/LSD
• K/Special K
• G/GHB/Liquid Ecstasy
• Rohypnol/Roofies

New Designer Drugs

In recent years, designer drugs have become widely available in stores and online, resulting in a profitable industry. Companies regularly adjust chemical formulas and branding to avoid detection by law enforcement.

It is not uncommon for new designer drugs to be created regularly. As a result, it is challenging to develop a concrete, unchanging list of designer drugs because of this occurrence.

Addiction to Designer Drugs

In contrast to heroin and methamphetamine, designer drugs are not one type of drug. Neither do they belong to a single class of drugs, such as stimulants or depressants. Rather, designer drugs are chemically synthesized substances intended to mimic other drugs. Some examples of designer drugs include:

• Drug formulations explicitly designed to avoid drug testing protocols used by the Olympic Committee and other organizations.
• 2CE: Due to its unstable formulation, 2CE has unpredictable effects. This drug mimics stimulant drugs like Adderall but has a much stronger effect.
• Spice: Spice is a synthetic form of marijuana. It is available at gas stations and convenience stores nationwide and has been implicated in several deaths.

Even though “natural” drugs such as marijuana and cocaine are dangerous, they are well metabolized by the body since it already has receptors for these chemicals. The risk of designer drugs is that you will develop an addiction, and your body will not be able to metabolize them.

Even legal designer drugs are just as dangerous as illicit drugs. In most cases, these drugs are specifically made to evade legal regulation, so the fact that they are legal doesn’t mean that the law has caught up with manufacturers but that they are safe. Because of this, the designer drug market is considered a “gray market” by many addiction experts.

You can regain control over your addiction to designer drugs if you seek our help. It is possible to achieve sobriety, no matter how badly these substances have negatively impacted your life.

Designer Drug Addiction: Who is at Risk?

Using designer drugs and natural drugs that are difficult to obtain are the two most significant risk factors for addiction to designer drugs. As a result, users may turn to designer drugs to satisfy their cravings. Olympic gymnasts, for instance, may use performance-enhancing drugs that their organizations have banned. 

Other risk factors also increase the likelihood of developing a designer drug addiction. Among them are:

• Having experienced mental illness in the past, mainly if therapy or medication didn’t work.
• Having been traumatized or abused in the past.
• Drug or alcohol abuse at a young age.
• Mental illness or addiction in the family.
• Having a dysfunctional, abusive, or chaotic family life.
• Having a history of addiction.
• Involvement in highly competitive sports, either professionally or at an amateur level.
• The inability to access the drug of your choice.
• An unexpected life change, such as losing your job or losing a spouse.

How Do Designer Drugs Affect the Body?

There are many similarities between designer drugs and natural drugs. Thus, they have similar effects on the body. A designer drug user is, therefore, at risk of becoming addicted.

It is common for designer drugs to increase tolerance levels as a result of abuse. This factor predominantly causes future addiction problems.

How are Designer Drugs Taken?

Designer drugs can be taken in various ways. Here are some of the most common:

• Snorting
• Inhaling
• Ingesting
• Smoked
• Swallowed
• Injected

Signs & Symptoms of Club Drug Abuse

The following signs and symptoms may indicate club drug abuse:

• Anxiety attacks
• Changes in friends suddenly
• Changes in attitude or personality that occur suddenly
• An abrupt change in appearance
• Academic performance is declining
• A lack of interest in hobbies
• Sleep patterns have changed
• A sudden need for money that cannot be explained
• Crimes of theft
• Keeping things secret
• Pupils that are dilated or pinpointed
• Speech that is slurred
• Feeling drowsy
• Loss of weight suddenly
• A sudden act of defiance

Designer Drug Rehabs

Here’s the good news: if you are addicted to designer drugs, help is available at many different addiction facilities.

You may find that an IOP or a PHP (participation in a partial hospitalization program) provides you with even more structure and support without the restrictions or costs of residential rehab. 

You could also access to the following services:

• The use of medication-assisted treatment
• The use of CBT or DBT as a form of psychotherapy
• Counseling for individuals
• Counseling in groups
• Holistic therapies
• Development of vocational skills

Finding Designer Drug Rehabs

Many programs will also ensure you have appropriate aftercare once your treatment program is complete. Are you looking for addiction treatment for designer drugs? Browse our listings at LGBTQ and ALL, and we can put you in touch with a qualified and credible facility.

Takeaway: Designer Drug Rehabs

Addiction to designer drugs can cause many issues in a person’s life. Seeking professional help for addiction or substance abuse is a difficult but necessary step to take. With the right help, you can get the resources and support needed to help you recover. Researching and finding a professional treatment program for you is one of the best decisions you can make for your health and well-being.