The use of drugs is increasingly widespread among young people, and reports of experiences with these substances are quite common. Currently, a group of drugs, which emerged in the 1980s, has been drawing attention: the synthetic drugs.
→ What are synthetic drugs?
Synthetic drugs are substances or mixtures lab-created with the objective of promoting effects similar to those of drugs obtained naturally, that is, directly affecting the actions of the nervous system. The components of synthetic drugs are not found in nature.
→ Examples of synthetic drugs
The best known example of a synthetic drug is 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) popularly known as ecstasy. This drug is very popular, especially at parties, and stands out for being a stimulant and hallucinogenic. In addition to ecstasy, examples of synthetic drugs are:
LSD or lysergic acid: A drug that has substances similar to those found in hallucinogenic mushrooms. LSD can cause hallucinations and trigger "flashbacks”, that is, it can make the experience with drug use repeat itself even without the use of the substance. The big risk is the psychic problems that can be triggered.
Special K or Ketamine: This drug, which was used as an anesthetic in the 70s, is a depressant of the central nervous system and can trigger numbness, profound hallucinations, visual distortions, respiratory problems, elevations in heart pressure, dependence, between others.
25I-NBOMe: Drug similar to LSD, but with more serious and deadly effects. It causes hallucinations, euphoria, paranoia, convulsions and even death.
PMA or paramethoxyamphetamine: Produces effects similar to those caused by ecstasy, but take longer to appear. This causes many people to increase the dose, believing that the drug is not working. As a result, the user can take an overdose, which in turn can cause sudden death.
Krokodyl: Made up mainly of desomorphine, krokodil is a kind of cheap version of heroin. It causes serious damage to health, such as skin ulcerations, necrosis and gangrene.
→ Do synthetic drugs harm health?
As with any drug, whether illegal or legal, synthetic drugs can negatively affect the human body. Among the main problems already reported are:
Changes in blood pressure
Dehydration
Nausea
profound hallucinations
Hyperthermia (increased temperature)
Decrease in blood sodium concentration
Convulsions
Exhaustion
cardiorespiratory shock
brain damage
psychotic breaks
- Death
By Ma. Vanessa dos Santos
Source: Brazil School - https://brasilescola.uol.com.br/saude-na-escola/riscos-das-drogas-sinteticas.htm