Spice (K2) and Other Synthetic Drugs There is always something new when it comes to drug use. Gaining recent popularity among adolescents are synthetic marijuana and cathinone (an amphetamine-like stimulant). Falsely marketed as “natural,” “safe,” and “legal” alternatives to drugs, these synthetics have psychoactive (mindaltering) effects and can actually be very dangerous. THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A SAFE, NATURAL, MIND ALTERING ALTERNATIVE TO DRUGS! Spice / K2 (“Synthetic Marijuana”) "Spice" refers to a wide variety of herbal mixtures that produce experiences similar to marijuana. Sold under many names, including K2, fake weed, Yucatan Fire, Skunk, Moon Rocks, and others — and labeled "not for human consumption" — synthetic marijuana contains dried, shredded plant material treated with chemical additives that are responsible for their psychoactive effects. Labels on “spice” products often claim that they contain "natural" psycho-active material taken from a variety of plants. HOWEVER, chemical analyses show that the active ingredients are synthetic cannabinoid compounds. Because the chemicals used in “spice” have a high potential for abuse, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has designated the five active chemicals most frequently found in “spice” as Schedule I controlled substances, making it illegal to sell, buy, or possess them. Unfortunately, manufacturers of “spice” products attempt to get around these laws by continually substituting different chemicals in their mixtures, which makes enforcement difficult. Bottom line – there is nothing “natural” about a mood altering chemical applied to dried plant material. How popular is “spice” and other synthetic marijuana’s among teens? In 2012, approximately 11 percent of high school seniors reported using spice. Spice is more popular among boys than girls, with twice as many boys using. Easy access and the misperception that “spice” products are “natural”( and therefore harmless) have contributed to their popularity among teens. How is “spice” abused? Though “spice” products are sold as “incense” and look similar to potpourri, it is generally abused by smoking. Sometimes it is mixed with marijuana to smoke or is “infused” to create a drink. How does “spice” affect the brain? “Spice” often produces similar effects to marijuana – elevated mood, relaxation and altered perception. Because the chemical composition of “spice” products widely varies, some varieties contain substances that can cause dramatically different effects than the user might expect. Some “spice” users report psychotic effects like extreme anxiety, paranoia, and hallucinations. What other health risks can “spice” cause? Some “spice” users have needed emergency care for rapid heart rate, vomiting, agitation, confusion, and hallucinations. “Spice” can raise blood pressure and cause reduced blood supply to the heart (myocardial ischemia), and in a few cases it has been associated with heart attacks. Regular users may experience withdrawal and addiction symptoms. “Bath Salts” (Synthetic Cathinones) The term “bath salts” refers to a relatively new family of drugs containing one or more synthetic chemicals related to cathinone, an amphetamine-like stimulant found naturally in the Khat plant. Like “spice,” “bath salts” are marketed as being “natural” – giving teens the false impression that they are safe. (The term “bath salts” is a misnomer – and does not refer to the traditional “Espom salt” products which are sold for bathing.) “Bath salts” typically look like white or brown crystalline powder and are sold in small plastic or foil packages labeled “not for human consumption.” Sometimes they are also marketed as “plant food”—or, more recently, as “jewelry cleaner” or “phone screen cleaner.” “Bath salts” can be purchased online and in drug paraphernalia stores and may be called “Ivory Wave," "Bloom," "Cloud Nine," "Lunar Wave," "Vanilla Sky," "White Lightning," “Scarface” or other brand names In 2012, legislation was passed making two common ingredients in “bath salts” illegal. Unfortunately, as with “spice,” manufacturers continue to create new, synthetic amphetamine-like ingredients to get around current legislation. How are “bath salts” abused? “Bath salts” may be taken by mouth, inhaled or injected with a needle. Snorting and injecting “bath salts” are especially dangerous. How do “bath salts” affect the brain? Because there are many different synthetic cathinones found in “bath salts,” each variety may have somewhat different properties. In general, they produce effects similar to amphetamines (such as methamphetamine) and MDMA (ecstasy), such as euphoria, increased sociability and sex drive. Like methamphetamine and ecstacy, “bath salts” have been shown to have a high potential for addiction and other dangerous effects. Why are “bath salts” dangerous? “Bath salts” have been linked to a surge in emergency room visits across the country. Some users experience paranoia, agitation, panic attacks, hallucinations, psychotic and violent behavior. “Bath salts” can also cause cardiac symptoms (racing heart, high blood pressure, and chest pains), dehydration, breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, and kidney failure. There have been several deaths reported due to use of “bath salts.” Recommended Resources: National Institute on Drug Abuse: http://www.drugabuse.gov Partnership for Drug Free Kids: http://www.drugfree.org/ ACT on Drugs: http://actondrugs.org/
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