What are the designer drugs? These are synthetic illicit drugs produced by underground chemists and sold on the streets. They are known as ‘designer drugs’ due to the fact that particular changes have been introduced to their pre-existing chemical structures. In other words, these drugs are specifically ‘designed’ or altered. Many of them are now commonly used by teenagers and adults between 21-30 years of age. Designer drugs are also commonly called “club drugs,” because they are often available at night clubs and dance parties.
These drugs are extremely dangerous as their side effects are unpredictable and hazardous. They are technically not illegal by chemical formulation, however, they lead to the same effects of illegal drugs like heroin, cocaine, opium, and hallucinogenic mushrooms. These designer drugs are frequently more potent than the original substances, and are also more toxic.
Let’s look at the example of "ecstasy," a drug from the amphetamine family. Ecstasy has been ‘designed’ to breed a feeling of confusion, along with a rush and then a calm, sociable feeling. But some people after taking ecstasy can experience hallucinations and unpredictable behavior. Such drugs as ecstasy can destroy the brain cells and are very potent.
Initially, the designer drugs mentioned above were produced by medical laboratories for research purposes. However, illegal drug dealers very quickly began to produce these drugs in makeshift labs and sell them on the streets. There are various types of designer drugs available. They can be classified as: stimulants, opiates and hallucinogenic’s. They have certain names such as MDA, MPPP, or PFF, or nicknames such as ‘ecstasy’, ‘china white’ or ‘rush’. They may also be recognized by their chemical names, such as Meperidine, Fentanyl, or Dilaudid. People must remember that there is no guarantee on the purity of these substances, due to the fact that most of them are produced by illegal drug manufactures.
Most designer drugs are extremely addictive but unfortunately many young people are not aware of this. It is also not possible to know exactly what chemical substances are used to produce them, and in combination with other drugs or alcohol can have dangerous consequences.
Most of these drugs can be inhaled, injected, or taken by mouth in the form of a tablet.
SOME COMMON ‘DESIGNER DRUGS’ INCLUDE:
* Crystal Meth also called jib, crank, speed or meth – this drug is commonly used in night clubs and on the rave scene for producing a high-energy rush.
* Ecstasy also known as X, E, XTC, Adam, and MDMA – It is a very popular drug producing a feeling of general well-being and emotional closeness.
* Gamma hydroxybutyrate also known as GHB or G – This drug causes relaxation and sleep. It makes people feel like everything is okay and think positively. It is sometimes described as a cross between alcohol and ecstasy.
* Ketamine also known as K, ket, special K, vitamin K or cat valium – Ketamine is a general anesthetic used in veterinary medicine. It is a strong pain relieving medication believed to produce an ‘out-of-body’ experience.
MOST OF THESE DRUGS CAUSE A WIDE RANGE OF EFFECTS, SUCH AS;
* Euphoria
* Changes in behavior
* Slurred speech
* Anxiety and depression
* Muscle cramps
* Dilated pupils
* Sleepiness and
* Hallucinations
Withdrawal symptoms may also occur. They include: drowsiness, irritability, and agitation. Frequent unintentional overdoses are also common and can lead to more serious problems, such as loss of consciousness, slowed breathing, or even death.
RISK CONNECTED WITH TAKING WHEN THESE DESIGNER DRUGS INCLUDE;
* Death
* Serious addiction
* Criminal charges and prison terms
* Heart and breathing failure
* Blood vessel damage and stroke
* Raised or reduced pulse or blood pressure
* Aggressive or suicidal behavior
* Jaw clenching and teeth grinding
* Nausea and vomiting
* Muscle cramping or seizures
* Panic and anxiety attacks or feeling paranoid
* Overheating and dehydration
* Blackouts or passing out
