Synthetic Drug Addiction Detox, Treatment, and Rehabilitation
Overview
Synthetic drugs are substances that chemical compounds are created in a laboratory, and sold to replicate the effects of certain substances. Synthetic drugs are often available at gas stations, convenience stores, the internet, and drug paraphernalia stores.
Common synthetic drugs include:
– Synthetic stimulants Synthetic cathinones or “bath salts”
– Synthetic cannabinoids Synthetic marijuana, K2, Spice
Engaging in the use of synthetic drugs can be dangerous, as they can cause unpredictable and intense effects. Synthetic drug use can also lead to addiction or dependency, making access to effective synthetic drug addiction treatment crucial. In 2020, overdoses involving synthetic opioids accounted for approximately 82 percent of all opioid related deaths. Additionally, poison control centers receive thousands of reports every year due to effects associated with synthetic cannabinoid use.
How Do Synthetic Drugs Cause Addiction & Dependence?
There are two main types of synthetic drugs: synthetic cannabinoids and synthetic cathinones.
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Synthetic Cannabinoids
Synthetic cannabinoids were developed in order to mimic the effects of THC, which is the active ingredient in marijuana. Synthetic cannabinoids impact the same brain receptors as THC, and research has found that synthetic cannabinoids bind stronger than marijuana does to brain receptors, producing greater effects. These stronger effects make the synthetic substances highly addictive.
Short-term side effects associated with synthetic cannabinoid use include:
– Extreme anxiety
– Panic attacks
– Agitation
– Elevated blood pressure
– Increased heart rate
– Delusions
– Hallucination
– Psychotic episodes
Synthetic Cathinones
Synthetic cathinones, or bath salts, were developed in order to mimic the active ingredient found in stimulants specifically methamphetamine, cocaine, and MDMA.
Short-term side effects associated with synthetic cathinone use include:
– Increased heart rate
– Elevated blood pressure
– Nausea and/or vomiting
– Chest pain
– Violent outburst
– Erratic behavior
– Extreme anxiety
– Paranoia
– Delusions
– Hallucinations
Common Signs & Symptoms of Synthetic Drug Dependence
Common signs and symptoms associated with synthetic drug use include:
– Needing more of a synthetic drug, for a longer period of time than intended
– Continuing to engage in synthetic drug use despite experiencing legal, financial, health-related, or interpersonal consequences
– Experiencing noticeable changes in mood and/or behavior
– Experiencing a lack of motivation
– Lacking interest in activities that were previously enjoyed
– Socially isolating oneself from close friends and family members
– Lacking in personal hygiene
– Engaging in risky behaviors
– Developing a physical tolerance
– Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when synthetic drug use is cut back or stopped suddenly
Synthetic Drug Addiction Detox & Rehab Process
It is recommended that those wanting to stop their synthetic drug use attend a synthetic drug detox program. Detoxification, or detox, is the process of removing substance from the body and is often the first step in the substance use recovery process.
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Is It Safe to Detox From Synthetic Drugs on Your Own?
It is recommended that an individual attends a medically monitored detox facility, as opposed to stopping synthetic drug use on their own. This is due to the withdrawal symptoms that stopping synthetic drug use elicits. Withdrawal symptoms can be extremely uncomfortable and even dangerous. A medically supervised detox facility can provide an individual with 24/7 care to help them safely overcome their withdrawal symptoms.
Detoxing the Body From Synthetic Drug Abuse
Detoxing the body from synthetic drug use can be difficult as withdrawal symptoms can lead to intense psychological cravings, which may lead to relapse.
Duration of Withdrawal Symptoms
Withdrawal symptoms associated with synthetic drug use include:
– Difficulties falling and staying asleep
– Anxiety and panic attacks
– General feelings of physical discomfort
– Persistent headache
– Body tremors or uncontrollable shaking
– Intense psychological drug cravings
– Changes in appetite and eating patterns
The Withdrawal Timeline
Withdrawal symptoms can persist for up to 4 weeks following last use. The exact time that it takes to detox from synthetic drugs varies for each individual, how long they used synthetic drugs, and how often they engaged in its misuse.
Treatment Methods for Synthetic Drug Dependence
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The combination of medication-assisted treatment and therapeutic interventions have been found to be effective in the treatment of synthetic drugs.
Dual Diagnosis & Co-Occurring Disorder Treatment
A dual diagnosis occurs when an individual experiences substance use and a mental health disorder at the same time. Treatment for co-occurring disorders can be difficult as addressing both disorders is imperative for treatment success. At Guardian Recovery Network, we offer dual diagnosis treatment for those experiencing comorbid substance use and mental health disorders.
Rehab Programs & Treatment Options for Synthetic Drug Addiction
- Inpatient Rehabilitation Residential inpatient provides individuals with around-the-clock care. Individuals reside full-time at an inpatient facility, and follow a daily structured schedule. Daily activities include individual therapy, group therapy, family therapy, recreational therapy, and psychiatric medication management.
- Outpatient Rehab Standard outpatient rehab is often the lowest level of care. Individuals reside at their private homes, and attend treatment weekly, biweekly, or monthly.
- Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) PHPs are attended for approximately 5 to 6 days a week. Individuals typically reside at their private home, or at a sober living facility.
- Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) Individuals attend treatment 3 to 5 days a week, for approximately 3 to 5 hours each day.
- Virtual & Online Treatment & Counseling Virtual and online treatment options make synthetic drug recovery possible for those with limited schedules.
Relapse Prevention for Synthetic Drug Addiction
Relapse occurs when an individual begins substance use following a period of sobriety. Approximately two-thirds of all individuals who receive substance use treatment relapse at some point. At Guardian Recovery Network, we offer relapse prevention training to provide individuals with the tools needed to maintain their sobriety over time.
