By We Level Up | Author Giselle Leung, PharmD, BCGP | Editorial Policy | Research Policy

What Are Synthetic Drugs?

The Drug Enforcement Administration says there are over 200 types of synthetic drugs, including those requiring synthetic drug detox. They also report more than 90 types of synthetic marijuana. Synthetic drugs are a growing concern because of their potency and the danger they pose to health.

Synthetic drugs, also known as designer or club drugs, are made in a lab. They are designed to imitate other drugs like marijuana, cocaine, or morphine. When discussing synthetic drugs vs natural drugs, it’s important to note that the resulting designer drugs typically have different effects on the brain. Because these drugs are created in illegal labs, their ingredients and strength are almost impossible to know.

Bath salts, or synthetic cathinones, are especially common these days. These central nervous system stimulants offer effects similar to those of cocaine, methamphetamine, and MDMA. People snort bath salts, inject them intravenously, or smoke them. The composition of the drug can vary, making it very difficult to know the effects of any particular dose.

Spice, or K2, is another potent synthetic drug that can be highly addictive and potentially fatal. Spice is plant material soaked or laced with synthetic cannabinoids that mimic the effects of marijuana. A synthetic drug test can find these substances. They affect the central nervous system and may cause serious long-term effects.

Fentanyl is one of the most dangerous synthetic drugs available today. It can be 100 times stronger than morphine and is very addictive. This is why the DEA classifies it as a Schedule II drug. Fentanyl, like heroin, works on opioid receptors in the brain that affect pain and emotions. Sometimes, dealers add fentanyl to heroin — a combination that can be fatal.

There are also synthetic LSD alternatives like 25i. This drug is very potent and usually less expensive than LSD. You can absorb synthetic LSD through the skin, and it has a high potential for overdose.

Another dangerous synthetic drug is methoxamine, or MXE. Among examples synthetic drugs, MXE is similar to PCP and can lead to paranoia and hallucinations.

Some of the signs of an addiction to synthetic drugs include:

• Mouth sores
• Significant and sudden weight changes
• Bruises or cuts
• Excessive sweating
• Nosebleeds
• Runny nose
• Lethargy
• Red cheeks
• Track marks
• Unusual breath odor
• Mood swings
• Inability to focus
• Loss of inhibitions
• Aggression
• Sleep disturbances
• Breathing difficulties

It is very easy to build a tolerance to synthetic drugs because most of them are very potent. For instance, a synthetic drugs example could include substances like synthetic cannabinoids or bath salts. Your brain quickly adjusts to the drug, leading you to need larger, more frequent doses to feel the same high. This process can cause a potentially fatal overdose.

Some of the signs of an overdose of a synthetic drug include:

• Tremors
• Excessive sweating
• Vomiting
• Nightmares
• Diarrhea
• Extreme fatigue
• Extreme anxiety
• Headaches
• Respiratory distress
• Cardiovascular distress
• Hallucinations
• Paranoia
• Seizures
• Violent behavior
• Stroke
• Constricted pupils
• Gray or blue skin
• Loss of consciousness
• Slurred speech

An addiction to synthetic drugs can be deadly. It is hard to know how a drug will affect you or how strong it is. If you have an addiction to these drugs, you need to reach out for help. At We Level Up, we provide treatment for synthetic drug abuse, beginning with our detox process.

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Synthetic Drug Detox Process

This process is an important first step in overcoming addiction. It starts with a thorough medical and psychological evaluation.

Because synthetic drugs can be very strong and unpredictable, detox should happen in a safe, medical setting. This helps manage withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms can include severe anxiety, hallucinations, seizures, and even serious health risks.

After physical detox is done, people usually move into ongoing treatment programs. These include therapy and support groups. This helps them deal with the mental side of addiction and encourages long-term recovery. This medically-guided process helps stabilize the body and manage withdrawal safely. It also prepares individuals for further rehabilitation. This makes it an important part of the recovery journey.

Detox lays the foundation for recovery, but it is just the beginning. Long-term success needs ongoing support to help people rebuild their lives and stay sober during tough times.

After detox, ongoing treatment programs are important. These include therapy and support groups. They help address psychological issues and build coping strategies to prevent relapse.

The goal of is to clear the drug from the body. It also helps manage withdrawal symptoms. This detox is the first step in treating addiction. We Level Up has a skilled team that prescribes medications. These can help ease your withdrawal pains. They also monitor your health 24 hours a day during detox. We prioritize your safety and comfort because this is a fragile and challenging time for you.

Medical detox can allow you to get relief from the worst of the withdrawal symptoms of synthetic drug use. This stage is one of the hardest parts of starting recovery. Many people hesitate to get help because they fear withdrawal symptoms like these:

• Extreme fatigue
• Muscle aches
• Tremors
• Strong cravings
• Suicidal thoughts
• Depression
• Inability to focus
• Loss of appetite
• Extreme anxiety
• Extreme paranoia
• Diarrhea
• Fever
• Nausea
• Vomiting

Because of the severity of withdrawal symptoms, you never want to undertake the detoxification process on your own. At We Level Up, you can get medical help to manage withdrawal symptoms. This support can also help prevent relapse.

To begin the detox process, we perform a full intake assessment. This helps us understand your mental and physical health. It also shows how serious your addiction is. We will ask you about your usual dosage, how often you use the synthetic drugs, and when you started using them.

We will also check for mental health issues. These may be causing the addiction or making recovery harder for you. It is common for people with a co-occurring mental health condition to use synthetic drugs to mask symptoms of the illness.

All of this information will allow us to decide on the best medications for this drug detox process. Many factors can affect treatment, which is why we create personalized plans for each of our patients.

Dangers and Hidden Risks of Synthetic Drug Use

Synthetic drugs are often marketed as legal or “safe” alternatives to traditional illicit substances—pose significant and often underestimated dangers. These man-made substances include synthetic cannabinoids like Spice and synthetic opioids like fentanyl. They are often made in unregulated labs and can differ greatly in strength and makeup. This unpredictability makes them particularly hazardous, as users may unknowingly consume substances that are far more potent than anticipated.

The allure of synthetic drugs often lies in their perceived legality and lower cost compared to their natural counterparts. However, this misconception can lead to severe health consequences, including addiction, overdose, and even death. The poor quality control in their production puts users at risk. They may be exposed to toxic chemicals and harmful substances. This can lead to serious problems, from sudden poisoning to long-term brain damage.

Understanding the hidden risks associated with synthetic drug use is crucial for prevention and intervention efforts. Education, awareness, and access to treatment options are vital in combating the spread of these dangerous substances. If you or someone you know is struggling with synthetic drugs, it’s important to get help. Seeking professional assistance is the first step toward recovery and safety.

Unpredictable Chemical Composition

Synthetic drugs are often created with unknown or constantly changing chemicals, making them highly unpredictable. Even the same drug from different batches can vary in potency, increasing the risk of dangerous reactions and overdose.

High Risk of Overdose

Due to their potency, synthetic drugs like fentanyl and synthetic cannabinoids have an elevated risk of overdose. These substances can cause severe respiratory depression, heart failure, and seizures, sometimes leading to death.

Severe Psychological Effects

Synthetic drugs can cause extreme mental health issues, such as hallucinations, paranoia, psychosis, and intense anxiety. These psychological effects can lead to dangerous behaviors, including self-harm or harm to others.

Long-Term Health Risks

Extended use of synthetic drugs can result in significant neurological damage, cognitive impairments, and organ failure. These substances can affect the brain, heart, liver, and kidneys, leading to permanent health issues.

Addiction and Dependence

Synthetic drugs are highly addictive, with users often developing dependence quickly. This can lead to increased use, tough withdrawal symptoms, and a long-term cycle of addiction. Professional treatment is needed to overcome it.

Legal Risks

While synthetic drugs may be marketed as “legal” or “safe,” many are illegal in various jurisdictions. Manufacturers often modify the chemical structure of these substances to circumvent regulations. This puts users at risk of legal issues, including arrest and criminal charges.

Dangerous Drug Interactions

When synthetic drugs are mixed with other substances, it can be risky. This includes mixing them with alcohol, prescription medicine, or other drugs. The effects can be dangerous and hard to predict. These combinations can amplify harmful effects, leading to respiratory failure, overdose, and severe mental health crises.

Synthetic Drug Addiction Treatment

At We Level Up, we tailor the treatment programs to the individual. Each patient has unique needs. We focus on giving complete support for mental health, addiction, and dual diagnosis treatment. We have designed the supportive environment to give patients 24-hour care for those searching for drug detox near me, especially during the synthetic drug detox process. Most importantly, we hope to have our clients live comfortably within the facility during this crucial and fragile time.

Inpatient treatment lets us provide medication-assisted therapy during the detox process. This helps prevent strong cravings from disrupting your recovery.

After undergoing medical detox, you can begin your inpatient treatment program. We rely on behavioral therapy approaches to help our patients, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, dialectical behavior therapy, and more.

Substance use disorder can make you feel alone. It can also make it harder to get help. That’s why we focus on group therapy and family therapy sessions.

Once you complete our detox program and inpatient treatment, you can rely on alumni programs. These programs will help you stay sober. These programs provide you with access to medical professionals as well as help from support groups. Your family can benefit from our alumni programs. We offer family therapy for those affected by synthetic drug abuse.

Top 5 Synthetic Drug Detox Studies with Insights

Here’s a patient-friendly chart of the top synthetic drug detox studies/guidelines.

Here is a helpful list of trusted synthetic drug detox studies and guidance. You can use these in clinical documents, program pages, or treatment guides. Each row distills the evidence’s implications for treatment into actionable tips for care teams and admissions scripts. Sources were chosen for recency, rigor, and relevance to integrated treatment.

Get Help Today

If you battle an addiction to synthetic drugs, you can get the assistance you need by turning to We Level Up. We provide programs to help you through synthetic drug withdrawal. We also offer support to address the root cause of your addiction.

We provide top therapies for treating synthetic drug use. We help you understand what might be stopping your recovery and treat any other related issues. Do not wait any longer to get the help you need. Connect with the team at We Level Up today to begin your recovery through synthetic drug detox.

Frequently Asked Questions