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Medically Assisted Synthetic Drug Detox
Are you or someone you love considering a synthetic drug detox? At Guardian Recovery we understand how difficult synthetic drug withdrawal can be. The symptoms make quitting hard even when someone desperately wants to stop. The key to overcoming this obstacle is a medically supervised detox where withdrawal symptoms can eased with medication in a comfortable, supportive, homestyle environment. Beyond physical stabilization, detox is also an important time to plan a path forward in recovery. At Guardian Recovery we first provide a safe, pain-free detox, then we get to work putting together a plan for long-term sobriety. We perform an in-depth initial evaluation and tailor a treatment plan unique to each client’s needs and recovery goals.
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About Synthetic Drugs
In 2008 the Office of National Drug Control Policy published a warning that referred to synthetic drugs as a rapidly emerging threat. Synthetic drugs — also called “designer drugs’ — are man-made drugs manufactured to produce a high similar to illicit drugs. Street names for some common synthetic drugs are Spice, K2, Bath Salts, Molly, Ecstasy, Flakka and Meow Meow.
Synthetic cannabinoids — a synthetic drug that tries to mimic the high of Marijuana — were first reported in the U.S. in 2008 when a shipment of Spice was discovered and seized by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Since first introduced in the country there has been an increasing amount of differing synthetic drugs available to members of the general public — and some synthetic drugs are easy to obtain. Some are even sold directly out of gas stations or liquor stores, marketed as something entirely different (and often marketed to teenagers and young adults). Because the contents of these drugs are constantly changing, it is impossible to accurately pinpoint their effects. While health warnings have been widely and repeatedly issued, the quickly changing variety of chemicals used during the synthetic drug manufacturing process makes government regulation incredibly difficult.
What Are Synthetic Drugs?
There are two main types of synthetic drugs — synthetic cannabinoids and synthetic cathinones. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) issued a detailed warning that explains the characteristics of each synthetic drug. The differences between the two drugs are as follows:
- Synthetic cannabinoids – Synthetic cannabinoids were developed to mimic the effects of THC, the active ingredient in marijuana. Chemicals are sprayed directly onto a plant-like material and sold under a variety of names including Spice, Green Giant and Joker. The short-term side effects of synthetic cannabinoid abuse include extreme anxiety, panic attacks, agitation, increased blood pressure and heart rate, delusions, hallucinations and psychotic episodes. There have also been several overdose-related deaths reported that were directly linked to synthetic cannabinoids.
- Synthetic cathinones – Synthetic cathinones were developed to mimic the active ingredient found in numerous stimulant drugs, including methamphetamine, cocaine and MDMA. This type of synthetic drug is most commonly referred to as “bath salts,” and it can be purchased in a number of unsuspecting places, including at many head shops and over the internet. Synthetic cathinone users experience a range of short-term effects that are both physical and psychological in nature, including increased heart rate and blood pressure, nausea, vomiting, chest pains, violent outbursts, erratic behavior, extreme anxiety and paranoia, delusions and hallucinations. Bath salts have also been linked to seizures and other serious health-related complications that could be fatal if not immediately treated.
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Synthetic Drug Addiction Signs & Symptoms
- Taking more of the substance than intended for a longer period of time than intended
- Continuing to use the drug despite a range of personal consequences, which could be legal, financial, health-related or interpersonal
- Experiencing noticeable changes to mood, coupled with erratic and unpredictable behavioral patterns
- A lack of motivation to participate in activities that were previously enjoyed
- Isolation from close friends and family members
- A compromised performance at work or at school
- A lack of attention paid to personal hygiene, which could include not brushing teeth, not showering or wearing the same clothing for days in a row
- An increase in risk-taking behaviors
- Developing a physical tolerance, meaning that a larger quantity of the synthetic drug is required over time in order for the desired effects to be produced
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when synthetic drug use is stopped suddenly
Synthetic Drug Withdrawal Signs & Symptoms
The symptoms of synthetic drug withdrawal commonly include:
- Sleep disturbances
- Anxiety and panic attacks
- General feelings of physical discomfort
- Persistent headaches
- Uncontrollable shaking and body tremors
- Intense drug cravings
- Changes to appetite and eating patterns
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Delray Beach, Florida
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Princeton, New Jersey
CuraWest
Denver, Colorado
Pine Tree Recovery Center
Portland, Maine
The Plymouth House
Plymouth, New Hampshire
New Pathway Counseling
Pine Brook, New Jersey
Synthetic Drug Addiction Signs & Symptoms
- Taking more of the substance than intended for a longer period of time than intended
- Continuing to use the drug despite a range of personal consequences, which could be legal, financial, health-related or interpersonal
- Experiencing noticeable changes to mood, coupled with erratic and unpredictable behavioral patterns
- A lack of motivation to participate in activities that were previously enjoyed
- Isolation from close friends and family members
- A compromised performance at work or at school
- A lack of attention paid to personal hygiene, which could include not brushing teeth, not showering or wearing the same clothing for days in a row
- An increase in risk-taking behaviors
- Developing a physical tolerance, meaning that a larger quantity of the synthetic drug is required over time in order for the desired effects to be produced
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when synthetic drug use is stopped suddenly
Synthetic Drug Withdrawal Signs & Symptoms
The symptoms of synthetic drug withdrawal commonly include:
- Sleep disturbances
- Anxiety and panic attacks
- General feelings of physical discomfort
- Persistent headaches
- Uncontrollable shaking and body tremors
- Intense drug cravings
- Changes to appetite and eating patterns
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Disclaimer: Does not guarantee specific treatment outcomes, as individual results may vary. Our services are not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis; please consult a qualified healthcare provider for such matters.
Integrated, Holistic Care
At Guardian Recovery we believe in taking an integrated approach to addiction treatment, meaning that we simultaneously focus on physical, mental, emotional and spiritual healing. We take a “whole person” approach to recovery, which allows for the development of vital relapse prevention and life skills. Clients learn how to work through uncomfortable feelings and emotions and engage in self-care as they navigate early recovery and transition back into independent living. To learn more about our integrated approach to recovery, or to learn more about the importance of mindfulness and meditation, contact us today.
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