The rise of new psychoactive substances poses serious health risks. These substances are often marketed as legal alternatives to controlled drugs but can be highly dangerous and unregulated. Below are some of the most concerning substances and their effects.
Cychlorphine
- What they are: Deadly opioids being found in the U.S. in pill and powder forms that are 10x more potent than fentanyl
- Dangers: Slowed breathing, reduced heart rate, decreased alertness, sedation, and loss of consciousness
- Warning: Associated with fatal overdoses in the U.S. and may be mixed in counterfeit pills and street drugs.
Tianeptine (“Gas Station Heroin”)
- What it is: An unapproved drug with opioid-like effects.
- Dangers: High addiction potential, overdose risk, and withdrawal symptoms. Can cause neurological, cardiovascular, and gastrointestinal issues.
- Warning: Often found in dietary supplements but does not treat opioid use disorder or pain.
Tryptamines & Phenethylamines
- What they are: Hallucinogenic compounds found in some “research chemicals” and ecstasy pills.
- Dangers: Can cause hallucinations, high blood pressure, muscle breakdown, and worsening mental health symptoms.
- Warning: Neurological toxicity is common, leading to serious health complications.
Piperazines, Nitazines, & Bucinnazine
- What they are: Synthetic stimulants and opioids, some stronger than fentanyl.
- Dangers: Seizures, respiratory depression, coma, and overdose death. Often found in counterfeit pills misrepresented as prescription drugs.
- Warning: Extremely high abuse potential and fatal overdose risk.
Mitragynine (Kratom)
- What it is: A plant-based substance with stimulant effects at low doses and opioid-like effects at high doses.
- Dangers: Can cause addiction, liver toxicity, hallucinations, seizures, and death, especially when mixed with other drugs.
- Warning: Sold over the counter but not FDA-approved for medical use.
Synthetic Cannabinoids (Delta-8, Delta-10 THC, “Diet Weed”)
- What they are: Hemp-derived substances marketed as mild alternatives to THC.
- Dangers: Hallucinations, loss of consciousness, anxiety, and severe toxicity when mixed with other substances.
- Warning: Not FDA-approved and increasingly linked to emergency room visits.
Phenibut
- What it is: A non-opioid central nervous system depressant similar to sedatives and anti-anxiety drugs.
- Dangers: Can cause dependence, withdrawal similar to benzodiazepines, liver/kidney damage, hallucinations, and seizures.
- Warning: Not an approved medication or supplement in the U.S.
Designer Benzodiazepines (DBZDs, e.g., Bromazolam)
- What they are: Illegally manufactured sedatives that cause strong sedation and memory loss.
- Dangers: Overdose risk, especially when mixed with opioids or stimulants. Often found in counterfeit pills.
- Warning: Can cause coma, respiratory failure, and death.
Synthetic Cathinones (“Bath Salts”)
- What they are: Lab-made stimulants often found in counterfeit ecstasy or fentanyl pills.
- Dangers: Paranoia, aggression, rapid heart rate, seizures, psychosis, and death.
- Warning: Associated with fatal overdoses, especially in Maryland and Florida.
How to Stay Safe
- Avoid unregulated or mislabeled substances.
- Be cautious of products marketed as “legal highs” or “dietary supplements.”
- Seek medical help immediately if experiencing unexpected effects.
- Contact a local addiction treatment provider for support and resources.