Synthetic drugs

What are synthetic drugs?#

Synthetic drugs, also called new psychoactive substances (NPS), are made to mimic the effects of existing illicit drugs such as cannabis, cocaine, MDMA and LSD. They have different chemical structures from the substances they imitate, and manufacturers constantly change these structures to try to stay ahead of the law.

Some synthetic drugs are marketed as “legal”, safe or acceptable alternatives to illicit drugs. This does not mean they are legal or safe. Other names you may hear include:

• new and emerging drugs (NEDs)
• research chemicals
• bath salts (monkey dust)
• herbal highs, herbal incense or herbal ecstasy
• legal highs and party pills
• synthetic cocaine and synthetic cannabis
• plant fertiliser
• drug analogues and derivatives

Why they can be dangerous#

There is no recommended dose on a packet of synthetic drugs, and the chemicals can change from one packet to the next. Two packets from the same batch can affect you in very different ways, even if the branding and colours are identical.

Synthetic drugs are not quality controlled or regulated, so there are real concerns about what is actually in them. Because new ones appear so often, it is hard to know how harmful any of them are at any dose, and there is limited research on their short- and long-term effects. Synthetic cannabis, for example, is reported to have more serious side effects than cannabis.

In many places the law treats producing, selling or promoting synthetic psychoactive substances as a serious offence. Rather than listing every chemical, the law often applies to any psychoactive substance, so a drug being new does not make it legal.

Types of synthetic drugs#

Common categories of synthetic drugs available in many countries include synthetic cannabinoids, phenethylamines, synthetic cathinones, tryptamines, piperazines and novel benzodiazepines.

Synthetic cannabinoids (synthetic cannabis)#

These are designed to mimic the effects of cannabis. They have been sold online since the mid-2000s and are often similar to delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the active ingredient in cannabis, though some newer products do not act like THC at all.

Synthetic cannabinoids are usually mixed with solvents, combined with herbs and sold in colourful packets. They are generally smoked, or sometimes drunk as a tea. The chemicals in each packet can vary even when the branding looks the same. “Spice” was one of the earliest of these products, and many others have followed under names such as “kronic”, “northern lights”, “lightning gold”, “mojo”, “blue lotus” and “godfather”.

Reported effects are similar to smoking cannabis and can include euphoria, feelings of wellbeing, a quiet reflective mood, spontaneous laughter and excitement, increased appetite and dry mouth.

A growing number of reports indicate that people are increasingly experiencing toxic effects, raising concern about serious short- and long-term harm. These can include:

• rapid heart rate and rapid breathing (tachypnoea)
• high blood pressure and heart palpitations
• chest pain
• vomiting
• kidney problems
• psychosis, seizures and stroke
• death

Phenethylamines#

This group of psychoactive drugs includes amphetamines and a range of synthetic hallucinogens, such as NBOMes and benzodifurans (“bromo-dragonfly”). They can appear as blotting paper like LSD, or in pill or powder form, and their look and feel can mask other psychedelics.

Synthetic cathinones#

These are stimulants related to the khat plant. They mimic the effects of amphetamines by speeding up the messages between the brain and body. They mostly take the form of white or brown powder, but can also appear as small chunky crystals or in capsule or tablet form. Because some of the chemicals, such as MDPV, are active at very low doses, they are often cut with fillers.

Tryptamines#

Tryptamines are psychedelic drugs found in plants, animals and fungi, for example dimethyltryptamine (DMT) and psilocybin.

Piperazines#

Piperazines are chemicals that mimic the effects of MDMA and are often sold as “MDMA” in pill, capsule or powder form. Common examples are 1-benzylpiperazine (BZP) and trifluoromethylphenylpiperazine (TFMPP); combined, they can produce effects similar to MDMA.

Novel benzodiazepines#

These may be sold as “legal benzodiazepines” or “research chemicals”. They include chemicals that were tested but never approved for medical use, or substances with a different structure from existing benzodiazepines. Because many are new, their short- and long-term effects have not been researched. Mixed with other drugs, including alcohol and prescription or over-the-counter medicines, the effects can be dangerous and unpredictable.

Harmful effects#

Reported harmful effects of synthetic drugs include emotional fragility, reduced thinking ability, muscle pain, a sore jaw, loss of appetite, days of hallucinations, acute agitation, paranoia, heart problems, chest pain, headaches and suicidal thoughts.

Dependence, tolerance and withdrawal#

If you have been using synthetic drugs for a while, it can be hard to give up, because your mind and body have to adjust to functioning without them. Withdrawal is different for everyone and is influenced by:

• how long you have been using
• which drug or drugs you have used
• your age
• your physical health
• your psychological characteristics
• the method of withdrawal

Symptoms of synthetic cannabinoid withdrawal can include rapid heartbeat, insomnia, paranoia, panic attacks, agitation and irritability, anxiety and mood swings.

There is little data on people trying to cut down or quit synthetic cathinones, but users have reported a strong urge to take more doses and signs of dependence.

Withdrawal from novel benzodiazepines can include seizures, headaches, aching or twitching muscles, dizziness and tremors, nausea, vomiting and stomach pains, bizarre dreams, difficulty sleeping, fatigue, poor concentration, anxiety and irritability, altered or heightened perception, and delusions, hallucinations and paranoia.

Key points#

• Synthetic drugs (NPS) available in many countries include synthetic cannabinoids, phenethylamines, synthetic cathinones, tryptamines, piperazines and novel benzodiazepines.
• Tryptamines are psychedelic drugs commonly found in plants, animals and fungi.
• Common piperazines include 1-benzylpiperazine (BZP) and trifluoromethylphenylpiperazine (TFMPP).
• Withdrawal symptoms are different for everyone.
• Symptoms of synthetic cannabinoid withdrawal can include a rapid heartbeat.

Where to get help#