Synthetic Drug Addiction Intervention and Treatment in Texas

Synthetic drug addiction intervention and drug rehab in Texas include different options to manage all forms of synthetic drug addiction. Synthetic drugs are dangerous compounds that increase the risk of psychotic episodes. Most people abusing these drugs are recreational drug users, yet synthetic drug use is commonly part of polydrug use. When searching for drug rehab centers in Texas to treat synthetic drug addiction, there are different options for the family to consider. Initially, they should find drug rehab through their private or state health insurance provider. Most health insurance plans cover drug rehab.

Another option to consider is an addiction assessment to evaluate the addict and recommend drug rehab centers that treat synthetic drug addiction. The drug rehabilitation process for synthetic drug addiction includes drug detox, residential or outpatient drug rehab, and aftercare support. Well-rounded drug rehabilitation should treat the mind, body, and spirit. However, no one form of drug rehab is right for every person. Treatment settings and interventions should meet the needs of the person attending drug rehab.

What are Synthetic Drugs and How Are They Used?

Synthetic drugs are manmade drugs produced in a lab using no natural ingredients. For example, this does include synthetic marijuana like K2 or Spice and synthetic stimulants like bath salts. Synthetic drugs also include ecstasy and methamphetamine or club drugs like GHB or ketamine. Synthetic drugs are also referred to as designer drugs or club drugs. What makes synthetic drugs dangerous is the unpredictability of the drug and not knowing the concentration of the psychoactive ingredients.

Synthetic cannabinoids are manmade mind-altering chemicals that are sprayed on dried shredded plant material so they can be smoked or sold as liquids to be vaporized. The products are also known as herbal or liquid incense. Synthetic cathinones or more commonly referred to as bath salts are manmade stimulants. The drugs are produced to be chemically similar to cathinones, which is a substance found in the khat plant. Manmade versions of cathinones are much stronger than the natural product and, in some cases, dangerous and life-threatening.

People use synthetic cannabinoids by smoking the dried plant material or using the liquid form in a vaporizer. Individuals use synthetic cathinones by swallowing, snorting, smoking, or injecting the powder. These drugs are part of a group of drugs called psychoactive substances and are unregulated mind-altering substances that have become newly available on the market. The drugs are intended to produce the same effects as other drugs but are far more dangerous and unpredictable.

What are Common Street Names for Synthetic Drugs

There are many different street names for synthetic drugs. Manufacturers of these drugs often sell them in colorful foil packages and plastic bottles to attract consumers. Some of the common street names include K2, Spice, Joker, Black Mamba, Kush, and Kronic. Common street names for synthetic cathinones include Bloom, Cloud Nine, Vanilla Sky, and White Lightning. Most of these drugs are easily bought online and in drug paraphernalia stores under various names.

What are the Dangers of Synthetic Drug Use?

Many of the drug rehab centers in Texas treat patients that have been involved with synthetic drug use. Synthetic drugs produce dangerous effects and impact the mind and body in unpredictable ways. Synthetic cathinones, for example, produce effects similar to drugs like amphetamine, cocaine, and MDMA. Some studies have found that the effects on the brain are similar to cocaine but ten times stronger. Synthetic cathinones cause paranoia, hallucinations, increased friendliness, increased sex drive, panic attacks, and excited delirium.

Additionally, synthetic cathinones cause raised heart rate, blood pressure, and chest pain. People that experience delirium often suffers from dehydration, breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, and kidney failure. Synthetic cannabinoids act on the same brain cell receptors as THC. The chemical composition of these drugs is unknown and may change from batch to batch. Drug users often report elevated mood, relaxation, altered perception, and symptoms of psychosis.

Moreover, some of the psychotic effects include extreme anxiety, confusion, paranoia, and hallucinations. Drug users also experience rapid heart rate, vomiting, violent behavior, and suicidal thoughts. In addition, there is the risk of overdose as these drugs can cause toxic reactions, elevated blood pressure, reduced blood supply to the heart, kidney damage, and seizures.

Synthetic Drug Addiction Treatment and Detox in Texas

Synthetic drug addiction treatment and drug detox in Texas involve multiple steps and processes that help addicts overcome this dangerous addiction. Synthetic drugs are addictive and trigger intense, uncontrollable urges to use the drug again. Someone abusing these drugs does experience withdrawal symptoms that include depression, anxiety, tremors, problems sleeping, and paranoia. The first step with drug rehab is a drug detox to manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Typically, the extent of addiction and accompanying withdrawal symptoms determine what method of drug detox is needed.

However, drug detox should not be considered the only approach used to manage treatment as it does not provide adequate counseling and therapy. The next phase of drug rehabilitation for synthetic drug addiction involves attending a residential or outpatient drug rehab center. Residential drug rehab centers offer different therapies to help addicts. Behavioral therapy is usually used to treat addiction. Examples include cognitive behavioral therapy, contingency management or motivational incentives, motivational enhancement therapy, or family-based therapies.

Many of the drug rehab centers in Texas incorporate holistic treatment, experiential therapy, and faith-based rehabilitation. Following drug rehab, the next step to recovery from synthetic drug addiction involves following through with aftercare support. Recovering programs include 12-step meetings, peer support groups, and sober living homes. Aftercare support is important because it makes transitioning back to society much easier.

Family Intervention for Synthetic Drug Addiction in Texas

Someone struggling with drug addiction is often in denial about their addiction and unwilling to accept help. Family intervention in Texas motivates an addict to get the help they need. During a family intervention, with the help of a professional interventionist, friends and family come together to confront the addict and convince them to accept treatment. Family intervention helps the family set clear boundaries and consequences if the addict does accept treatment. The purpose of a family intervention is to demonstrate to the drug-addicted family member how their drug addiction has impacted their life and the lives of their family. A properly planned family intervention is successful, and it is recommended that a professional interventionist is hired to help with the process.

Sources-

https://www.drugabuse.gov/drug-topics/synthetic-cannabinoids-k2spice

https://www.drugabuse.gov/drug-topics/synthetic-cathinones-bath-salts

https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/synthetic-cannabinoids-k2spice