Synthetic Drug Addiction Treatment
Synthetic drugs, also known as designer drugs or synthetic psychoactive substances, are chemically engineered compounds that can profoundly affect a person’s perception, mood, and consciousness. These substances are designed to mimic the effects of traditional drugs like marijuana, amphetamines, or opioids, but they often have unpredictable and potentially dangerous side effects. Synthetic drugs can be divided into two main categories:
- Synthetic Cannabinoids. These compounds are designed to mimic the effects of marijuana (cannabis). They are often sprayed onto plant material and marketed as “legal highs” or “herbal smoking blends.” Synthetic cannabinoids can cause hallucinations, paranoia, and severe health complications.
- Synthetic Stimulants. These drugs are formulated to imitate the effects of stimulants like amphetamines or cocaine. Common artificial stimulants include “bath salts” and “flakka.” They can lead to intense euphoria, increased alertness, erratic behavior, and severe health risks.
The effects of synthetic drugs can vary widely among individuals, and the consequences of their use can be unpredictable and harmful. Some people may experience short-lived highs, while others may face severe health emergencies.
Facts About Synthetic Cannabinoids
Synthetic cannabinoids, often referred to as “synthetic weed,” “K2,” “Spice,” or “herbal incense,” are a class of chemically engineered compounds designed to mimic the effects of THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol), the active ingredient in natural cannabis. These substances are typically created in a laboratory and sprayed onto plant material, making them look like herbal smoking blends. They are marketed as legal alternatives to marijuana and are sold in various forms, such as dried herbs, liquids for vaporization, or as a powder to be smoked. They can also be added to other substances.
Some key facts about synthetic cannabinoids include:
- Chemical Variability. Synthetic cannabinoids are chemically diverse, with new compounds constantly emerging. Manufacturers frequently change the chemical structure of these substances to evade legal regulations. As a result, it is challenging to predict their effects or determine their safety.
- Effects. The effects of synthetic cannabinoids can be unpredictable and vary widely from one batch to another. Some commonly reported effects include relaxation, altered perception, increased heart rate, and altered sensory perception. However, they are also known to cause adverse effects, including intense hallucinations, extreme paranoia, agitation, anxiety, nausea, and vomiting.
- Health Risks. Synthetic cannabinoids can have serious health risks. They have been associated with a range of adverse reactions, including seizures, high blood pressure, rapid heart rate, kidney damage, and respiratory problems. There have been cases of acute kidney injury, strokes, and even deaths associated with the use of synthetic cannabinoids.
- Addiction Potential. While more research is needed to understand the addiction potential of synthetic cannabinoids fully, there is evidence to suggest that they can be addictive. Users may develop a tolerance, meaning they need more of the substance to achieve the desired effects, and they may experience withdrawal symptoms when trying to quit. Withdrawal symptoms can include irritability, insomnia, loss of appetite, and cravings.
- Legal Status. The legal status of synthetic cannabinoids varies by country and even within regions of a country. Many jurisdictions have implemented bans on specific synthetic cannabinoids or classes of compounds, but manufacturers often try to stay ahead of these regulations by producing new, slightly modified substances.
Facts About Synthetic Stimulants
Synthetic stimulants, often marketed as “bath salts,” “flakka,” or other names, are a class of drugs designed to mimic the effects of traditional stimulants like amphetamines or cocaine. These substances are usually synthesized in laboratories and are notorious for their unpredictable and often dangerous effects.
Key facts about synthetic stimulants include:
- Chemical Variability. Synthetic stimulants are chemically diverse, and new compounds are continually being developed to evade legal restrictions. As a result, the specific chemical composition of these drugs can vary widely, making it challenging to predict their effects and safety.
- Effects. Synthetic stimulants can induce intense euphoria, increased alertness, energy, and heightened sociability. Users may experience heightened confidence and reduced inhibitions. However, these effects are often accompanied by adverse side effects, including agitation, paranoia, delusions, hallucinations, and erratic behavior.
- Health Risks. Synthetic stimulants can pose serious health risks. Users may experience severe anxiety, panic attacks, high blood pressure, increased heart rate, profuse sweating, and body temperature fluctuations. The erratic and sometimes violent behavior exhibited by users can lead to injuries to themselves or others. Long-term use of these substances can result in physical and mental health issues.
- Addiction Potential. Synthetic stimulants can be habit-forming. Users may develop tolerance, requiring larger doses to achieve the desired effects, and withdrawal symptoms can include depression, anxiety, fatigue, and intense cravings.
- Legal Status. The legal status of synthetic stimulants varies by region. Many countries have banned specific synthetic stimulant compounds or entire classes of substances, but manufacturers often produce new analogs to circumvent regulations.
What Is Synthetic Drug Addiction?
Synthetic drug addiction, also known as synthetic drug use disorder, is characterized by the compulsive use of synthetic substances despite experiencing negative consequences in various aspects of life. While synthetic drugs may not be as physically addictive as other substances, they can lead to significant psychological dependence and health risks.
Synthetic drug addiction involves several key features:
- Craving. Individuals with synthetic drug use disorder often experience strong cravings for the substance, leading to a strong desire to use it.
- Loss of Control. People with addiction may find it challenging to control their use of synthetic drugs, often taking larger doses or using more frequently than intended.
- Continued Use Despite Harm. Individuals may persist despite experiencing negative consequences related to their synthetic drug use, such as impaired functioning, relationship problems, or legal issues.
- Neglect of Responsibilities. Addiction can lead to neglecting essential responsibilities at work, school, or home.
- Tolerance. Tolerance may develop, meaning that individuals need to consume larger amounts of the substance to achieve the desired effects.
- Withdrawal Symptoms (in some cases). While synthetic drugs may not always produce severe physical withdrawal symptoms, some users may experience psychological distress when they stop using, such as mood swings or anxiety.
- Increased Use. Sometimes, individuals may escalate their use of synthetic drugs, seeking more intense experiences by taking higher doses or using them more frequently.
Treatment and support options are available to address synthetic drug misuse’s psychological and behavioral aspects.
Multi-Phasal Recovery: How It Works
Multi-phasal recovery is a comprehensive treatment approach offered at Midwest Recovery Centers, designed to guide clients through a tailored and enduring recovery journey from synthetic drug dependence. Unlike standardized treatment programs, multi-phasal recovery at Midwest ensures individuals progress through three distinct phases of treatment and therapy, facilitating a safe and lasting path to recovery.
The multi-phasal program at Midwest comprises three key phases: Detox & Residential, Phase 1, and Phase 2. This extended care model provides structured housing and unwavering support throughout the client’s first year of recovery.
- Detox & Residential. The initial phase spans the crucial first 30 days, featuring medically supervised detox and an intensive 56 hours per week of clinical therapy.
- Phase 1. Clients then continue their recovery journey with Phase 1, which extends for 60 days. This phase incorporates structured housing, individual and group therapy, comprehensive 12-step wellness, and family programs.
- Phase 2. This phase, spanning up to nine months, offers continued structured housing, ongoing group therapy, and a focus on 12-step recovery as clients transition back to their everyday lives.
This phased approach empowers clients to gradually acclimate to a life free from synthetic drug dependence, equipping them with essential skills, support networks, and real-world experiences necessary to thrive as they reintegrate into their daily routines. At Midwest Recovery Centers, our multi-phasal recovery program remains dedicated to facilitating sustainable, long-term recovery and helping clients regain control of their lives.
Contact Us Today
Midwest Recovery Centers is committed to offering comprehensive, intensive, and effective recovery treatment for individuals grappling with synthetic drug addiction and other life challenges. Through the dedicated efforts of our professional therapy and education programs, we strive to empower each client on their journey toward personal growth and lasting recovery. Our 12-step community fosters a supportive, transformative environment, consistently delivering positive results. At Midwest, we believe in healing and renewal and are here to guide and support our clients every step of the way. Contact us today to learn more about our treatment programs.
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Have A Midwest Recovery Centers' Team Member Call You Today.
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Staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Medical
Midwest Recovery Centers believes strongly in a client-centered approach. Substance Use Disorder is not what it was 5 or even 2 years ago. The substances on the street are constantly changing and so are the number of contraindications and fatal threats that substance use imposes on the person suffering. Our Medical team continues to stay up to speed with new advances of evidence-based approaches in treating those with both substance use disorder as well as their co-occurring mental health diagnosis. There are many varying pieces to each client’s situation when it comes to tackling the puzzle of a medical detox, and each step in the treatment planning is carefully selected, reviewed, and communicated for the best possible outcome of each client. We understand that consideration of the medical history, family history, past trauma, past and current substance use are all key indicators to most effectively give each client the best chance at developing a recovery process. Each client may present with a different scope of medical needs whether it’s their blood work or the most effective medications for them. Midwest Recovery Centers is proud to have the finest medical team to meet these individual and specific needs of each client that walks through our doors.
Clinical
When it comes to the therapeutic treatment of patients with substance use disorder, Midwest Recovery Centers believes in a client-centered approach guided by evidence-based practices. Substance use disorder has been identified by the American Medical Association as a disease, but because addiction is a disease that impacts behavior, treatment of this disease is often heavily focused on modifying behaviors and thoughts as well as establishing a new way of life. We place a strong emphasis on educating patients about this chronic illness and empowering them to practice treating it as such. Our clinical team is composed of leading experts in the field. We believe in having a staff as diverse as the clients we serve; from Licensed Professional Counselors to Licensed Clinical Social Workers, our staff is highly trained and educated in not only addiction but the mental health issues and life circumstances that often accompany it. Many of our clinicians have their own personal experience in long term recovery which lends them to an even better understanding of what our patients are experiencing. Our staff is highly skilled in choosing the most effective therapeutic modality for each client’s needs, to give them the best chance of securing the recovery process that will change their lives. Our clinical team understands that this is a family disease. This is why clinicians will offer weekly updates to families as well as concrete tools for families to utilize as they journey through this illness with their loved one. Those tools will be offered by the patient’s individual clinician as well as at our free Family Night on the first Wednesday of each month, offered to anyone in the community.
Our Origin Story
I began Midwest Recovery in honor of my mother, Betty Lou Wallace, who taught me responsibility in life and sobriety.
Mom was born, raised, and lived most of her life in Missouri, a state I'm still proud to call home. She had five children. The youngest were my older brother Don and me.
We knew that the disease of addiction ran in the family, but it wasn't until Don and I grew older that we realized we were falling into addictive patterns. Through it all, Mom was supportive of her children but firm about one principle: whether the disease was inherited or developed through your environment, you were responsible for your recovery from addiction.
"I will be supportive of your recovery but I will not enable your addiction," she was fond of saying.
Ultimately, I stayed sober from 1990 to 1997, when I relapsed. With Mom's support, I was able to get sober again in 2002. Tragically, Don was not so lucky. He passed away in 2005 from complications of an injury and continued addiction.
Mom wanted no parent to suffer from the sorrow and anguish of losing a child, so in 2002, she helped me establish my first treatment center business.
As Mom grew older, she shared with me some lessons she had learned through her affiliation with Al-Anon, a support group for family members of loved ones struggling with addiction. She asked me to stay clean and sober one day at a time and to use the lessons I learned in my own recovery to help others who were suffering.
In 2008, Mom passed away from throat cancer, one day after my six year sober anniversary. I still remember that one of the last times we spoke, she told me she was proud of my recovery.
Mom would be so happy to know that myself, our partners, and our team are carrying on her legacy in her home state. I don't know if my own recovery process would be intact without her and the lessons she shared. So much of what we share with our clients at Midwest began with Betty Lou.
Above all, Mom imparted several teachings that I carry with me every day: that people are inherently good, and if they fall into addiction, this makes them sick, not bad. She taught me to be patient, tolerant, loving, and kind to myself and to others.
Most of all, she taught me that recovery works if we are able to be honest with ourselves about our own behavior. That’s what she helped me accomplish and that’s what we strive to accomplish with every Midwest client.
On behalf of Betty Lou, I thank you for your interest in Midwest Recovery.
Jeff Howard
Start Your Recovery Now!
Have A Midwest Recovery Centers' Team Member Call You Today.
Recent Posts
The Role of Self-Care in Sustaining Recovery
Self-care is a cornerstone of successful long-term recovery from substance abuse. It involves adopting practices that promote physical, emotional, and mental well-being, helping individuals manage stress and maintain sobriety.
Overcoming Stigma in Seeking Treatment for Substance Abuse
The stigma surrounding substance abuse is a significant barrier to seeking treatment. Many individuals delay getting help because of fear, shame, or judgment.
The Role of Nutrition in Substance Abuse Recovery
Substance abuse takes a significant toll on the body, often leading to poor nutrition and weakened health. At Midwest Recovery Centers, we emphasize the importance of proper nutrition as part of a holistic recovery plan.
