Synthetic drugs
Synthetic drugs
What are synthetic drugs?
Synthetic drugs (or new psychoactive substances (NPS), aim to mimic the effects of existing illicit drugs (such as
cannabis
,
cocaine
,
MDMA
and
LSD
).
Synthetic drugs have different chemical structures from the illicit substances they are trying to mimic. Manufacturers of synthetic drugs constantly change their chemical structures to try and stay ahead of the law.
Some synthetic drugs can be marketed as ’legal’, safe and acceptable alternatives to illicit drugs. However, this does not mean that they are legal or safe.
There is no recommended dosage on a packet of synthetic drugs. The chemicals can also change from one packet to the next. Two packets from the same batch can affect you in different ways.
Synthetic drugs are not quality controlled or regulated, so there are concerns over what is actually in them.
Given how often synthetic drugs emerge, it is hard to know how harmful these drugs are in any dose. There is limited research on the short- and long-term effects of these substances. However synthetic cannabis is reported to have more serious side-effects than cannabis.
Names of synthetic (NPS) drugs
Synthetic drugs may also be known as:
new and emerging drugs (NEDs)
bath salts (monkey dust)
herbal highs
herbal incense
aphrodisiac tea
NBOMes
legal highs
party pills
synthetic cocaine
synthetic cannabis
herbal ecstasy
plant fertiliser
drug analogues and derivatives
research chemicals.
Synthetic drug use and the law in Australia
New laws were introduced in Victoria in
2017
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that specifically target new synthetic drugs.
While many synthetic drugs or classes of drugs are already prohibited, under these new laws, any person found producing, selling or promoting synthetic drugs faces up to 2 years in prison and/or a fine of over $38,000.
The new laws do not provide a definite list of psychoactive substances. Instead, the definition of a psychoactive substance applies.
Types of synthetic drugs
Common categories of synthetic drugs (or NPS) available in Australia include:
synthetic cannabinoids
phenethylamines
synthetic cathinones
tryptamines
piperazines
novel benzodiazepines.
Synthetic cannabinoids (synthetic cannabis)
Synthetic cannabinoids are, designed to mimic the effects of
cannabis
. They have been sold online in Australia since 2004.
They are similar to delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is the active ingredient in cannabis. However, some newer substances marketed as synthetic cannabinoids do not mimic the effects of THC.
Synthetic cannabinoids are 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 of synthetic cannabinoids can vary, even if the branding and colours on the packet are the same. Two different packets from the same batch can affect you in different ways.
Types of synthetic cannabinoids (synthetic cannabis)
‘Spice’ was the earliest in a series of synthetic cannabinoids sold in Australia.
Since then, a number of other similar products have been developed for sale, such as ‘kronic’, ‘northern lights’, ‘lighting gold’, ‘mojo’, ‘blue lotus’ and ‘godfather’.
A lot of synthetic cannabinoids have only recently been developed, so there is limited information available about their short- and long-term effects.
Effects of synthetic cannabinoids (synthetic cannabis)
Synthetic cannabinoids produce a similar effect to smoking cannabis. Reported effects include:
euphoria
feelings of wellbeing
spontaneous laughter and excitement
increased appetite
dry mouth
quiet and reflective mood.
Toxic effects of synthetic cannabinoids
A growing number of reports (mostly from the United States), indicate that people are increasingly experiencing toxic effects from synthetic cannabinoid use. These include:
rapid heart rate and rapid breathing (tachypnoea)
hypertension
(high blood pressure)
heart palpitations
chest pain
vomiting
kidney
problems
psychosis
seizures
stroke
death.
There is concern about serious acute and long-term toxicities.
Phenethylamines
Phenethylamines are a group of psychoactive drugs which include
amphetamines
and MDMA.
This group also includes synthetic
hallucinogens
such as the synthetic NBOMes, and benzodifurans (‘bromo-dragonfly’).
Even their ‘look and feel’ can mask other psychedelics. For example,
NBOMes
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can be in the form of blotting paper like LSD. They can also be found in pill or powder form.
Synthetic cathinones
Synthetic
cathinones
External Link
are a group of drugs relating to the khat plant. These drugs are stimulants and mimic the effects of amphetamines by speeding up the messages between the brain and body.
Synthetic cathinones mostly take the form of white or brown powder, but can also appear as small, chunky crystals. Sometimes they are found in capsule or tablet form.
Tryptamines
Tryptamines are psychedelic drugs commonly found in plants, animals and fungi. For example, dimethyltryptamine (DMT) or psilocybin.
Piperazines
Piperazines are a group of chemicals that mimic the effects of MDMA. These synthetic drugs are often sold as ‘MDMA’ and are available as a pill, capsules or powder.
Some common piperazines are 1-benzylpiperazine (BZP) and trifuoromethylphenylpiperazine (TFMPP). When these two chemicals are combined, they can have similar effects to MDMA.
Novel benzodiazepines
Novel benzodiazepines may be sold under the names, ‘legal benzodiazepines’ or ‘research chemicals’.
These include chemicals that were tested but not approved for medicinal purposes, or manufactured substances with a different structure from existing benzodiazepines.
There is a limited understanding of the short- and long-term health impacts of benzodiazepines.
Harmful effects of synthetic drugs (NPS)
As many of these drugs are new, their effects have not been researched. Mixed with other drugs, including alcohol, prescription and over the counter medicines, effects can be dangerous and unpredictable.
Because some of the chemicals contained in these new products, such as MDPV, are active at very low doses, they are often cut with fillers to make sure the dose is similar to the illicit drugs that it is aiming to mimic.
Media reports suggest that a number of people have experienced adverse effects from taking these drugs.
Some of the reported effects include:
emotional fragility
diminished cognitive ability
muscular pain
a sore jaw
loss of appetite
days of hallucinations
acute agitation
paranoia
heart problems
chest pain
headaches
suicidal thoughts
.
Dependence, tolerance and withdrawal
If you have been using synthetic drugs for a while, it can be hard to give up. Your mind and body have to adjust to functioning without synthetic drugs.
Withdrawal symptoms are different for everyone. Their differences are influenced by:
how long you’ve been using for
what drug(s)
age
physical health
psychological characteristics
method of withdrawal.
Withdrawal from synthetic cannabinoids
Symptoms of synthetic cannabinoid withdrawal includes:
insomnia
paranoia
panic attacks
agitation and irritability
anxiety
mood swings
rapid heartbeat.
Withdrawal from synthetic cathinones
There is little data on people seeking to cut down on or quit synthetic cathinones. People who use synthetic cathinones have reported a strong desire to redose (take additional doses), and dependence.
Withdrawal from novel benzodiazepines
Symptoms of withdrawal from novel benzodiazepines can include:
headaches
aching or twitching muscles
dizziness and tremors
nausea, vomiting, stomach pains
bizarre dreams, difficulty sleeping,
fatigue
poor concentration
anxiety
and irritability
altered perception, heightening of senses
delusions, hallucinations and
paranoia
seizures.
Where to get help
In an emergency, call triple zero (000)
Your
GP (doctor)
Pharmacist
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DirectLine
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Tel.
1800 888 236
– for confidential counselling, information and referral to a registered methadone prescriber
DrugInfo
External Link
Tel.
1300 85 85 84
– for alcohol and other drug information
Kids
Helpline
External Link
Tel
13 22 89
Youth Drug and Alcohol Advice
service
External Link
, Victoria Tel.
(03) 9415 8881
(9am to 8pm, Monday to Friday)
Self Help Addiction Resource Centre
(SHARC)
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Tel.
1300 660 068
Counselling
Online
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Tell.
1300 660 068
– free drug and alcohol counselling 24/7