The Effects of Synthetic Drugs on the Brain

A number of designer/synthetic drugs are associated with dangerous side effects, including psychosis. This article reviews both designer/synthetic drugs and drug-induced psychosis. It also covers other neurological effects and risks associated with certain types of synthetic drug use, as well as how to get help if you or someone you know struggles with synthetic drug abuse.

Common Synthetic Drugs

Designer/synthetic drugs are substances that often are created to mimic the effects of other illegal drugs, although this is not always the case.^1,2 When a drug is labeled as “synthetic,” it simply refers to the fact that it is man-made instead of naturally-occurring. There are over 300 known designer/synthetic drugs that law enforcement officials have encountered, but more are always being manufactured.¹ Designer/synthetic drugs are typically sold at gas stations, convenience stores, smoke shops, novelty stores, and head shops, as well as online.¹

Designer drugs can be extremely dangerous because in addition to mimicking the effects of other illegal drugs, their chemical components are often unknown and can vary from batch to batch.² This means that you will likely not know what drugs and additives are contained in each dose or what effects each dose will have.²

The designer drugs listed above all come with potentially-severe side effects beyond those mentioned, with one of the especially concerning consequences being drug-induced psychosis.

Drug-Induced Psychosis

Psychosis involves losing touch with reality. During a psychotic episode, a person may have a difficult time determining what is real and what is not.⁷ They may experience paranoia, delusions, or false beliefs, and/or hallucinations, such as hearing or seeing things that aren’t there.^2,7 They may also exhibit incoherent speech, inappropriate behaviors, and impaired memory, attention, and planning.^7,9 While these symptoms are often associated with mental health disorders, such as schizophrenia, they can also be induced by certain types of synthetic drug use.

Drug-induced psychosis may include paranoia, hallucinations, delusions, extreme anxiety, severe depression, profound agitation, and/or violent behavior.^2,4 These symptoms may last several hours, but they may be persistent as well.^6,8 Use of synthetic cannabinoids, synthetic cathinones, PCP, LSD, and MDMA have all been linked with symptoms of psychosis.^2,4,8,9

It’s important to be aware that these symptoms can occur even if the person using synthetic drugs has no prior history of psychotic symptoms.¹⁰ There is no safe way to use designer drugs, such as Spice, K2, or bath salts. Each time you abuse them, you run the risk of experiencing psychosis and its associated dangers.

What Are the Dangers?

When someone is experiencing psychosis, they have lost touch with reality. People who are in a state of psychosis resulting from synthetic drug abuse may pose a danger to themselves and those around them. They may exhibit erratic and unpredictable behaviors, such as:

• Self-harm.
• Suicide attempts.
• Assault.
• Violence.
• Theft.

They may put themselves in potentially fatal situations, such as:

• Running out into the middle of traffic.
• Jumping off of buildings.
• Driving a car.

Additionally, when someone is disconnected from reality, they may be unable to call for help or seek medical attention when needed. Therefore, it is a very real and terrifying possibility that these behaviors could ultimately lead to injury or death. Psychosis isn’t the only potential risk of synthetic drug abuse. These drugs negatively affect the brain in several serious ways.

Other Effects On the Brain

Clearly, synthetic drug use can be risky and even life-threatening. However, if you or someone you know abuses synthetic drugs, professional treatment is available.

Managing Psychosis & Getting Sober

If you or someone you know uses synthetic drugs, it is important to be aware that the best way to prevent psychosis, or any of the other serious risks associated with their use, is to stop using these drugs. However, it can be very difficult to quit using on your own. This is why it is so important to seek professional support and guidance during this process.

Detox, although not typically necessary for many stimulants and hallucinogens, can be beneficial in helping a person withdraw comfortably and safely. If you are concerned that someone is in danger because they are exhibiting psychotic features or experiencing a psychotic episode, you should call 911 immediately and remain with the person until emergency personnel arrive. Within the hospital setting, the staff will manage psychosis with medical and psychological care and oversight. Detox may occur in the hospital setting, with the aid of medications, such as a benzodiazepine or anti-psychotic medication, to calm an anxious or agitated individual and manage the psychotic symptoms.¹⁰

Once the person is stabilized and the synthetic drug has been eliminated from their system, they may transition into a comprehensive drug addiction treatment program. Rehab can help you refrain from relapsing and putting yourself at risk of psychosis and other complications. There are a wide variety of substance abuse treatment options. Inpatient programs require that the individual lives at the facility for the duration of the program while receiving a range of interventions, such as group counseling and individual therapy. Many people prefer the structure of an inpatient program so that they can focus on their recovery without outside distractions. Outpatient programs provide the person with the freedom to live at home while recovering from a synthetic drug addiction. The people who are typically best suited for outpatient rehab are those who have a strong support system and high motivation to get clean.

Addiction treatment programs can help you connect with others in healthy ways, explore underlying triggers and problematic behaviors that lead to drug abuse, and guide you towards healthier ways of coping. Ultimately, addiction treatment can lead to successful recovery and to you living a sober, healthy, and happy life.

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