Making the decision to use street drugs (also known as club drugs), is essentially making the decision to take a lot of extreme risks. These drugs are very dangerous. Typically, there’s no way to find out just how potent they are, or what else may possibly be in them. Even more so it is hazardous to use them coupled with other harmful substances, such as alcohol or other drugs.
Here is a list of three commonly taken street drugs, and the side effects that come along with them:
Bath Salts
Designer drugs which rose to popularity fairly quickly and recently due to being easily accessible and also difficult to detect in drug tests. Highly addictive, and comes in the form of a crystalline powder that is swallowed, inhaled, or injected. Alternative names: Scarface, Plant Food, Vanilla Sky, Cloud Nine, Lunar Wave, White Lightning, Bloom, Ivory Wave. Side Effects: Increased levels of dopamine (a chemical in the brain that creates feelings of euphoria). Effects similar to that of cocaine and/or methamphetamines; likely to cause even more severe side effects, including but not limited to:
- Paranoia
- Psychosis
- Violence
- Agitation
- Racing heart
- High blood pressure
- Hallucinations
- Panic attacks
- Dehydration
- Chest Pains
- Kidney failure
- Death
Cocaine
Addictive stimulant stemming from the coca plant and made in various forms. Powder variations can be snorted through the nose or injected into the bloodstream. The crystal form of the drug (also called crack) is smoked then absorbed into the bloodstream via the lungs. Alternative names: Coke, Crack, Blow, Bump, Candy, Rock, Snow, Toot, Charlie. Side Effects: Triggers the brain into the release of dopamine, producing a state of euphoria. Temporary, intense high, which leads to repeated and increased use in order to maintain it.
Associated Risks:
- Nausea
- High blood pressure
- Increased body temperature
- Stomach pain
- Increased heart rate
- Loss of appetite
- Malnourishment
- Heart damage and attacks
- Loss of smell and nosebleeds
- Stroke
- Difficulty swallowing
- HIV and Hepatitis C
- Death
Ecstasy
Man-made stimulant and hallucinogen; often taken by mouth in the form of a pill or tablet. Can also be snorted or injected into veins. Alternative names: MDMA, Molly. Side Effects: Increased levels of several brain chemicals such as dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine. Alters moods and causes feelings of closeness and connection to others. Creates a sense of euphoria and is an energy booster.
The physical and mental strongholds resulting from the abuse of these drugs can cause a life full of distress and misery. It may leave sufferers feeling lonely, isolated, and hopeless with no visible way out. Here at Asana Recovery, the difficulties of recovering from addiction are greatly understood through our everyday work helping those who struggle most from the disease.
Some believe they can handle it by themselves, but rehabilitation programs are key in the fight to remove dependency. The journey is not easy or smooth, but you can conquer it if you are backed by the support of the proper team. Counseling and post medical care are helpful by assisting you to address the psychological roots that lead you toward addiction; they help you build a regimen to better deal with life, without leaning on harmful substances.
There are supervised detox and residential treatment programs offered in a calm, relaxing, and supportive environment. We are undivided in our commitment to ensuring your complete recovery while guiding you down a path to a healthy and happy future. There isn’t any time better than now; we are always available to chat with you. Call us today at (949) 438-4504 to learn more information about our specialized drug and alcohol addiction recovery programs.
