Synthetic drugs are chemical drugs manufactured in a lab. Although some are manufactured to treat medical conditions, many are produced only for their psychoactive or psychedelic effect. In some cases, synthetic drugs like fentanyl can be legally prescribed or manufactured and distributed illegally.

Synthetic drugs, particularly those that are illegally manufactured, can be very potent and often contain dangerous chemicals. Since many of these drugs create feelings of euphoria, they are also commonly abused. For example, since fentanyl is 50–100 times more potent than morphine, legally, doses are typically administered via lozenges or patches. It is illegally made fentanyl that is driving the current fentanyl crisis.

Understanding the difference between natural vs. synthetic drugs is the first step to understanding how dangerous these drugs can be — and the first step toward getting help to overcome an addiction.

Read more about the available treatment options.

Natural vs. Synthetic Drugs

A synthetic drug is a chemical drug made in a lab. Unlike natural drugs, synthetic drugs are human-made substances — some of which are legal. As discussed above, synthetic opioids, like fentanyl, are approved for treating severe pain. In this case, the drug offers medicinal benefits. However, users face a higher risk of overdose deaths when this same synthetic drug is illegally manufactured and mixed with other drugs, like heroin or cocaine.

When comparing natural vs. synthetic drugs:

• Natural drugs include opium, mushrooms, and marijuana.
• Synthetic drugs range from cocaine to ecstasy, fentanyl to bath salts.

Synthetic drugs cover a wide spectrum of drugs. For example, heroin is technically a synthetic drug. However, it is derived from opium, a natural substance. In contrast, bath salts are manufactured using a list of highly synthetic chemicals and amphetamine-type stimulants.

“Designer drugs” are designed in labs to mimic the effects of a controlled drug. However, these synthetic drugs are created with slightly altered molecular structures. The idea behind this manufacturing process is that these altered structures mean they are not technically classified as illicit drugs. These experimental drugs are distributed in stores or over the internet, leading to high rates of use among high school students.¹ Between 2009 and 2014, as many as 300 new designers drugs were identified.²

How Do Synthetic Drugs Interact With the Body Once They’re Taken?

How the body interacts with synthetic drugs will depend on the drug of choice. In many cases, synthetic drug users are unaware of what they are taking because of the possible combination of chemicals used in the manufacturing process. From drain cleaner to antifreeze, ingredients vary from one drug to the next and even one batch to the next. When made illegally, there is no quality control for synthetic drugs, which is what makes them so dangerous.

For example, marijuana is a natural drug, meaning it is derived from nature. Although marijuana is a psychoactive drug that can be dangerous, cannabis isn’t usually associated with overdoses. However, its synthetic alternative, K2 or Spice, is leading to a spike in overdoses. When taking this drug, effects are widespread throughout the body and mind. For example, youth can suffer from a fatal heart attack after smoking Spice.³

Discover more about the dangers of K2 here. 

Stimulants are another common synthetic drug class, including bath salts and cleaners manufactured for recreational use, even though they are labeled “not for human consumption.” In this case, drugs like synthetic cathinones (bath salts) are manufactured to mimic the effects of the khat plant. The synthetic version is much stronger and laced with dangerous chemicals. Research shows that this drug affects the brain similarly to cocaine but is 10 times more powerful. This drug can also raise blood pressure and heart rate or even lead to death.⁴

While studying the effects of fentanyl on the body and mind, researchers have found that synthetic opioids produce different effects based on how they influence brain cells than the body’s natural opioids, such as those produced following exercise. This research is helping uncover why certain drugs, like fentanyl, are so addictive.⁵

Speaking of fentanyl, this synthetic opioid is an excellent example of how one opioid can have different effects on the body and mind than another opioid (e.g., heroin vs. fentanyl). Of course, both of these opioids are dangerous, highly addictive, and increase your risk of a fatal overdose. However, fentanyl has a different chemical structure than heroin. This difference influences how it binds to receptors in the brain and is one of the reasons fentanyl overdose rates are so high.⁶

How Are Synthetic Drugs Obtained?

As discussed, some synthetic drugs are prescribed, such as cancer drugs.⁷ In some cases, these prescribed drugs are misused. For example, someone prescribed these drugs sells them, or someone with access to them steals them.

In other cases, synthetic drugs, like K2, are highly accessible, which is why misuse is becoming such a significant issue among America’s youth. These drugs are available for purchase in gas stations, convenience stores, and online. A drug may be marketed as a room freshener or herbal incense, but people purchase it to get high. The combination of chemicals present may be unknown, which is why scientists equate taking synthetic drugs with a game of Russian roulette.⁸

What Are Synthetic Drugs Usually Used For?

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid fueling an epidemic in the United States. Like morphine, but 50 to 100 times more potent, fentanyl is both a prescription drug and an illegally distributed substance. Such drugs are becoming more widespread and sophisticated, resulting in increased overdose rates.

Synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl, are now the most common drugs involved in overdose deaths in the nation. According to the CDC, between May 2020 and April 2021, 64% of the more than 100,000 drug overdose deaths were tied to synthetic opioids, including illicitly made fentanyl. In some cases, fentanyl is taken as prescribed to help manage pain. However, others take this drug to get high and then become addicted. Unfortunately, many individuals who died from a fentanyl overdose were unaware that they were taking this drug. It was used to cut other street drugs to increase the euphoric effects and profit margins.

Symptoms of Overdose

Whether you or your loved one are experimenting with synthetic drugs or are struggling with an addiction, you must know the symptoms of an overdose.

Again, the drug of choice will influence what overdose symptoms develop. For example, a fentanyl overdose will lead to:

• Loss of consciousness
• Vomiting
• Awake but unable to talk
• Unresponsive
• Breathing is slow and shallow
• Among lighter-skinned users, the skin tone can turn bluish-purple — and darker-skinned people may showcase a grayish tone
• Slow pulse
• Fingernails and lips can turn blue

The most important thing you can do is act immediately. Most people survive an overdose because someone was there to get help.⁹

Learn more here: How to Find Help After a Drug Overdose

Transformations Treatment Center Can Help

Whether you are seeking help or would like to help your loved one overcome an addiction, Transformations Treatment Center is ready to assist you. Both natural and synthetic drugs can be addictive and life-threatening. Some drugs significantly increase your risk of an overdose, and others can lead to life-threatening symptoms during the withdrawal process.

That is why professional support is so crucial.

At Transformations, we take a holistic, evidence-based approach.

Ready to take the next step? Your next life starts here. Contact us today!