The Synthetic Drug Trend

Looking to Understand the Shift in Adolescent Drug Use

Presented by Mazzitti and Sullivan Counseling

Undeveloped Minds:

Shocker! Teens aren’t as smart as they think they are.

Recent research proves that the human brain is not fully developed until around the age of 25.

Do chemicals change the brain?

"The addicted brain is distinctly different from the nonaddicted brain, as manifested by changes in brain metabolic activity, receptor availability, gene expression, and responsiveness to environmental cues.“ (1)

Drug addiction works on some of the same neurobiological mechanisms that aid in learning and memories.

1. Nicole Pietras, "Drug Addiction: A Brain Disease"

Can addiction be prevented by delaying drug use onset?

Every year the use of a substance is delayed, the risk of developing a substance abuse disorder is reduced.

People who begin drinking before the age of 15 are 4 times more likely to develop alcohol dependence at some time in their lives compared to those who don’t have their first drink before the age of 20.

Synthetic marijuana began being sold in 2004 It was marketed as a “legal high”

In 2011 five different types of synthetic marijuana compounds were added as Schedule I controlled substances.

As of 2013 there are now over 400 different synthetic marijuana compounds that have been identified, and differing widely in chemical structure, potency, and receptor activation

What is Synthetic Marijuana?

What is Synthetic Marijuana?

Synthetic marijuana is often sold over the internet and in local head shops or gas stations

Packaging is bright in color with exotic names

It is sold as potpourri, incense, etc.

On each of the packages it states “not for human consumption” This is to avoid being identified

as synthetic marijuana

A man-made substance that mimics the effects of marijuana

Compounds in synthetics act on the same receptors as marijuana

Synthetic marijuana produce effects up to 800 times stronger than traditional marijuana.

What is Synthetic Marijuana?

HOW IS IT MADE?

The herbs are sprayed with chemicals that mimic the psychoactive properties of THC

Synthetic marijuana substitutes are not produced in a controlled environment

Their purity and dosage are not regulated or consistent

The chemicals in synthetic marijuana are stronger and bind more permanently to the receptors in the body. The remain longer in the brain and organs

They do not bind as quickly to receptors in the brain and this causes an increase risk of overdose due to not feeling the effects as quickly

HOW DOES SYNTHETIC MARIJUANA AFFECT THE

BRAIN?

It produces an elevated mood A feeling of relaxation Altered perceptions Effects are stronger than marijuana Some users report psychotic effects such as extreme

anxiety, paranoia, and hallucinations There have been no scientific studies of how synthetic

marijuana effects the human brain Because of the different chemical compositions it is

likely that some varieties also contain substances that could cause dramatically different effects than the user may expect.

SYMPTOMS OF SYNTHETIC MARIJUANA USE

What are the Undesired Effects?

Insomnia somatic pain nausea seizures agitation vomiting internal restlessness tremors palpitations headaches death

perceptual alterations illusions visual and auditory hallucinations paranoia aggression depersonalization dissociation anxiety depressed moods hypertension hyperventilation

Is Synthetic Marijuana a Problem?

Synthetic Marijuana Use is Increasing

There were 2, 874 calls received by U.S. Poison Control Centers about synthetic marijuana in 2010.

The limited research available indicates that synthetic marijuana may have the potential for dependence.

It is estimated that 11, 406 U.S. emergency department visits in 2010 involved synthetic marijuana and three-fourths of these visits were made by patients ages 12-29.

59% of ED visits by patients involved synthetic marijuana and no other substances. 36% were a combination of 2 or more substances.

Excerpts from Cesar Fax May 9, 2011

SYNTHETIC STATISTICS

The majority of synthetic marijuana users report they use the drug to avoid positive drug tests

Most users of synthetic marijuana report using it as a substitute for marijuana during drug-testing periods, and returned to marijuana use once that period has ended.

Synthetic marijuana is particularly dangerous because its ingredients are unknown, they have not been tested for safety, and their ever-changing ingredients can be unusually powerful. Users don’t know what they are getting.

Excerpts from Cesar FAX January 13, 2014

WHY SYNTHETIC MARIJUANA??

Where are synthetics headed and what can be done?

The trend for synthetics will continue to evolve and adapt to current fads, laws and drug screens. There is now a cemented culture of synthetic drugs and it will continue to maintain itself.

Providers, schools, communities and families need to educate themselves about these new substances but keep in mind that it all comes back to substance abuse/addiction and the desire to experiment and get high. That is not a new concept and there are treatment programs available.

Federal Law Involvement

A Year After Federal Legislation Bans Synthetic Drugs, More Than 250 Types Still Sold

Legislators and law enforcement agencies are trying to keep up with drug makers, who are continually introducing slight variations of their products to keep one step ahead of the law. 

 From January to August 2013, poison control centers received 1,821 calls regarding exposures to synthetic marijuana. synthetic drugs are unregulated, users don’t know

what they are actually getting when they buy the products in gas stations or online.

As of June 2013 Governor Tom Corbett and the Pennsylvania General Assembly enacted a ban on all synthetic marijuana compounds.

The Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act was amended to include all synthetic marijuana compounds.

First offense for delivery or intent to deliver are up to five years imprisonment and a $15,000 fine.

Possession penalties are up to one year imprisonment and a $5,000 fine.

However, police need to send these substances out to be tested, which has led to charging individuals with a lesser offense Inability to test for substances Length of time to get testing back from labs

Synthetic Marijuana and the Law

Bring awareness of the harmful consequences to students and teachers

Intervention