Many drugs, including recreational substances, can be cultivated in nature. For example, marijuana and cocaine can both be extracted from plants. Opium is extracted from the poppy plant. However, some drugs are synthesised to mimic the effects of these recreational drugs. These synthetic substances, also known as designer drugs, are often highly addictive and can lead to addiction in many cases.

Sierra Recovery offers affordable inpatient treatment in a luxury rehab centre in Malaga, providing a compassionate and caring space for our guests through treatment and recovery.

Synthetic Drugs in the United Kingdom

Since June of 2023, nitazenes, a type of synthetic opioid, have been linked to around 400 deaths across the United Kingdom. As such, synthetic drugs have become a major concern, and there have been significant efforts to curb the harm done by these drugs in the United Kingdom.

In the United States, police officers and other first responders carry naloxone, also known as Narcan, an opioid antagonist that reverses opioid overdose and is effective at saving lives.

In part because of the devastation associated with synthetic drug use, police officers in the United Kingdom followed in the footsteps of their American counterparts and began carrying naloxone themselves.

The National Crime Agency is also collaborating with the Border Force and police services to stem the tide of synthetic opioids in the UK.

What is Synthetic Drug Addiction?

Synthetic drug addiction can mean a lot of things depending on the drug a person is addicted to. Someone who is addicted to synthetic opioids such as fentanyl has Opioid Use Disorder. Similarly, someone who is addicted to cannabinoids has Cannabis Use Disorder.

When a person becomes addicted to a synthetic drug – or any drug regardless of its origin – they often become very impulsive. Attempts to stop or slow down their use will inevitably fail without professional detox and treatment. They may be able to stop or slow down for a bit, but eventually, they’ll develop withdrawal symptoms and will give into their cravings.

Regardless of what synthetic substance a person becomes addicted to, substance use disorders can have a devastating impact on a person’s physical and mental health, as well as their professional and social lives.

Types of Synthetic Drugs Prevalent in the UK

Synthetic Opioids

Synthesised opioids such as the aforementioned nitazenes and fentanyl, as well as heroin, are some of the most dangerous synthetic drugs available. Prescription opioids are often used to manage pain, and they are potent in that regard. However, because of the risk of dependence, they are generally recommended for short-term pain management.

Unfortunately, what makes opioids so addicting is that they produce a rush of euphoria, making those who use them dependent on opioids to function properly. Some may also use these opioids because their prescription was insufficient to manage chronic pain.

Xylazine

Xylazine, sometimes referred to as ‘tranq,’ is a potent sedative that veterinarians often use. These synthetic drugs are often used in conjunction with substances such as heroin, and users may suffer skin lesions that do not heal, as well as an increased risk of overdose.

Cannabinoids

Synthetic cannabinoids are lab-made substances that are chemically similar to cannabis, though they may have demonstrably different effects when used. Synthetic cannabinoids can also be found in illicit vaping products, and they have been linked with health troubles, especially among younger people.

Symptoms of Synthetic Drug Use

People who use synthetic drugs will exhibit different symptoms based on the drugs that they use. Opioid use will have significantly different symptoms from using cannabinoids.

Synthetic Drug Addiction Treatment

Seeking drug treatment for addiction to substances can be difficult as many struggle in isolation and a feeling of powerlessness. However, addiction recovery is possible with the right tools to help you build a foundation and sustain it after treatment. At Sierra Recovery, our team utilises evidenced-based approaches that have been established to work with people with addiction.

CBT

Cognitive behavioural therapy, or CBT, is a treatment modality that is versatile enough that it can be used in treatment programmes for various substance use disorders, mental health conditions, and process addictions. CBT is focused on how thoughts, feelings, and behaviours interact and influence each other.

In an addiction treatment programme, CBT can be used to help a user identify the cognitive distortions or negative thought patterns that contribute to their substance use. By identifying and changing these distortions, a person can change their behaviour regarding the use of synthetic drugs.

DBT

Dialectical behaviour therapy, or DBT, is a variant of CBT that was originally developed to treat people who have Borderline Personality Disorder. It has since proven effective at helping people deal with overwhelming emotions, making it a versatile treatment for various behavioural health conditions such as addiction, depression, and anxiety.

In a treatment plan, DBT can be used to help a patient develop skills in four key modules: mindfulness, emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. By developing skills in these four modules, people can be more mindful of the present moment, be better at managing intense emotions, and set boundaries in their relationships, all of which can be essential in recovering from drug use.

Alternative Treatment Options Available

In addition to the modalities above, our treatment centre will also offer other treatments for synthetic drug use. We also provide mental health treatment, as substance use can often co-occur with mental health troubles.

Our treatment centre in Malaga is in the rural mountain area. This isolation can provide a quiet sanctuary where a person can reflect on their struggles and focus on their recovery.

We also offer alternative treatment options such as equine therapy, yoga, and meditation to help people reconnect with themselves after drug use.

Treatment for Synthetic Drug Abuse

Sierra Recovery does not believe in a one-size-fits-all approach to treating substance addiction. This is because everyone who struggles with addiction will have unique experiences, nuances, and preferences when it comes to treatment.

Because of this, we adapt our treatment approach to the unique needs and recovery goals of each person who comes to us for help. Those whose substance use is rooted in a mental health condition will be given help to manage their symptoms.

Similarly, we’ll help those whose substance use is rooted in trauma process the traumatic event that happened to them.

Take Your Life Back

Whether drugs are synthesised in a lab or cultivated in nature, they can be addictive, and there will be people who become dependent on them. But no one deserves to struggle with an addiction. At Sierra Recovery, we can offer you or your loved one a path to a happier, healthy, sober life.