Drug abuse is a growing concern worldwide, as more and more people are becoming addicted to dangerous substances that can have a devastating impact on their physical and mental health. While many people are familiar with the dangers of commonly abused drugs like cocaine, meth, heroin, and prescription opioids, there are many lesser-known drugs that can be just as dangerous, if not more so.
Here are 6 dangerous drugs that you may not have heard of, but should be aware about.
1. Krokodil (Desomorphine)
Krokodil is the term used to describe a synthetic opioid called desomorphine which is similar to heroin. It is made from codeine, which is a painkiller that is available over the counter in some countries. Krokodil is highly addictive and can cause severe physical and mental health problems. It is called “krokodil” because it can cause the skin to become scaly and green, like a crocodile’s skin. The drug can cause gangrene, amputations, and organ damage. It is also known to be highly lethal, with a high number of fatalities associated with its use.
2. Bath Salts
Bath salts are synthetic cathinones that are similar to amphetamines. They are often sold in powder form and can be snorted, smoked, or injected. Bath salts can cause hallucinations, paranoia, and violent behavior. They can also cause heart problems, kidney damage, and seizures. Bath salts are highly addictive and can lead to long-term mental health problems. They are called bath salts because some smoke shops and gas stations sell these substances and market them to be used for baths.
3. Flakka
Flakka, also known as alpha-PVP, is a synthetic cathinone that is similar to bath salts. It is a powerful stimulant that can cause extreme auditory and visual hallucinations, paranoia, agitation, and violent behavior. Flakka is often sold in crystalline form and can be smoked, injected, or snorted. The drug can cause rapid heart rate, high blood pressure, and kidney damage. It is also highly addictive and can lead to long-term mental health problems.
4. Phencyclidine (PCP)
Phencyclidine, also known as PCP or angel dust, is a hallucinogenic drug that was first developed in the 1950s as a surgical anesthetic but was quickly discontinued due to its concerning side effects. PCP is often smoked, snorted, or injected and can cause agitation, hallucinations, delusions, and violent behavior. PCP is considered a depressant, stimulant, anesthetic, and dissociative drug all at the same time because it can produce varied effects based on the dose. The drug can also cause seizures, respiratory arrest, and death. PCP is highly addictive and can lead to long-term mental health problems, including depression and psychosis.
5. Xylazine
Xylazine is a powerful sedative that’s commonly used as a veterinary anesthetic. It’s also sometimes used illicitly as a recreational drug. Xylazine is a central nervous system depressant that can cause extreme drowsiness and sedation, slowed heart rate, and respiratory depression. Xylazine is also known as “tranq” because of its tranquilizing side effects.
While Xylazine is not intended for human use, public health officials have begun finding Xylazine in illicit street drugs like heroin and fentanyl. Even small doses of Xylazine can cause severe side effects, and there’s no safe way to use the drug recreationally. The problem is people who end up taking Xylazine usually do not know that they are taking it, so they can overdose and experience other life-altering side effects. Xylazine is especially dangerous because, unlike opioids, it does not respond to naloxone in the event of an overdose.
6. Tianeptine
Tianeptine is a drug that’s been used to treat depression and anxiety in some countries, including France and Russia. It’s not approved for use in the United States or many other countries, but it’s available for purchase online and in some supplement stores that sell it as a mood enhancer. However, tianeptine is highly addictive, and is sometimes known as “gas station heroin” or “ZaZa.”
Tianeptine works by increasing the uptake of serotonin in the brain, which can help to improve mood and reduce anxiety. However, the drug also has some potential side effects, including addiction and withdrawal symptoms. In high doses, tianeptine can mimic the effects of opioids like codeine or heroin.
Seek Help for Drug and Alcohol Addiction
Drug abuse is a serious problem that can have a devastating impact on people’s lives. Drugs like meth, cocaine, and heroin aren’t the only dangerous drugs out there, and unfortunately, many people abuse the drugs on this list thinking they may be a safer alternative. But the truth is there is no safe drug use–all drug abuse can be dangerous, life-threatening, and addictive.
If you or someone you know is struggling with drug addiction, it is important to seek help as soon as possible. With the right treatment, it is possible to overcome addiction and lead a healthy, fulfilling life.