Synthetic drugs

What are synthetic drugs?

Synthetic drugs (or new psychoactive substances (NPS), aim to mimic the effects of existing illicit drugs (such as cannabis, cocaine, MDMA and LSD).

Synthetic drugs have different chemical structures from the illicit substances they are trying to mimic. Manufacturers of synthetic drugs constantly change their chemical structures to try and stay ahead of the law.

Some synthetic drugs can be marketed as 'legal', safe and acceptable alternatives to illicit drugs. However, this does not mean that they are legal or safe.

There is no recommended dosage on a packet of synthetic drugs. The chemicals can also change from one packet to the next. Two packets from the same batch can affect you in different ways.

Synthetic drugs are not quality controlled or regulated, so there are concerns over what is actually in them.

Given how often synthetic drugs emerge, it is hard to know how harmful these drugs are in any dose. There is limited research on the short- and long-term effects of these substances. However synthetic cannabis is reported to have more serious side-effects than cannabis.

Names of synthetic (NPS) drugs

Synthetic drugs may also be known as:

• new and emerging drugs (NEDs)
• bath salts (monkey dust)
• herbal highs
• herbal incense
• aphrodisiac tea
• NBOMes
• legal highs
• party pills
• synthetic cocaine
• synthetic cannabis
• herbal ecstasy
• plant fertiliser
• drug analogues and derivatives
• research chemicals.

Synthetic drug use and the law in Australia

New laws were introduced in Victoria in 2017 that specifically target new synthetic drugs.

While many synthetic drugs or classes of drugs are already prohibited, under these new laws, any person found producing, selling or promoting synthetic drugs faces up to 2 years in prison and/or a fine of over $38,000.

The new laws do not provide a definite list of psychoactive substances. Instead, the definition of a psychoactive substance applies.

Types of synthetic drugs

Common categories of synthetic drugs (or NPS) available in Australia include:

• synthetic cannabinoids
• phenethylamines
• synthetic cathinones
• tryptamines
• piperazines
• novel benzodiazepines.

Synthetic cannabinoids (synthetic cannabis)

Synthetic cannabinoids are, designed to mimic the effects of cannabis. They have been sold online in Australia since 2004.

They are similar to delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is the active ingredient in cannabis. However, some newer substances marketed as synthetic cannabinoids do not mimic the effects of THC.

Synthetic cannabinoids are mixed with solvents, combined with herbs and sold in colourful packets. They are generally smoked or sometimes drunk as a tea.

The chemicals in each packet of synthetic cannabinoids can vary, even if the branding and colours on the packet are the same. Two different packets from the same batch can affect you in different ways.

Types of synthetic cannabinoids (synthetic cannabis)

'Spice' was the earliest in a series of synthetic cannabinoids sold in Australia.

Since then, a number of other similar products have been developed for sale, such as 'kronic', ‘northern lights’, ‘lighting gold’, ‘mojo’, ‘blue lotus’ and ‘godfather’.

A lot of synthetic cannabinoids have only recently been developed, so there is limited information available about their short- and long-term effects.

Effects of synthetic cannabinoids (synthetic cannabis)

Synthetic cannabinoids produce a similar effect to smoking cannabis. Reported effects include:

• euphoria
• feelings of wellbeing
• spontaneous laughter and excitement
• increased appetite
• dry mouth
• quiet and reflective mood.

Toxic effects of synthetic cannabinoids

A growing number of reports (mostly from the United States), indicate that people are increasingly experiencing toxic effects from synthetic cannabinoid use. These include:

• rapid heart rate and rapid breathing (tachypnoea)
• hypertension (high blood pressure)
• heart palpitations
• chest pain
• vomiting
• kidney problems
• psychosis
• seizures
• stroke
• death.

There is concern about serious acute and long-term toxicities.

Phenethylamines

Phenethylamines are a group of psychoactive drugs which include amphetamines and MDMA.

This group also includes synthetic hallucinogens such as the synthetic NBOMes, and benzodifurans (‘bromo-dragonfly’).

Even their ‘look and feel’ can mask other psychedelics. For example, NBOMes can be in the form of blotting paper like LSD. They can also be found in pill or powder form.

Synthetic cathinones

Synthetic cathinones are a group of drugs relating to the khat plant. These drugs are stimulants and mimic the effects of amphetamines by speeding up the messages between the brain and body.

Synthetic cathinones mostly take the form of white or brown powder, but can also appear as small, chunky crystals. Sometimes they are found in capsule or tablet form.

Tryptamines

Tryptamines are psychedelic drugs commonly found in plants, animals and fungi. For example, dimethyltryptamine (DMT) or psilocybin.

Piperazines

Piperazines are a group of chemicals that mimic the effects of MDMA. These synthetic drugs are often sold as ‘MDMA’ and are available as a pill, capsules or powder.

Some common piperazines are 1-benzylpiperazine (BZP) and trifuoromethylphenylpiperazine (TFMPP). When these two chemicals are combined, they can have similar effects to MDMA.

Novel benzodiazepines

Novel benzodiazepines may be sold under the names, ‘legal benzodiazepines’ or ‘research chemicals’.

These include chemicals that were tested but not approved for medicinal purposes, or manufactured substances with a different structure from existing benzodiazepines.

There is a limited understanding of the short- and long-term health impacts of benzodiazepines.

Harmful effects of synthetic drugs (NPS)

As many of these drugs are new, their effects have not been researched. Mixed with other drugs, including alcohol, prescription and over the counter medicines, effects can be dangerous and unpredictable.

Because some of the chemicals contained in these new products, such as MDPV, are active at very low doses, they are often cut with fillers to make sure the dose is similar to the illicit drugs that it is aiming to mimic.

Media reports suggest that a number of people have experienced adverse effects from taking these drugs.

Some of the reported effects include:

• emotional fragility
• diminished cognitive ability
• muscular pain
• a sore jaw
• loss of appetite
• days of hallucinations
• acute agitation
• paranoia
• heart problems
• chest pain
• headaches
• suicidal thoughts.

Dependence, tolerance and withdrawal

If you have been using synthetic drugs for a while, it can be hard to give up. Your mind and body have to adjust to functioning without synthetic drugs.

Withdrawal symptoms are different for everyone. Their differences are influenced by:

• how long you’ve been using for
• what drug(s)
• age
• physical health
• psychological characteristics
• method of withdrawal.

Withdrawal from synthetic cannabinoids

Symptoms of synthetic cannabinoid withdrawal includes:

• insomnia
• paranoia
• panic attacks
• agitation and irritability
• anxiety
• mood swings
• rapid heartbeat.

Withdrawal from synthetic cathinones

There is little data on people seeking to cut down on or quit synthetic cathinones. People who use synthetic cathinones have reported a strong desire to redose (take additional doses), and dependence.

Withdrawal from novel benzodiazepines

Symptoms of withdrawal from novel benzodiazepines can include:

• headaches
• aching or twitching muscles
• dizziness and tremors
• nausea, vomiting, stomach pains
• bizarre dreams, difficulty sleeping, fatigue
• poor concentration
• anxiety and irritability
• altered perception, heightening of senses
• delusions, hallucinations and paranoia
• seizures.

Where to get help

• In an emergency, call triple zero (000)
• Your GP (doctor)
• Pharmacist
• DirectLine Tel. 1800 888 236 – for confidential counselling, information and referral to a registered methadone prescriber
• DrugInfo Tel. 1300 85 85 84 – for alcohol and other drug information
• Kids Helpline Tel 13 22 89
• Youth Drug and Alcohol Advice service, Victoria Tel. (03) 9415 8881 (9am to 8pm, Monday to Friday)
• Self Help Addiction Resource Centre (SHARC) Tel. 1300 660 068
• Counselling Online Tell. 1300 660 068 – free drug and alcohol counselling 24/7