Synthetic drugs may be a bigger concern than traditional narcotics

The war on drugs has had its share of ups and downs. On one hand, there seems to be a lightening of the regulations around the country when it comes to marijuana, something that is seen by some as a victory to allow law enforcement to focus on more dangerous drugs while others see it as a step in the wrong direction. On the other hand, we’ve seen a sharp increase in the use of synthetic drugs, particularly by teens.

Since 2008, synthetic drugs such as K2 (synthetic marijuana), Smiles (a synthetic hallucinogen and stimulant), and bath salts (a common product that some use as a hallucinogen and stimulant) have seen bold increases in usage. It isn’t that they are more dangerous per usage than drugs such as crack cocaine or heroine, but the accessibility, price, and perceived safety of these drugs has many young adults experimenting. The perception is that they are less detectable, safer, and not as addictive as the “real thing”. This makes them potentially more dangerous, particularly if their growth in popularity continues.

In this infographic by Lakeview Health, the world of synthetic drugs is examined. How much do you know about what your kids are up to after (or during) school?