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Flakka. A designer drug that causes hyperstimulation, increased strength and severe paranoia became quite popular in the mid-2000s. Alpha pyrrolidinopentiophenone also known as Alpha PVP, also known as flakka, was designed to mimic the effects of other stimulant hallucinogenics like ecstasy and LSD. Flakka is the street name for the synthetic man-made cathinone. The substance took its name from the Spanish colloquial slang term for a beautiful and charming woman, “la flaca.”

Designer drugs have been associated with the party scene for decades. The drug 3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine, also known as MDMA, continues to be a popular substance among young people and partygoers. MDMA is a synthetic substance that acts as a stimulant and hallucinogen producing feelings of high energy, distorted perception and enhanced sensory experiences. People often use MDMA for its enhanced feelings of alertness, euphoria and sensational physical effects. It is an empathogen that can increase feelings of empathy and kindness. It also causes users to feel increased longings of being social and connected to others.

Methamphetamine (meth) is considered the second most popular illicit drug, after marijuana, globally. It is a highly addictive drug that can produce a sense of mind and body euphoria resulting in a high risk for addiction. The central nervous system stimulant is a potent substance that even first-time users can develop a strong urge to use again. In fact, even in small doses of the drug, physical and psychological dependence can quickly develop and lead to addiction. As a result of its potent and fast-acting nature, meth can remain in the body for a longer period of time even after its effects have ended. How long can meth stay in your urine? How long does meth stay in hair? What are some of the factors that influence the duration of meth?

There are over 100 types of anabolic steroids. Anabolic androgenic steroids are manufactured synthetic substances that mimic the effects of the male hormone testosterone. It is considered a class C drug that can only be issued and obtained with a medical prescription. Anabolic steroids are often medically prescribed to treat hormone imbalance, hypogonadism, breast cancers, osteoporosis, muscle loss due to tissue, certain types of anemia and endometriosis.

Phencyclidine, more commonly known as PCP, is a synthetically derived hallucinogenic substance that is derived from the chemical 1-phenylcyclohexylpiperidine hydrochloride. It is a highly addictive and potentially dangerous drug. According to the American Association of Poison Control Centers, the National Poison Data System reported an estimated 546 cases mentioning PCP in 2020. From 2019 to 2020, the National Survey on Drug Use and Health reported an increase from 30,000 to 52,000 people aged 12 and older initiating PCP use. This substance gained popularity in the 1960s as a club drug but was originally developed as an intravenous general anesthetic. Primarily used among young people, PCP is a powerful substance with a high potential for dependence and addiction.

Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that has caused widespread concern in recent years due to its potency and the severe consequences associated with its use. As one of the most potent opioids available, fentanyl has a significant impact on the body when abused. Fentanyl is most frequently encountered in various illicit forms, including pills, powders, or patches.

Anxiety, depression and insomnia are some of the most common conditions disrupting mental health for many people across the U.S. Evidenced proven treatments for co-occurring mental health conditions include both medication and intensive therapy treatments. Two of the most commonly prescribed medications for treating sleep conditions such as insomnia include Restoril (brand name Temazepam) and Ambien (generic name Zolpidem). Both medications work by slowing down brain activity, allowing the body and brain to relax and induce a sense of calm and relaxation to help users sleep.

Ketamine is a drug that stimulates the sympathetic nervous system and is becoming increasingly popular among young people. According to the Department of Justice’s National Drug Intelligence Center, in 2000, people ages 12-25 accounted for an estimated 74% of ketamine ER visits in the U.S. Data from a 2013 study by the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, reported an estimated 2.3 million people ages 12 and older used ketamine. Since then, usage has only continued to grow. Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic that can make users feel a sense of detachment from reality and themselves. It produces hallucinogenic effects that distort the perception of sight and sound.

Both barbiturates and benzodiazepines are central nervous system depressants and are often prescribed to treat symptoms of anxiety and sleep disorders. In 2019, an estimated 2.1 million barbiturates and 52 million benzodiazepines were prescribed in the U.S. They belong to a class of drugs called sedative-hypnotics. Despite being from a pharmacy and from the recommendation of a medical physician, these substances have the potential to become intensely habit-forming and can lead to dependence and addiction. Today benzodiazepines have become more commonly prescribed and used. But what are barbiturates and how do they compare with benzodiazepines?

Mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression affect an estimated 20% of the U.S. population. It is one of the most common medical conditions affecting people across the nation. When it comes to treating depression, anxiety and other common mental health conditions, there are many options for treatments and medications. Lexapro is a prescription medication often recommended to help treat symptoms of depression, major depressive disorder, anxiety and generalized anxiety disorder. Similar to other prescription medications that can alter normal brain activity, Lexapro has the ability to become an addictive substance.