End The Cycle of Addiciton
Synthetic Drug Detoxification

If you or someone you know has been struggling with synthetic drug addiction, CuraWest is available to help. We offer a multi-staged program of addiction recovery, one that begins with a short stay in inpatient detox and transitions to an extended stay in residential treatment. We offer an integrated program of synthetic drug addiction recovery, serving people of all ages in Denver, Colorado and all surrounding areas.

A synthetic drug is any drug that was man-made using a combination of chemical substances. There are hundreds of different varieties of synthetic drugs, most of which are both illegal and habit-forming. Some examples of commonly abused synthetic drugs include Spice (also known as K2), bath salts, DMT, molly and Flakka. The United States Drug Enforcement Administration recently noted that synthetic drug use has become a major health-related concern throughout the country and across the globe. In a recent article, the DEA explains, “The abuse of clandestinely synthesized drugs has re-emerged as a major worldwide problem. These drugs are illicitly produced with the intent of developing substances that differ slightly from controlled substances in their chemical structure while retaining their pharmacological effects. These substances are commonly known as designer drugs and fall under several drug categories.”

There are a wide range of dangers involved in the consumption of synthetic drugs, including their high potential for abuse and addiction.

At CuraWest we have extensive experience helping those who have been suffering at the hands of a synthetic drug addiction safely withdraw in a structured and supportive detox environment. In many cases, individuals who have been abusing synthetic drugs for any length of time will be suffering from psychological symptoms, including intense anxiety, paranoia and depression. We have licensed psychiatrists on staff, who are dedicated to effectively treating men and women of all ages and walks of life who have fallen victim to synthetic drug abuse. Our private, homestyle retreat is geared towards client comfort, and we guarantee an efficient and pain-free withdrawal process that cannot be found in any hospital setting or state-run facility.

What Are Synthetic Drugs?

Most synthetic drugs are made in a lab and modeled after narcotics or hallucinogens. Some examples of synthetic drugs include synthetic cannabinoids (modeled after marijuana), synthetic cathinones and synthetic hallucinogens. Over the course of the past several years, two main synthetic drugs have been making headlines – bath salts and Spice (K2).

Bath salts: This is the name given to synthetic cathinones, a man-made stimulant drug. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, bath salts generally take the form of a brown or off-white powder, and are either ingested orally, snorted or smoked. This specific synthetic drug is commonly marketed as a cheap and accessible alternative to other illicit stimulants, like cocaine or methamphetamine. When an individual consumes bath salts, he or she is likely to undergo a wide range of severe physical and psychological symptoms, including paranoia, hallucinations, increased sociability, increased libido, hypersensitivity, panic attacks and violent or agitated behavior.

Spice (K2): Spice is a synthetic cannabinoid, designed to mimic the effects of marijuana. Unfortunately, this leads many to mistakenly believe that Spice is a safe alternative to marijuana, when in actuality, it is far more dangerous. This specific synthetic drug is made to look like the dried leaves of the marijuana plant, and is generally consumed by smoking. Psychotic effects of this chemical substance can be severe, and include extreme anxiety and confusion, paranoia and hallucinations.

Synthetic Drug Addiction Signs & Symptoms

When it comes to synthetic drug addiction, there are several distinctive signs and symptoms to keep an eye out for. Because of the psychoactive nature of synthetic drugs, these symptoms will differ significantly from the symptoms of other types of drug abuse (for example, if an individual is abusing Spice, his or her symptoms will be entirely different from the symptoms presented by someone who is abusing naturally derived marijuana).

Some of these addiction signs and symptoms include:

• The onset of persistent anxiety and regularly occurring panic attacks
• Paranoia
• Hallucinations, both visual and auditory
• Mood swings, generally marked by increased anger and aggression
• Violent tendencies
• Increased need for privacy/withdrawing from friends and family members
• Attempting to quit synthetic drugs but not being able to do so for any length of time
• Anxiety and high stress levels if synthetic drugs are not easily accessible
• The building of a tolerance over time
• Symptoms of withdrawal at the onset of ceased use

Synthetic Drug Withdrawal

Synthetic cannabinoids and synthetic cathinones have been proven to lead to serious symptoms of withdrawal – symptoms that must be closely overseen by an experienced team of medical professionals in a safe and secure setting.

While the signs and symptoms of synthetic drug withdrawal will vary based on the substance, they typically include:

• Intense psychological symptoms like anxiety and depression
• Insomnia and other sleep disturbances
• Extreme tiredness and fatigue (coupled with an inability to sleep, which can be extremely frustrating – and can be effectively treated in a detox facility)
• Intense and persistent headaches
• Body tremors
• Paranoia
• Loss of appetite
• Intense psychological cravings (which can also be effectively treated in a medical detox setting)

The US National Library of Medicine published an article titled, “Adverse Effects of Synthetic Cannabinoids: Management of Acute Toxicity and Withdrawal.” The study explores the psychological and physical symptoms associated with synthetic drug withdrawal, and details numerous effective treatment methods that can be carried out in a medically monitored detox facility. At CuraWest we provide each individual client with the clinical care he or she needs to experience a pain-free and short-lived withdrawal. However, the comprehensive experience we provide goes far beyond that of a traditional state-run detox facility or hospital. Our homestyle amenities – from a state-of-the-art and fully stocked kitchen to flat screen televisions in every private bedroom – ensure a comfortable detox experience as well as an exceedingly safe and effective one.

Why is Medical Detox Necessary?

When it comes to long-term recovery from synthetic drug addiction, medical detox will always be a necessary first step. As previously mentioned, the psychological symptoms of synthetic drug withdrawal are often far more difficult to manage than the physical symptoms. At CuraWest we have a comprehensive team of medical professionals onboard, from physicians and nurses to licensed therapists and psychiatrists. Upon admission, every client will undergo an in-depth assessment, which helps us determine personal history with substance abuse and which detox methods will likely be the most appropriate. In the case of synthetic drug abuse clients will always sit down with one of our licensed psychiatrists, who will determine whether or not antipsychotic medication is necessary. We often prescribe anti-anxiety medications for those who have been suffering at the hands of a psychoactive substance like Spice or bath salts. These medications are prescribed short-term, and related symptoms are closely overseen by our team of medical professionals. We prioritize client comfort and a pain-free withdrawal over all else.

Our Stress-Free Admission Process

At CuraWest one of our main priorities is ensuring that your entire addiction recovery experience is stress-free and manageable. As soon as you become willing to seek the help you need to successfully combat a synthetic drug addiction, contact us at (888) 693-1794. One of our experienced and compassionate Treatment Advisors will walk you through our simple and straightforward admissions process, which begins with a brief over-the-phone pre-assessment and a free, no obligation insurance benefit check. Once we determine what your stay will entail, we set to work developing viable and timely travel plans. Once you arrive at our facility our team of medical professionals will set you up in a private, homestyle bedroom and ensure that you are as comfortable as possible. Client comfort is our top priority. We understand that the facing synthetic drug withdrawal and subsequent treatment can be intimidating. However, at CuraWest, your comprehensive and individualized treatment experience will be pain-free and as enjoyable as possible.