Cathinones exist naturally in the Khat plant that flowers in eastern and southern Africa. This alkaloid cathinone is a stimulant that causes euphoria, loss of appetite, along with excitement. Because of this, the Khat plant is illegal in many countries, including the United States, and cathinone is considered to be a class 1 (top tier) illicit drug. Synthetic cathinones were created to mimic this naturally occurring psychedelic drug.
Synthetic cathinones are more commonly known as “bath salts”, amongst other names, when sold on the street. They have a white or almost white, crystal-like powdery appearance. This drug is incredibly dangerous due to both the many unhealthy side effects associated with its use and the total lack of regulation of its contents and manufacturing. It is also highly addictive, as most synthetic drugs are.
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Health
Seizures, heart palpitations, anxiety, renal failure, and even death can be some of the resulting medical side effects of using bath salts. These are just some of the more pronounced health issues that can occur. There is a great risk of becoming both physically and psychologically addicted to synthetic cathinones, which can lead to a detrimental chain of events for the user. Substance abuse can lead to worsening health conditions, diminished hygiene, and a slew of psychological problems that all affect the well-being of the user.
Finances
Illicit drugs are deceptively expensive. For those who become addicted to them, the bill can increase exponentially as time carries on. People who become addicted to synthetic cathinones can quickly reach a point where their body builds up a tolerance to the effects of the drug. This requires the user to take a higher dosage to recreate the same effects as previously experienced. Increased drug use, accompanying medical complications and the resulting expenses, and potential legal troubles can all make a significant impact on the user’s wallet.
Legal Troubles
The illicit use, possession of, and sale/distribution of a Schedule 1 substance in the United States can quickly lead to felony charges. This is because Schedule 1 drugs are the most dangerous drugs that people can obtain. Legal charges related to illicit drug use can have a lasting effect on the individual, even if they recover from their addiction. Most felonious charges cannot be dropped, even after the sentence is served.
Lasting Problems
Synthetic cathinone works on the central nervous system, and once absorbed into the bloodstream, they begin to have an effect on dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine receptors in the brain. Stimulation of these naturally occurring chemicals can lead to lasting side effects such as depression, serotonin poisoning, or overstimulation due to norepinephrine. All of these effects can permanently alter the course of the user’s life, causing problems in their personal lives, within relationships, with coworkers, and the user’s career, and of course, the many medical complications that can occur. The use of synthetic cathinone is illegal for a very good reason, as there are no positive effects from using this drug.
