New Jersey has had more than its share of the American addiction crisis. But, we are fighters if nothing else. We don’t give up and we will not relent to the disease of addiction. Designer drugs in NJ have become one of the rising concerns in recent years as the illicit drug landscape becomes more complicated. 

This Tribe Intensive NJ article raises awareness about the threat of designer drugs in New Jersey, identifies the most common examples, their side effects and what is being done about the problem. 

What Are Designer Drugs?

The term designer drugs broadly refers to synthetic substances designed to mimic the actions of illegal or prescription drugs, while technically being legal. Not all designer drugs are legal. However, what they do all have in common is dangerous and unpredictable effects.

Where Did Designer Drugs Come From?

The current crop of toxic designer drugs in NJ evolved from cartels and organized crime syndicates looking for new revenue streams while getting around the law.

Once upon a time, these criminal organizations always seemed to be 3 steps ahead of the law when it came to designer drugs. After all, they were designed to skirt the law in the first place. 

So, when the law finally caught up with a designer drug, like bath salts, for example,  it wasn’t difficult for a clandestine chemist to alter the formula just enough to make that substance technically legal again. 

How Are Designer Drugs Made? What About Side Effects?

The drug chemistry is being done in underground laboratories which are rarely sterile. Even worse, the people making designer drugs simply do not care about any side effects they might have. It’s not as if they are doing any studies. 

They simply try to create a desirable high that will keep customers coming back, and hopefully get them addicted.When the law forces them to change the formula, they do so with no regard for safety. The unpredictable, ever-changing nature of designer drugs in NJ and the careless conditions they are manufactured under only serve to make them even more dangerous. 

What are designer drugs and where do they come from?

• Designer drugs are synthetic substances designed to imitate the effects of more familiar drugs like cocaine, meth, THC, Molly (MDMA) and LSD.
• These customized chemical mixes are manufactured primarily by organized crime and cartels in illegal labs. 
• Once sold over the counter in bodegas and smoke shops, most designer drugs in NJ have moved onto the streets thanks to a legal crackdown on them. 

Examples of Designer Drugs and What You Should Know

U-47700 (Synthetic Opioid):

New Jersey’s latest opioid threat is U-47700. Also known by street names like “pink” or “U4,” this potent opioid mimics the pain-relieving properties of drugs such as morphine. Its high potency greatly increases the risk of overdose and respiratory depression.

25I-NBOMe (Synthetic Hallucinogen):

Often called “N-bombs” on the street. This designer drug was created to approximate the psychedelic effects of hallucinogens like LSD, this potent hallucinogen can induce vivid visual scenes and altered perceptions. However, its narrow dosage margin elevates the risk of dangerous overdoses.

Bath Salts (Synthetic Cathinones):

These lab-created stimulants have been around for years. They are designed to imitate drugs like cocaine or amphetamines. They typically come as white powders or crystals and can trigger intense euphoria, hyperactivity, or, conversely, severe agitation and paranoia. Fortunately they have been made illegal in NJ and the rest of the U.S.

Spice/K2 (Synthetic Cannabinoids):

These compounds are sprayed onto plant material to simulate the effects of THC, the active ingredient in marijuana. Due to their unpredictable formulation, they can cause anything from mild relaxation to extreme anxiety or psychotic episodes.

Flakka (Alpha-PVP):

A designer stimulant, Flakka is notorious for its powerful and erratic effects. Users can experience severe agitation, delirium, and hyperthermia, making it particularly dangerous. Several notorious cases in the news involving flakka users in New Jersey, Florida and other states brought public attention (and alarm) to this frightening designer drug. 

Designer Steroids:

Yes, even steroids are part of the designed drug threat in NJ now. These are specially modified anabolic steroids crafted to boost muscle growth and enhance performance while evading detection in drug tests. Despite their appeal, they can disrupt hormonal balance and lead to significant adverse health effects.

What Can Be Done About Designer Drugs in NJ?

New Jersey is no stranger to addiction, this we know. So we aren’t taking this latest onslaught of poison lying down. NJ law enforcement works closely with the DEA and other federal agencies to stay on top of these trends. NJ also has laws which mirror the federal Synthetic Drug Abuse Prevention Act of 2012. 

On the addiction treatment side, alcohol and drug rehab centers in NJ, like Tribe Intensive are raising awareness about designer drugs. We have also adapted our treatment to address this rising threat and our detox partners are also well-equipped to handle the unique medical needs of people who are addicted to designer drugs.

What is Being Done to Fight Designer Drugs in NJ?

• Legal Barriers:  When designer drugs first appeared in NJ and the rest of the U.S. they were technically legal. Makers kept changing formulas to stay ahead of the law. New legislation has largely closed these loopholes.

• Raising Awareness: Just 10 years ago, few people knew about designer drugs or their dangers. They could still be found in many bodegas and corner stores. Today, articles like this one are making parents and young people increasingly aware of the danger. 

• Addiction Treatment: Many, if not most, designer drugs are addictive. Addiction treatment centers in NJ, like Tribe Intensive, are meeting the challenge head on by adapting their programs to address designer drugs. 

Tribe Intensive: Where NJ Overcomes Addiction

You or the person you love does not have to let designer drugs or any other substance lead them down the road to ruin. The choice is clear. Continuing to suffer in addiction is no choice at all—it’s a suicide pact. It makes no sense when the help you need to turn it all around is just a phone call away. 

Tribe Intensive is where NJ overcomes addiction. We’ve helped thousands of people put addiction to bed for good. We can help you too—-but you have to make the first move. Pick up the phone and you will have the whole Tribe behind you. 

Addiction Treatment in NJ for Yourself

If you are ready to end the torture of addiction —- Let’s talk at 856-666-2484. Call anytime 24-hours a day. 

If you’re not sure yet, but want to see what we have to offer, feel free to submit your info through our confidential portal and we’ll reach out to you. 

Addiction Treatment in NJ for a Loved One

If you would like advice on helping someone you love with a substance use disorder, we’re here for you. Call anytime, 24 hours a day at 856-666-2484