| DESIGNER
DRUGS
The "designer drugs" are all amphetamine derivatives
(N-analogs.) They are currently manufactured in numerous
clandestine labs (Amphetamine labs) and enjoy a growing
market in spite of their danger!
Many chemical variations of mescaline and amphetamine
have been synthesized for their "feel good"
effects. 4-Methyl-2,5-dimethoxyamphetamine (DOM) was
introduced into the San Francisco drug scene in the
late 1960s, and was nicknamed STP, an acronym for "Serenity,
Tranquility, and Peace." Doses of 1 to 3 miligrams
generally produce mood alterations and minor perceptual
alterations, while larger doses can produce pronounced
hallucinations that last from 8 to 10 hours.
Other illicitly manufactured analogues include 4-bromo-2,
5-dimethoxyamphetamine (DOB), 3, 4-methylenedioxyamphetamine
(MDA), 3, 4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, also
referred to as Ecstasy or XTC) and 4-bromo-2, 5dimethoxyhenethylamine
(2C-B, NEXUS). These drugs differ from one another in
their potency, speed of onset, duration of action and
their capacity to modify mood with or without producing
overt hallucinations. These drugs are widely used at
"raves." (Raves are large all-night dance
parties held in unusual settings, such a warehouses
or railroad yards, that feature computer- generated,
high volume, pulsating music.) The drugs are usually
taken orally, sometimes snorted and rarely injected.
Because they are produced in clandestine laboratories,
they are seldom pure and the amount in a capsule or
tablet is likely to vary considerably.
[Abstracted from D.E.A. website q.v.]
| DESIGNER
DRUGS |
| Effects: |
| Designer drugs, being amphetamines,
are categorized as "stimulants." Because
of the effects reported by users, however, they
are classed by some experts as "hallucinogens."
Ecstacy is being used legally in Switzerland as
an adjunct in psychotherapy despite both U.S. and
European data suggesting their association with
numerous fatal intoxications! They are notoriously
dangerous when mixed with alcohol and other drugs!
|
| Incidence
of Abuse: |
| Frequent and widespread! |
| Chemical
Names: |
- DOM ("STP" = Serenety, Tranquility,
& Peace) Methyl-2,5-dimethoxyamphetamine
- DOB 4-bromo-2, 5-dimethoxyamphetamine MDA
3, 4-methylenedioxyamphetamine
- MDMA ("Ecstacy") ("Adam")
3,4Methylenedioxyamphetamine
2C-B, (NEXUS) 5-dimethoxyhenethylamine
- MDEA ("Eve")
|
| Forms
and Street Names |
| As above. |
| Preferred
routes of administration |
| Both oral and I.V. |
| Metabolite
Actually sought in urine |
| Even though these are Amphetamine
analogs, THEY DO NOT METABOLIZE TO AMPHETAMINE and
therefore ...ABUSERS OF DESIGNER DRUGS ARE NOT IDENTIFIED
WITH CURRENT TESTING! |
| Can
Anyone provide the Biochemical Cascades? |
| Please send email if you have info! |
| Facts
for Verifying M.R.O |
| Both screening and gc/ms assays are
available and cost effective for these drugs! MRO's
should use their influence to advise employers that
these substances should be included in testing profiles.....
replacing some of the less useful assays such as
Methaqualone |
|
