A new phenomenon in the recreational drug market centers around “synthetic substances that mimic marijuana, cocaine and other illegal drugs.” (J. Salter, J. Suhr, AP Iowa, 4/6). These synthetic substances are unsafe and have made users across the country extremely ill, causing labored breathing, rapid heart rate, paranoia, hallucinations, seizures, and even deaths. As a Chicago products liability attorney, I encourage everyone to stay away from these unsafe substances.
These products are inexpensive, only widening their appeal, and are often deceptively “packaged as incense or bath salts.” As more consumers experiment with these substances, hospitals are reporting a sharp spike in Emergency Room visits resulting from usage.
The American Association of Poison Control Centers has nationwide figures on calls related to synthetic drugs, and made some startling findings. Last year, 3,200 hospital cases related to synthetic drug use were reported. In just the first three months of 2011, 2,700 cases are known, leading to predictions that the number of medical emergencies could increase nearly fivefold by the end of 2011. To avoid serious personal injuries, please stay away from these dangerous substances.