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$Title{What Are Designer Drugs?}
$Subject{designer drugs chemicals narcotic high addiction overdose ecstasy
amphetamine china white synthetic heroin pcp angel dust crack free based
cocaine psychotic pharmaceutical pharmaceuticals behavior behaviors lifestyle
lifestyles designed drug chemical narcotics addictions overdoses amphetamines}
$Volume{R-23}
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Copyright (c) 1992,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


What Are Designer Drugs?


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QUESTION:  Designer jeans?  Yes!  Designer clothes?  Perhaps.  Designer
jewelry?  Well, maybe.  But designer drugs?  Just what are they, and how are
they made?  I was involved in a conversation about these chemicals, and know
nothing about them, but now suspect I should.  Are you a good source of
information about these substances and would you please answer this question
in a column really soon?

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ANSWER:  Take a legally manufactured, federally controlled drug or "narcotic"
if you will, change it chemically into something that provides a "high"
without regard to any other consideration, and you have a "designer drug".
They are untested, illegal chemicals produced in black market laboratories.
Because their effects are relatively unknown, they have become a major cause
of addiction and overdose deaths in the United States.  Since their formulas
may be frequently changed, they are difficult for emergency room physicians to
deal with when a comatose patient is brought in.  Some designer drugs that
made the "hit" parade included Ecstasy, known as the "love drug", produced
from an amphetamine like drug; "China White," a synthetic heroin; and the
infamous PCP or "angel dust" which was derived from a veterinary anesthetic.
The latest is crack, which is a free based cocaine that prompts psychotic
behavior in its users.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.