Emerging Drugs of Abuse

A drug-awareness program, Emerging Drugs of Abuse addresses a wide array of recent illicit narcotics arrivals, including K2 and spice (powerful forms of synthetic marijuana); amphetamine-style concoctions known collectively as "bath salts"; a heroin substitute in pill form; a pernicious and toxic cocaine substitute called oxidado; and a drug called "krocodile" that is rampant in Eastern Europe and Russia. Except for the opioid kratom and salvia weed (both plant-based), a commonality among these emerging narcotics is their synthetic nature—almost always brewed using commercially-available, legal chemicals. The formulas feature hazardous additives such as battery acid, gasoline, and paint thinner, while dire side effects noted include cardiac arrest, hallucinations, paranoia, and necrotic flesh (although even with a slightly classroom-scare MTV-shock-cut approach here, the tabloid-media version of bath salts literally turning users into flesh-eating zombies is couched in euphemism). In addition to doctors and counselors, young former addicts are interviewed, who tell emotional stories. Extras include a study guide. Recommended. Aud: J, H, C, P. (C. Cassady)