Research chemicals, also called New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) or designer drugs, are unregulated drugs of abuse that are primarily sold by online retailers. [1][2] Most designer drugs are analogs of other illicit drugs like stimulants, cannabis, or hallucinogens, and produce similar effects. Through careful formulation and labeling, online retailers are able to skirt laws and regulations and sell these drugs online. [3]
- Research chemicals are drugs that are available to be legally purchased online, and are being more commonly abused by people seeking a ‘legal high.’
- Research chemicals are often analogs of other illicit drugs, including stimulants, benzodiazepines, opioids, cannabinoids, and hallucinogens that produce similar effects
- Research chemicals pose significant risks to public health, including the risk for addiction, accidental poisoning, overdose, and death
What are research chemicals?
Research chemicals are psychoactive drugs that are marketed online as ‘not for human consumption’, but which are commonly purchased for recreational abuse. [1][3] Research chemicals are also referred to as designer drugs or New Psychoactive Substances (NPS), which mimic the effects of common illicit drugs. Some research chemicals are sold in other countries as pharmaceuticals, but many are unregulated chemical analogs of other drugs that people use to get high. [4]
There are many different types of research chemicals, including analogs of cannabis, opioids, benzodiazepines, stimulants, and hallucinogens. By slightly altering the chemical structure of these substances, it is possible to avoid the regulatory and legislative restrictions. Research chemicals are almost always purchased online by individuals who intend to consume them, but are marketed as ‘not for human consumption’ to specifically avoid regulatory guidelines. [3]Â
New formulations of designer drugs are created all the time, making it more difficult to regulate or restrict access to them. In recent years, the abuse of research chemicals has become much more common, posing a number of serious risks to public health. For example, the United Nations reported the addition of 644 new research chemicals reported by countries around the world between 2008 and 2015. The U.N. reports that an additional 50-75 new research chemicals are added to this list each year. [1][4]
Legal status of research chemicals
Most research chemicals are slightly altered versions of other controlled medications or substances, and produce similar mind and mood-altering effects. By chemically altering the original form of an illicit substance, a new, unregulated substance is created. This makes it possible to sell these drugs online as research chemicals, which are labeled as ‘not for human consumption’. By classifying these chemicals in this manner, a loophole is exploited that keeps these drugs from being subject to the laws and regulations that restrict access to other illicit substances. [3]
When a specific research chemical becomes popular, federal regulatory agencies like the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) may add it to the list of Schedule 1 controlled substances. When this occurs, the legal status of a research chemical changes, making it illegal to sell or purchase these chemicals online. Regulations and laws are more likely to be enacted when a research chemical becomes widely abused in a certain region and contributes to serious negative health effects. As laws and regulations are enacted to restrict the sale of certain research chemicals, newly formulated chemicals are created to evade these restrictions. [3]
Regulation of research chemicals
Because research chemicals are marketed as ‘not for human consumption’, many retailers are able to skirt regulatory policies that enhance consumer safety. For example, research chemicals are not subject to quality and purity testing that is mandatory for pharmaceuticals. This makes it difficult for users to verify the type, potency, and purity of the chemical they are consuming, increasing the risk for a variety of negative health outcomes. [2][3]
Effects of research chemicals
There can be several serious negative side effects and risks related to the use of designer drugs. The specific types of effects vary depending on the type, dosage, and purity of the substance being used. Certain effects are desired effects, including euphoria, increased energy, or sedating effects. Other effects may be undesired, including side effects and adverse effects that cause a range of physical and psychological issues and complications.
Desired effects
Research chemicals may be ingested, snorted, smoked, or injected to produce desired effects. Most of the time, the desired effects of research chemicals are a high that is similar to that of other illicit drugs. For example, a person may abuse designer benzodiazepines for their relaxing effects, and others may seek out stimulant analogs to boost mood, energy, and focus. The type of effects depends on the type of chemical being used and the way it affects a person’s neurochemistry.
Adverse effects
Adverse effects are also possible when using research chemicals, and may overshadow the perceived benefits and desired effects. Adverse effects vary considerably depending on the type of chemical being used, the amount used, and the quality and purity of the chemical. In recent years, there has been growing concern amongst public health officials due to the increase in accidental poisonings, overdoses, and deaths related to the use of research chemicals, which represent some of the more common and serious adverse effects. [1][3][4]
Common types of research chemicals
There are many different types and varieties of research chemicals that can be purchased easily online. Most are analogs of other well-known types of illicit drugs, but some are pharmaceutical drugs that are regulated in certain countries and unregulated in others. Common types of research chemicals include analogs of cannabis, stimulants, opioids, and benzodiazepines. Less commonly, dissociative and psychedelic chemicals are sold online as research chemicals. [1][3][4]
Cannabinoids
Synthetic cannabinoids are one of the most common types of research chemicals that are sold online as well as in certain retail locations like vape stores and head shops. Synthetic cannabinoids mimic the effects of THC, the psychoactive ingredient responsible for the high marijuana produces. One of the most common and well-known synthetic cannabinoids is K2 or ‘Spice’, which can produce sedating and mildly psychedelic effects. [1][4]
Stimulants
Synthetic stimulants are another very common type of research chemical that has become more popular in recent years. These include analogs of certain prescription stimulants, including popular ADHD medications like Adderall, as well as plant-based designer drugs like cathinones. These stimulants have similar effects to amphetamines, including temporary elevations in mood and energy levels. [1]Â
Opioids
Synthetic opioids are another type of research chemical sold as novel psychoactive substances (NPS), often designed to mimic or exceed the effects of traditional opioids. This category can include designer opioids such as nitazenes (for example, isotonitazene or protonitazene) and fentanyl analogs, which have emerged in illicit and online markets. [1][4]
These substances can produce opioid-like effects such as euphoria, pain relief, sedation, and respiratory depression, often with far greater potency than traditional opioids. Because many of these compounds are poorly studied and can vary widely in strength, they have raised growing concern among public health officials and toxicologists. [1][3][4]
Benzodiazepines
Designer benzodiazepines are another commonly abused type of research chemical, and are often analogs of pharmaceuticals like Xanax. [1] These drugs can produce powerful sedative and anxiolytic effects because they are almost chemically identical to other benzodiazepines. Abuse of designer benzodiazepines like flualprazolam and bromazolam is commonly abused, and can lead to addiction, withdrawal, and overdose.
Psychedelics (hallucinogens)
Psychedelics and hallucinogens are also formulated into research chemicals that can be legally purchased online. For example, LSD analogs can produce powerful hallucinogenic effects that alter perception for several hours at a time. Psychedelics are a less common type of research chemical, but they can produce effects that are very psychologically destabilizing. [1] In some cases, people can experience lasting effects, including Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder (HPPD), which can cause residual hallucinations long after the drug has been metabolized.
Safety issues & risks of using research chemicals
Due to the lack of regulation of research chemicals, consumers are taking a significant risk when purchasing and consuming these substances. For example, it is impossible for the average consumer to verify the ingredients, purity, and dosage of a chemical they purchase online. Because some drugs are sold on the secondary market, illicit drug users may also be unknowingly exposed to research chemicals. [1][3]Â
Without being able to verify what type of chemical and dosage you are consuming, it is impossible to use a substance safely. Even when consumers receive accurately labeled chemicals and dosages, most research chemicals have not been tested in human trials, meaning their short and long-term effects are unknown. For these reasons, a range of adverse effects and risks can result from the use of research chemicals, including: [1][3][4]
- Addiction and dependence: The risk of developing a psychological or physical dependence on a chemical, leading to cravings, tolerance, withdrawal, and uncontrolled patterns of use that cause problems in important areas of life.
- Poisoning and overdose: The risk of accidentally taking too much of a substance, being poisoned by the chemical or other contaminants that are present, and the lack of research on medical treatments and interventions to use in case of an overdose.
- Physical health problems: Research chemicals may cause a range of different health problems in users, including some that result in chronic, long-term, and irreversible medical issues like organ damage.
- Mental health problems: Because research chemicals are psychoactive, they can cause temporary or long-term effects on a person’s mood, thinking, and behavior, including serious issues like psychosis and cognitive deficits.
Evidence-based addiction treatments
There are several evidence-based treatments that exist for people struggling with substance addictions, including group, individual, and family therapy options. In some instances, medications can be prescribed to ease withdrawals, cravings, and reduce the risk of relapse. A licensed professional can provide information about your options and help determine which treatment is best for you.
Here are some of the evidence-based treatment options for people looking to overcome an addiction to drugs or alcohol: [5]
- Inpatient detox
- Residential rehab
- Intensive outpatient programs (IOP)
- Individual therapy
- Group therapy
- Family therapy
- Mutual support groups
- Medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
