Key Takeaways:
- Synthetic cannabinoids are strong, man-made drugs that act like THC but usually have worse effects.
- More and more prisoners are using synthetic cannabinoids, which increases addiction and makes behavior less stable.
- It is hard to find and control these drugs in prisons, which makes it harder to maintain safety and order.
- Astoria Medical Detox and other addiction treatment programs offer specialized care for people addicted to synthetic cannabinoids.
- To stop the use of synthetic cannabinoids in prisons, multiple steps are needed, such as better detection methods and complete rehabilitation programs.
Introduction
The use of synthetic cannabinoids among inmates has increased in recent years, causing concern in correctional facilities. These drugs, often sold as “legal highs,” are lab-made to act like THC, the active ingredient in marijuana. Synthetic cannabinoids can be much stronger and less predictable, leading to serious health effects and dangerous behavior.
They are appealing because they are easily accessible and often considered legal. Inmates may use them to alter their mental state or ease boredom, but the consequences include aggression, suicidal thoughts, and other mental health issues. Their high addiction risk makes maintaining prison safety even more difficult.
What Are Synthetic Cannabinoids, and Why Are They So Dangerous?
Synthetic cannabinoids are lab-made chemicals designed to mimic THC. They are sprayed on plants. They are not the same as natural cannabis.
Risks arise because their chemical composition is inconsistent. Strength and effects can vary significantly between batches or even within the same batch. Common side effects include paranoia, hallucinations, seizures, and violent behavior. The drugs also carry a high risk of addiction, with users developing tolerance and experiencing withdrawal symptoms when stopping. The White House Office of National Drug Control Policy provides information about the dangers of synthetic drugs like Bath Salts.
How Are Synthetic Cannabinoids Getting Into Prisons?
The presence of synthetic cannabinoids in prisons is increasingly problematic. Smuggling occurs through mail, visitors, and even staff members. Once inside, these drugs are distributed among inmates, increasing health and safety risks.
Detection is challenging because chemical structures frequently undergo changes. Standard drug tests frequently fail to detect these drugs, allowing prolonged use without intervention. This undetectability contributes to behavioral problems and instability in prisons. The Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority has documented self-reported synthetic drug use among Illinois prisoners.
What Are the Effects of Synthetic Cannabinoids on inmates’ Behavior in Prisons?
Inmates using synthetic cannabinoids often display risky behaviors, including agitation, aggression, and violence, endangering both fellow inmates and correctional staff. Reports also include suicidal thoughts and psychotic episodes.
Such behavioral changes compromise overall institutional safety and rehabilitation efforts, making it harder to help affected inmates. The New York State Senate report “The State of Synthetics” highlights these behavioral issues among prisoners.
How Can Astoria Medical Detox Help Prisoners Addicted to Synthetic Cannabinoids?
People addicted to synthetic cannabinoids require specialized treatment programs. Astoria Medical Detox offers a comprehensive range of detox services to help individuals safely stop using these drugs and start recovery.
Their programs guide patients through the 5 Stages of Addiction Recovery From Substance Use, providing medical supervision, psychological support, and individualized care plans to ensure the best outcomes.
Astoria Medical Detox provides structure and guidance, helping patients overcome drug addiction and reintegrate into society.
Conclusion
The rising use of synthetic cannabinoids in prisons is a serious issue for the correctional system. These drugs increase the likelihood of addiction and dangerous behavior, compromising safety and order.
Addressing this problem requires multiple strategies, including improved detection methods, stricter enforcement policies, and comprehensive rehabilitation programs.
Inmates addicted to synthetic cannabinoids should seek professional help immediately. Astoria Medical Detox offers specialized care to help individuals break free from addiction and start recovery. For more information about treatment options, call Virtue at the Pointe at Tel: 866.377.4409.
Frequently Asked Questions?
1. What Are Synthetic Cannabinoids?
Synthetic cannabinoids are lab-made chemicals designed to act like THC, the active ingredient in marijuana. They are often sprayed on plants and sold under different brand names.
2. What Makes Synthetic Cannabinoids Riskier Than Natural Cannabis?
They can be much stronger than natural cannabis, with unpredictable effects causing serious health issues such as seizures, hallucinations, and violent behavior.
3. How Do Synthetic Cannabinoids Get Into Jails and Prisons?
They are smuggled via mail, visitors, and staff, making detection and control difficult.
4. What Are the Signs That Inmates Are Using Synthetic Cannabinoids?
Signs include extreme agitation, aggression, hallucinations, paranoia, and other unusual behaviors.
5. What Can Inmates Do to Get Help With Their Synthetic Cannabinoid Addiction?
Programs like Astoria Medical Detox provide specialized care to safely stop using synthetic cannabinoids and start the recovery journey.
Citations
National Institute on Drug Abuse. “Synthetic Cannabinoids.” National Institute on Drug Abuse, 23 Oct. 2023, https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/synthetic-cannabinoids.
Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority. “Study of Self-reported Synthetic Drug Use Among a Sample of Illinois Prisoners.” Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority, 17 Feb. 2017, https://icjia.illinois.gov/researchhub/articles/study-of-self-reported-synthetic-drug-use-among-a-sample-of-illinois-prisoners/.
Office of National Drug Control Policy. “Synthetic Drugs (a.k.a. K2, Spice, Bath Salts, etc.).” The White House, https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/ondcp/ondcp-fact-sheets/synthetic-drugs-k2-spice-bath-salts.
New York State Senate. “THE STATE OF SYNTHETICS.” New York State Senate, https://www.nysenate.gov/sites/default/files/state_of_synthetics_full_report.pdf.
