Ep 7. Designer Drugs

In season 2 episode 7 of Drugs, Inc., titled "Designer Drugs," viewers are taken on a journey through the world of synthetic drugs that have been created to mimic the effects of traditional street drugs like cocaine, marijuana, and methamphetamine. These substances, often manufactured in clandestine labs in countries like China and India, are then sold on the black market, leading to a wave of overdoses and deaths.

The episode begins by delving into the history of these designer drugs, which emerged in the 1980s with the popularity of MDMA or "ecstasy." The drug was initially used in the psychotherapy community but quickly spread to the mainstream and was eventually criminalized by the US government in 1985 due to its harmful effects.

Despite the ban, manufacturers continued to create different variations of what became known as "designer drugs" by tweaking the chemical compounds to avoid detection by law enforcement. The episode highlights how these drugs are marketed as "legal highs" and can easily be purchased online or on the dark web.

Viewers get a glimpse into the lives of those who use these drugs, including one man who describes how he became addicted to bath salts and subsequently lost everything, including his job, his home, and his family. The episode also features interviews with law enforcement officials and healthcare professionals who describe the dangers of these drugs and the challenges they face in combating their use and distribution.

One of the key takeaways from the episode is the unpredictability of these designer drugs, which often contain unknown and untested chemicals that can have lethal consequences. Viewers see the devastating effects of these drugs on communities across the globe, including in Russia where a wave of synthetic drug use has led to an epidemic of overdoses.

The episode also explores the profits associated with the manufacturing and distribution of designer drugs, with producers able to make significant sums of money by creating cheap but addictive substances. Viewers get a glimpse into the complex supply chain involved in the creation and distribution of these drugs, with law enforcement officials working diligently to interrupt the trade.

Throughout the episode, viewers are reminded of the human toll associated with these designer drugs, with healthcare professionals and families grieving for loved ones who have become addicted or died due to their use. The episode ends with a call to action, urging viewers to educate themselves on the dangers of these drugs and take steps to prevent their spread.

Overall, the "Designer Drugs" episode of Drugs, Inc. is a thought-provoking exploration of the synthetic drugs that have become increasingly common in recent years. With compelling interviews, real-life stories, and expert insights, it offers a sobering look at the damage that can result from the pursuit of a cheap and dangerous high.