Series: Shining a light on drugs – Episode 3: Synthetic drugs
Former addict and owner of Wings of Inspiration Sober House, Anthea Da Costa, takes a look at drugs, and the negative effects they have on a person’s mind, body and soul negatively. Episode 3 is about synthetic drugs.
The Herald recently spoke to Anthea Da Costa from Eikepark about the dangers of drugs.
Anthea has owned the Wings of Inspiration Sober House in Helderkruin for the past four years, and has researched multiple drugs, their effects and how they affect a person’s mind, body and soul negatively.
Synthetic drugs are coming under our scrutiny this week.
According to Anthea, synthetic drugs, known by their street names as K2, smiles, bath salts, blizzard, fake weed or black mamba, are created using man-made chemicals.
“These are chemically made versions of illegal drugs that have been altered to avoid being classified as illegal,” said Anthea.
Anthea also said that because the chemicals used constantly change, users have no way of knowing the content and effects.
“Some of the short-term effects include hallucinations, delusions, confusion, suicidal thoughts, anxiety as well as violent behaviour, nausea and headaches. Long-term permanent effects can include kidney damage, seizures, swelling of the brain, forgetfulness, being extremely tired and death,” she warned.
