They have nicknames such as china white, ecstasy, or rush. They may also be identified by their chemical or trade name, such as Fentanyl or Dilaudid. There is no promise of purity with these or any street drugs. They are dangerous because harmful chemicals may be added to, or used in place of, the drug they are said to contain. The person on the street buying the drug has no way of knowing what he or she is really buying.
Designer drugs are often addictive.
They are generally inhaled or injected into the body. Unintentional overdoses are common and unpredictable. This can cause more serious effects, such as loss of consciousness, slowed breathing, or even death. It's hard to know just what, and how much, a person is getting. For help, consult your healthcare provider, or contact a local drug and alcohol treatment center.