Designer Drug “Smiles” Brings Devastation
So what exactly is Smiles and what does it do? Smiles is part of the 2C family of drugs that causes psychedelic effects much like LSD. It causes hallucinations and a euphoric sensation that can last up to eight hours. You can buy it in tablet, blotter paper or in powder form. The drug is dangerous because it can take a while before you feel the effects and you can mistake this delay for not taking enough of the drug. This can lead to an overdose.
In Minnesota, 17-year-old Elijah Stai mixed the drug powder into chocolate. His chocolate treat caused hallucinations and convulsions. He eventually stopped breathing and died. As for “Sons of Anarchy” actor Johnny Lewis, he allegedly killed his 81-year-old landlady and later fell to his death. Although toxicology results are not available yet, Lewis had a history of drug use and “Smiles” is suspected in his final rampage.
It is sad to see these young people with so much potential lose their lives to this drug. Local and state governments are trying to enact bans to keep up with the ever changing chemicals in these drugs. In the meantime, addicts using Smiles and other designer drugs should take the untimely deaths of Stai and Lewis as a warning. Break the cycle of addiction and seek treatment at a drug rehab. Your life may depend on it.
What are your thoughts about Smiles and other designer drugs? Share your thoughts in the comment box below or on Recovery Connection’s Facebook page.