What is synthetic narcotic? How widespread is it in Azerbaijan? How is it prepared? How many types of synthetic narcotics are there? Do they cause harm to the body that differs from the harm caused by naturally grown narcotics?
Medianews.az- answering its questions, Doctor of Medical Sciences, professor, psychiatrist, psychotherapist, narcologist Araz Aliquliyev says that synthetic narcotics are substances that are not of natural origin, prepared from chemical substances in a laboratory environment: “Abuse of these chemical substances quickly creates strong addiction. From a legal and legislative perspective, these substances have been officially included in the list of narcotic drugs according to their structures. Unfortunately, these substances are widely spread in Azerbaijan as well. Synthetic narcotics are very diverse. For example, “salts” and their various modifications. Such substances are both illegally brought into the country and illegally produced within our borders.
Today, both semi-synthetic and fully synthetic substances are encountered. Methamphetamine and amphetamines are fully synthetic substances. Ecstasy is one of the widely spread synthetic types. Substances prepared based on heroin also belong to this group. Heroin is considered a semi-synthetic substance because it is derived from natural raw material - opium.
The range and variety of narcotics from the group of “salts” are very extensive, with thousands of types existing according to their chemical composition. All these substances are prohibited narcotic drugs under legislation.
The harm of synthetic narcotics to the body compared to natural narcotics is by no means less. Addiction to both causes severe intoxication, meaning poisoning. The greatest damage is inflicted on the central nervous system. Serious problems arise in the mental health of the person, perception, thinking, emotional state, will, and feelings become completely disturbed. Internal organs also suffer severe damage. Toxins entering the body first and most severely hit the liver. During the process of eliminating substances from the body, metabolic “salts” seriously affect the kidneys. Harmful substances spread through the bloodstream throughout the body, causing damage to the heart, lungs, and gastrointestinal system.”
Naile Gasimova,
Medianews.az