With the closing of the Silk Road website for buying illicit drugs on the internet, we have had a spike in hospital admission for people going into acute, severe withdrawal. Heroin. Suboxone and other opiates, as well as all forms of addicted substances, could be purchased and delivered conveniently to your front door with no hassle or troublesome dealer to go through. Of course, the Feds finally caught up with them, cutting off easy supply to many addicts. Perhaps they will get another shot at recovery.
Worse, the young adult population is now flooded with K-2, Diablo and other synthetic marijuana products. Unlike pot, these cause acute brain injury and psychosis which often leaves residual brain damage. A recent patient was using Diablo and pure hemp oil extract and developed a severe psychotic reaction and organic brain syndrome. He could not speak his own name and defecated and urinated on himself. We gave him markers to write his needs and he drew incoherently across the wall. He is an honors HS graduate and a college freshman. These sites make access to these dangerous substances as easy as ordering a pizza!
As the debate rages on about legalizing controlled substances, I think all would do well to learn about the risks an damages done. You would never wish this for your child or someone you care for. It is our duty to protect young adults from life altering dangers!