You probably know all about the dangers that illegal drugs pose for your children. But did you know that there are legal drugs that can be just as harmful? Over-the-counter or prescription medicines, if used improperly, can be harmful, as can many ordinary household products. In addition, legal, so-called "imposter drugs" are now on the market. The bad news is that just because these drugs are legal doesn't mean that they're safe.

What Are Imposter Drugs?

Imposter drugs are legal drugs that have effects and side effects similar to illegal drugs. Currently, there are imposter drugs for most types of illegal drugs, such as marijuana, LSD, cocaine, ecstasy, speed, GHB ("date rape drug"), and many others. One common example of imposter drugs are those containing ephedrine, a stimulant that can cause heart attack, stroke, seizures, and death. Ephedrine is found in some imposter drugs sold as legal alternatives to ecstasy.

Imposter drugs are marketed to youth with promises of a "natural high" - as safer than illegal drugs. But they are anything but safe. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Government agency in charge of food and drug safety, does not regulate imposter drugs and their ingredients for consumer use through their drug approval process. Since imposter drugs are not FDA-approved, their chemical makeup can vary greatly, increasing health risks for users. The only way FDA can recall these products is if there are many cases of injury or death caused by the drugs, and even then it is a difficult process.

The Dangers of Imposter Drugs

Imposter drugs are very dangerous, especially when mixed with other drugs or alcohol. Along with many of the same effects as real drugs, imposter drugs have many of the same health risks. Depending on the kind of imposter drug and its ingredients, imposter drugs can cause heart problems; high blood pressure; brain, liver, and lung damage; seizures; comas; hallucinations; extreme dehydration; depression; dependence; and death.

Imposter drugs can be purchased from many places, such as health food stores, record stores, nightclubs, and the Internet, and by mail order. As a parent, it's important to be aware of the health risks and problems associated with imposter drugs. Tell your children about imposter drugs, so they can make the right decision by saying no to them and to all illegal drugs.

What To Do

The only way to get these potentially harmful drugs out of our stores is to get FDA to start regulating these products. FDA needs the proper authority to regulate imposter drugs. Write to your U.S. Representative and your Senator. Tell them you are concerned about FDA's food and drug standards and how imposter drugs are being marketed to young people.

About the Author

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SAMHSA works to improve the quality and availability of substance abuse prevention, alcohol and drug addiction treatment, and mental health services. Includes links to support groups, information resources, events and articles.