You’ve probably heard of synthetic cannabis, bath salts, or “spice” and “flakka.” These are just a few of the many names used for designer drugs—lab-made substances created to mimic the effects of well-known drugs like ecstasy, cocaine, or cannabis. They’re engineered to fly under the radar of drug laws, but don’t let the name fool you. There’s nothing sophisticated or safe about them.
Designer drug addiction is a growing problem in South Africa and around the world. These substances are unpredictable, highly addictive, and dangerously easy to access. And what makes them especially risky is how little users actually know about what they’re taking.
Let’s unpack what designer drugs are, how addiction to them develops, and how Dr Jolandi Meyer, working with the expert team at The Way Recovery Centre in Pretoria, helps people recover from this frightening form of addiction.
What Are Designer Drugs?
Designer drugs (also called new psychoactive substances or NPS) are synthetic chemicals created to copy the effects of illegal drugs. They’re slightly altered at the molecular level so they aren’t technically illegal—at least not at first. This gives dealers a loophole, allowing them to sell these drugs online, in clubs, or even in convenience stores as “herbal highs,” “incense,” or “plant food.”
Types of designer drugs include:
Synthetic cannabinoids (e.g. Spice, K2): Mimic the effects of cannabis but are often far more potent and unpredictable.
Synthetic cathinones (e.g. bath salts, flakka): Act like stimulants such as cocaine or MDMA.
Synthetic opioids (e.g. U-47700 or “Pink”): Mimic painkillers like morphine or fentanyl.
Hallucinogenic NPS (e.g. NBOMe compounds): Mimic LSD but can cause far more severe effects.
These substances are constantly evolving, which makes them nearly impossible to regulate and extremely difficult to treat without proper medical support.
Why Are Designer Drugs So Dangerous?
Designer drugs are dangerous for one simple reason: you never really know what you’re getting. Since they’re made in underground labs, there are no quality checks, no ingredient labels, and no way to predict the effects. What might produce a mild high one day could lead to an overdose the next.
Some of the major dangers include:
Unpredictable potency – One batch might be 10 times stronger than the next.
Toxic chemicals – Many are laced with industrial solvents, pesticides, or unknown contaminants.
Severe mental health reactions – Hallucinations, psychosis, aggression, suicidal thoughts.
Physical side effects – Seizures, heart attacks, kidney failure, and even sudden death.
It’s like playing chemical roulette with your brain and body every single time you use.
The Path from Curiosity to Addiction
Designer drug use often starts with curiosity or peer pressure. They’re easy to get, sold cheaply, and packaged in ways that make them seem safe or even legal. For many users, that first hit feels like harmless fun. But it doesn’t stay that way for long.
Over time, users may begin relying on these drugs to:
Escape emotional or psychological pain
Cope with anxiety, trauma or depression
Boost confidence or energy in social settings
Feel some kind of control in a chaotic life
The more a person uses, the more their brain adapts—and craves more. That’s when designer drug abuse turns into full-blown addiction.
How to Recognise Designer Drug Abuse
Because designer drugs change so frequently, spotting the signs of addiction can be tricky. But there are common behaviours and physical symptoms to watch for:
Erratic or aggressive behaviour
Paranoia, confusion, or hallucinations
Unexplained mood swings or personality changes
Anxiety or panic attacks that weren’t there before
Unusual physical symptoms like sweating, tremors, rapid heartbeat
Neglecting responsibilities at work, home, or school
Obsessively seeking out or talking about the drug
Financial problems due to constant purchasing
If you notice these signs in yourself or someone close to you, it may be time to take a deeper look.
How Designer Drug Addiction Affects the Brain and Body
Designer drugs hijack the brain’s reward system, flooding it with chemicals that create temporary pleasure. But over time, the brain’s natural balance is disrupted. That leads to:
Dependency – You need the drug just to feel “normal.”
Cognitive issues – Memory problems, poor concentration, and impaired judgement.
Mental health breakdown – Severe depression, psychosis, paranoia, or suicidal thoughts.
Physical collapse – Organ damage, weakened immune system, or overdose.
Unlike more researched drugs like alcohol or cannabis, there’s very little medical knowledge on how designer drugs affect the body long-term. This makes them incredibly risky and hard to manage without proper treatment.
Withdrawal Symptoms and the Danger of Quitting Alone
With regular use, the body becomes dependent on these synthetic chemicals. Suddenly stopping can cause intense withdrawal symptoms, such as:
Insomnia and nightmares
Severe anxiety or paranoia
Depression and suicidal thoughts
Muscle pain and shaking
Vomiting or nausea
Irritability and restlessness
These symptoms can be overwhelming and, in some cases, life-threatening. This is why it’s never advisable to detox from designer drugs without medical supervision.
Supporting a Loved One Through Recovery
It’s hard to watch someone you care about disappear into addiction—especially when they’re using something that seems so mysterious or new. You might not even know what they’re taking. But your support can be a powerful motivator for change.
Here’s how to help:
Stay calm and non-judgemental – Blame and shame push people away. Compassion brings them closer.
Educate yourself – The more you understand designer drug addiction, the more helpful you can be.
Encourage treatment – Let them know professional help is available and that Dr Jolandi Meyer and The Way Recovery Centre are trusted, safe places.
Set boundaries – Don’t enable their behaviour, but don’t abandon them either.
Be patient – Recovery is a journey, not a sprint.
Why Early Intervention Matters
Designer drug addiction often escalates quickly. Because of how unknown these substances are—and how fast they change—there’s no safe or “controlled” way to use them. What might have seemed like a phase can spiral into a medical emergency.
Getting help early can prevent long-term damage and make the recovery process smoother. Dr Jolandi Meyer and the team offer not only urgent medical support but also long-term guidance and care that continues well after rehab ends.
For information on our 28-day in-patient programme with professional qualified medical detox from addiction and a platform of different approaches to addicts suffering from long-term gambling, alcohol and/or drug addiction, get in touch with Dr. Jolandi Meyer at The Way Recovery – Gambling, Drug & Alcohol Abuse Treatment Facility in Pretoria. A six-week outpatient programme with individual counselling, group therapy, and family support is also available from The Way Recovery.
The Way Recovery Halfway House in Pretoria offers a reintegration, aftercare programme to aid the addict who has finished a detox programme in adjusting to society for the recovering addict who still struggles.
How Dr Jolandi Meyer and The Way Recovery Centre Can Help
Addiction doesn’t happen overnight—and neither does recovery. But with the right support, healing is possible. That’s where Dr Jolandi Meyer and the team at The Way Recovery Centre step in.
Dr Meyer’s practice is located on-site at the centre, allowing her to work closely with the recovery team to provide well-rounded, personalised care.
Their approach includes:
Medical detox: Dr Meyer ensures withdrawal symptoms are managed safely and comfortably.
Psychological support: Therapy sessions help uncover the root causes of addiction, whether it’s trauma, stress, or mental illness.
Group therapy: Connecting with others helps break the isolation that often comes with addiction.
Relapse prevention planning: Teaching coping strategies for life after treatment.
Ongoing medical care: As a GP, Dr Meyer provides continued health support for co-occurring conditions like anxiety, depression, or chronic pain.
This integrated approach makes all the difference—especially for people dealing with the chaotic and unpredictable nature of designer drug addiction.
Designer drug addiction is one of the most unpredictable and dangerous forms of substance abuse today. It’s constantly changing, often misunderstood, and incredibly harmful to both body and mind. But no matter how hopeless it might feel, recovery is always possible.
Dr Jolandi Meyer, working hand-in-hand with the team at The Way Recovery Centre in Pretoria, offers expert, compassionate care for those trapped in the cycle of designer drug abuse. With a mix of medical treatment, psychological support, and long-term guidance, they help people rebuild their lives—one step at a time.
If you or someone you love is struggling, don’t wait. The best time to reach out for help is now.
Common Ailments Treated by Dr. Jolandi Meyer
Dr. Jolandi Meyer’s expertise and comprehensive treatment options make her an exceptional General Practitioner for addressing all ailments. She provides personalised care, empowering patients to achieve optimal health. Her compassionate approach ensures patients receive the highest quality treatment. Her practice is located in Garsfontein, Pretoria on the same premises as The Way Recovery Centre.
With her support and guidance, patients can embark on a journey towards improved well-being and a healthier, happier life.