Synthetic Drugs
The term “Synthetic,” as used in the National Drug Control Strategy (NDCS) Annual Report and the National Synthetic Drugs Action Plan, refers to drugs whose origins are not primarily organic, but rather are produced via chemical synthesis.
Synthetic drugs can be produced commercially by drug manufacturers for valid medical purposes, and are diverted from legal channels or produced illegally in clandestine laboratories for illicit markets worldwide. Chemistry background, laboratory control knowledge, and an educated understanding of the process is generally required to successfully and safely conduct the synthesis.
Research & Data
- Research Data, Measures & Resources - NIDA
Links to various NIDA publications, databases, surveillance, prevention & treatment resources, and more.
- SAMHSA Data
Find data and reports on mental health, substance use treatment, and drug use from sources that include: the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), Treatment Episode Data Set (TEDS), National Survey of Substance Abuse Treatment Services (N-SSATS), National Mental Health Services Survey (NMHSS), and more.