Officials: New psychedelic drug deadly

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - Officials are warning parents of the latest designer drug. It’s the newest synthetic drug and drug dealers are targeting your children.

There was “Spice,” “bath salts” and now "Smiles." Like many synthetic drugs you may not have heard of it, but it’s out there.

Melinda Rader is a counselor at Wave of Hope . It’s a recovery center for adolescents dealing with drugs and alcohol. She said this new drug is targeted to her patients.

"Teens, adolescents, kids in the schools," said Rader.

“Smiles,” or 2C-I looks like powdered sugar. Its effects are similar to LSD or Ecstasy, but Rader said it’s much more dangerous.

"It’s made out of different chemicals that are purchased on the Internet. You never really know what exactly you’re taking," said Rader.

The drug is taken as small tablets, on pieces of blotter paper, in powder form or mixed with something like chocolate but the effects are anything but sweet. Rader said the effects can last for days.

"Kids are dying there. Kids that are going to the hospital that are foaming at the mouth, and the doctors don't know what they are on because the doctors haven't heard of this yet," said Rader.

Deaths have already been linked to the drug in other parts of the country, and officials said it’s making its way here.

Sgt. Joe Mahoney with the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office said people tweak the compounds to try and keep them legal, but we have seen they are anything but safe.

"These drugs are also designed where the wrong amount is going to put someone over the edge one way or another," said Mahoney.

Law enforcement is on the lookout, but it’s a challenge.

"This drug, like other synthetic drugs, the chemical compounds are changing daily it seems. And it’s hard to get a grasp on exactly where they are coming from, and the other problem is testing,” said Mahoney. 

Rader said “Smiles” are undetectable on drug tests, which is one reason it is appealing to teens, but they need to know it has serious consequences. She said the best advice when dealing with “Smiles,” is don’t do it.

Even if officials are on top of this new drug, Rader said it’s not the last of its kind, and parents need to be proactive to learn about what’s out there.

Here are some signs from Wave of Hope your child is doing drugs:

Depression

•      Loss of interest in work, school, family and former pleasure activities
•      Broken promises
•      Irritability or moodiness
•     Change in peer groups
•      Unexpected absence of money
•     Increased isolation
•     Lying or blaming

For more information or to seek help visit the Wave of Hope online or call 251-478-8495.