Syracuse (WSYR-TV) – Synthetic-drug use has contributed to an alarming number of people being sent to the hospital, according to a
Federal study referenced recently in USA Today.
11,406 people – primarily teenagers and young people – were taken to the hospital after using some variety of the substance in 2010.
35 percent of those admitted to emergency rooms were between the ages of 18 and 24 years old, while one third of those admitted were between the ages of 12 and 17.
Researchers say many of the youths exhibited erratic or even violent behavior and many had easy access to substances such “spice” or “K-2.”
Many Central New York counties have significant penalties for selling or using synthetic drugs. In some counties, those found guilty can face a year in jail along with a substantial fine.
