One of the challenges of parenting is staying aware of the constantly evolving trends and threats that emerge among the youth. Our conversations with our teenagers must evolve in order to keep our teens informed of current risks and aware of our expectations. Today’s blog will explain the trend of “gas station drugs,” which will help you to update your “drug talk” with your children.

Gas station drugs are unregulated, psychoactive products sold in gas stations, convenience stores and smoke shops under the guise of dietary supplements or energy boosters. Examples include:

• Tianeptine (“Gas Station Heroin”): An unapproved antidepressant with opioid-like effects sold under names like ZaZa, Tianaa, and Pegasus.
• Kratom and 7-OH: Plant-based extracts that act as stimulants in small doses and sedatives or powerful opioid-like agents in larger amounts.
• Delta-8 THC: Psychoactive substance derived by the cannabis plant.
• Designer Sedatives: Products containing substances like phenibut or synthetic cannabinoids marketed for anxiety or relaxation.

These products are easy to find and often come in brightly designed packaging and are marketed with terms like “natural” or “plant-based,” which make them appear holistic and low-risk. Since they are not regulated by the FDA, these products’ ingredients, strength, and user experience differ considerably between brands or batches. Our current culture is very accepting of supplements, and these drugs do their best to make it seem like they are another “natural” supplement to boost your energy, reduce pain, enhance mood, or provide relaxation.

In addition, social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram have amplified curiosity by showcasing these products as trendy or “safer” alternatives. The combination of accessibility, affordability, and social media hype can make them look enticing to students who may be unaware of the underlying dangers of these substances.

Most young people assume substance abuse problems only result from taking illegal drugs or abusing prescription medications and that anything called a “supplement” or sold in convenience stores will be safe. Unfortunately, that is not the case. It’s important that teens know the major risks involved with gas station drugs.

When you talk to your teen about drugs, make sure that you cover the risks associated with these new substances that can be very appealing to young people:

• Addiction and Dependence: Many of these substances bind to opioid or GABA receptors in the brain, causing severe physical dependence and withdrawal. Many of these drugs have opioid-like characteristics and extensive side effects. Despite being sold in convenience stores, these “supplements” ARE addictive.
• Lack of Regulation: Because they are falsely labeled as dietary supplements or “not for human consumption,” they bypass safety testing. They often do not list every ingredient on the label and potency can vary widely from one batch to another. In addition, if one of these drugs is tagged by the FDA, the manufacturers simply rebrand and repackage it and start selling the product again under a new name.
• Overdose Potential: Potency varies widely between batches, leading to real risks of respiratory depression, coma, and death. Additionally, while many of these drugs can cause overdose, they do not all respond to Narcan, because they are not strictly opioids, increasing the risk of death.
• Unknown Long-Term Effects: No research has been done on these substances, so it is impossible to know how they might affect a person’s brain and body.
• Drug Interactions: These substances may interact with prescription medications or other substances in potentially dangerous ways.

It’s so important that parents let their teens know about the danger of these products before they hear about them in positive terms from their peers or social media.

Final Thoughts…

It’s vital for parents to continue talking to their children about the dangers of drug use, and to be able to discuss the most current trends. According to the Partnership for a Drug-Free America, teens are 50% less likely to use drugs if they learn about the risks of drug use from their parents. Discussions do NOT encourage use. It’s important for trustworthy adults to provide teens with factual information. The facts both empower adolescents to make smarter decisions and give them the message that their families are open to answering their questions and providing assistance when they need it.