The following content is mainly for popular science purposes, and is intended to help people understand the risks and physiological and psychological effects of these substances. It should be clear that the use of any drug will harm health. This article does not encourage or recommend the use of drugs, but rather compares some current research observations on "new synthetic drugs" and "traditional drugs". There are differences in the mechanisms of action of different substances, but in some reports and studies, the following points are often mentioned: 1. Stronger potency and speed of action • New synthetic drugs often have more intense stimulant effects on certain brain receptors (such as opioid receptors, CB1 receptors or dopamine systems), and the potency of many new synthetic substances may far exceed that of traditional drugs. For example, the potency of some synthetic opioids (such as fentanyl and its analogs) can be tens of times that of heroin, and a slight difference in the dosage may quickly produce a dramatic effect. 2. Duration and unpredictability of action • The metabolic pathways of this type of synthetic drugs are often not clear, and the reactions vary greatly between individuals. In addition, the purity and dosage are difficult to control. After taking them, they may produce extreme euphoria, excitement or sedation in a short period of time. The peak of action may come faster than traditional drugs, and the side effects may also be more difficult to predict. 3. Severe neurological and psychological effects • New synthetic drugs sometimes cause strong hallucinations, paranoia, and even acute psychotic symptoms; some substances affect emotional regulation and cognitive function, and long-term use may cause memory loss, decreased judgment, and even change the brain's neural circuits. Due to the pursuit of higher efficacy in design, abusers are more likely to suffer from acute poisoning, panic, and behavioral disorders. 4. Higher dependence and risk • Some synthetic drugs are easy to become dependent on users in a short period of time due to their rapid and strong effects, and withdrawal reactions may be more severe than traditional drugs. In addition, their toxicity range is narrow, and a slight deviation in dosage may cause overdose, respiratory depression, arrhythmia, and even fatal risks. 5. Negative effects on other physiological systems • Some new synthetic drugs also cause more direct and rapid damage to the cardiovascular system, liver, or kidneys, and long-term abuse may lead to chronic damage to multiple systems. These systemic hazards are often related to the synthetic chemical structure of the drug, metabolites, and their interactions with multiple receptors. It should be pointed out that: • "New synthetic drugs" is a general term that includes various drugs with variable chemical structures and different mechanisms of action (such as synthetic cannabinoids, synthetic cathinones, synthetic opioids, etc.), and the specific effects of different substances may vary. • Research is still ongoing, and there is currently insufficient data on the long-term and systemic effects of many new substances, so their harm is often more difficult to predict than traditional drugs. In summary, compared with traditional drugs, new synthetic drugs often show stronger, faster and more uncontrollable effects, accompanied by higher dependence, acute and long-term health risks. If you or someone you know is facing drug abuse problems, it is recommended to seek professional medical and psychological support as soon as possible.