The subject invention provides a SELEX strategy for isolating cross-reactive aptamers that recognize a core structure of a small-molecule family and bind to each several structurally-similar molecules in the family. The subject invention also provides methods, assays, and products for detecting small-molecule targets of the family in a sample in both clinical and field settings. Such method is based on an aptamer sensor that reports the presence of small-molecule targets via a sensitive colorimetric signal for naked-eye detection. The subject invention further provides exonuclease-based methods for generating structure-switching aptamers from fully folded aptamers and developing electrochemical aptamer-based (E-AB) sensors for rapid and sensitive detection of synthetic cathinones.