New Designer Drug Flakka Found To Be More Addictive Than Meth

A recent study by the Scripps Research Institute has discovered that a new synthetic drug called flakka is more addictive than meth and could be as addictive as MDPV, the main chemical found in bath salts. Allegedly manufactured in labs located in China, India and Pakistan, flakka is comprised of the chemical alpha-PVP, a synthetic version of cathinone. According to experts, its effects include a feeling of superhuman strength as well as psychotic behavior.

“We’re starting to see a rash of cases of a syndrome referred to as excited delirium. This is where the body goes into hyperthermia, generally a temperature of 105 degrees,” said Jim Hall, PhD, an epidemiologist at the Center for Applied Research on Substance Abuse and Health Disparities at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. “The individual becomes psychotic, they often rip off their clothes and run out into the street violently and have adrenaline-like strength and police are called and it takes four or five officers to restrain them.”

Experts have also compared the drug to bath salts, the drug made infamous from the face-eating incident that took place in Florida in 2012. However, in that attack it was later discovered that the perpetrator had only marijuana in their system.

The Threat of Designer Drugs

Flakka is just one of the so called “designer drugs” that have become increasingly popular in recent years. Produced in concealed locations and often homemade, designer drugs are usually created or made by changing or blending the properties of a series of drugs that come from a plant and then mixing them with materials available over the counter. Because they’re produced in illegal labs, it’s almost always impossible to determine exactly what’s in them or their effects.

Despite their popularity, these drugs are extremely dangerous and should be avoided. In addition to causing psychosis, they can be fatal and may lead to other negative reactions, such as:

• Confusion
• Overwhelming feelings
• Nausea
• Increased heart rate and blood pressure
• Chills and sweats
• Hallucinations
• Seizures

Adding to their danger is the fact that online distribution centers that sell designer drugs aren’t regulated, meaning they can end up in the hands of anyone, no matter what age. If a person is old enough to surf the Web and can get their hands on a credit card, they can easily purchase a designer drug.

With street names such as “spice,” “meow-meow,” “bath salts,” and “flakka,” designer drugs may mislead someone into believing that they’re indulging in low-risk fun or what they’re taking isn’t as bad or as dangerous as illicit street drugs are. Whether it’s a “street drug,” such as cocaine or heroin, or a designer drug such as bath salts or flakka, no drug abuse is safe. If you or a loved one is struggling with drug abuse, proper treatment and support can help to begin the road to recovery.

By Jenna Mitchell