Magic Drug – Mephedrone
Mephedrone also has slang names including drone, M-CAT, White Magic, and meow meow or even just ‘magic drug’. It comes in the form of tablets, capsules or a white powder. Which users can swallow, snort, inject or even use rectally. Producing effects similar to those of cocaine, amphetamines and MDMA. As well as being a stimulant, users can also experience other side effects. Teeth grinding being the most common.
Effects and side effects of Mephedrone
Taken orally the first effects are usually felt within 15 to 45 minutes and last 2-3 hours. If snorted, effects may be felt within minutes, peaking within half an hour. Effects from intravenous use are shorter lasting.
Mephedrone in its current form became available at the turn of this century when it was legal to produce and possess it. By 2010 it was widely known and available throughout Europe and was particularly popular in the UK. It was also made illegal.
Those who use mephedrone enjoy the stimulation and euphoria they say it provides. They say they enjoy music more under the influence. They also say that it provides a sharper mind and some sexual stimulation. People using cocaine and mephedrone tend to feel that mephedrone produces a better-quality and longer-lasting high. And is less addictive.
Apart from teeth grinding, mephedrone also has other unintended side effects. It includes dilated pupils, poor short term memory and concentration, poor visual focus, hallucinations and delusions and erratic behaviour. Some users also experience change in body temperature, increased sweating and increased heart rate. Anxiety, paranoia and depression, breathing difficulties and loss of appetite can also be side effects. Discolouration of fingers has been reported. This suggests restriction of blood flow to the extremities of the body. Some users experience raised blood pressure, headaches, agitation and even seizures. Users who snort mephedrone may have nose bleeds and burns. All these effects are more likely to be felt and to be felt more extremely following regular and prolonged use.
How addictive is it?
As with other drugs, mephedrone can be psychologically addictive. And users may experience cravings. Use carries a high risk to health, both mental and physical. Even to the point of death. By 2010 mephedrone was detected as having been involved in around 40 deaths in the UK. This was around the time the substance was made illegal. And around the time it was becoming widely used at music festivals. It was available at head shops and on the internet. And it was one of the most popular ‘street drugs’ at the time. Alongside cannabis, cocaine and ecstasy.
Given the long list of potentially harmful side effects and high risk associated with using mephedrone, it is perhaps surprising that so many people get addicted to it. For many it may be only one drug amongst others that they habitually use.
If you are concerned about someone’s use of mephedrone, you need to discuss it with them. If they would like to stop but are struggling, they may need rehab to get off the drug. And to learn how to stay off it (and all other drugs and mood altering substances).
The impact of mephadrone on people’s lives has much in common with the compulsive use of any drug.
Contact us or call The Haynes Clinic on 01462 851414 for advice. If private drug rehab is not affordable, you can try Narcotics Anonymous (NA). A self help fellowship group founded on the same principles as AA.