What Is Mephedrone?

Mephedrone is a synthetic psychoactive stimulant drug in the amphetamine and cathinone classes. It goes by several names, including meow meow, bubbles, 4-methylmethcathinone (4-MMC), drone, MCAT, meth cathinone and 4-methylephedrone. Unlike methamphetamine, mephedrone is considered an enactogen, a substance that causes social and emotional effects similar to those experienced with Ecstasy (MDMA).

The drug is mainly seen in the UK, and is the fourth most popular substance behind cannabis, cocaine, and MDMA. Common methods of use include injection, insufflation (snorting) and capsules or tablets. The most popular method of delivery is insufflation, while injection is the least popular.

Mephedrone's Effects

The effects of the drug make it of particular interest on the nightlife and party scenes, more so than other amphetamines. People who take mephedrone report effects like: Increased alertness Euphoria Enhanced energy levels, often to the point of restlessness Bolstered libido Feeling more open, talkative and socially outgoing Improved confidence

However, like all illicit stimulant drugs in the amphetamine class, mephedrone can produce unpleasant or harmful side effects, particularly in large doses. These include:

• Rapid heartbeat (palpitations)
• Excessive sweating
• Headaches
• Nausea and vomiting
• Vasoconstriction, causing coldness in the extremities
• Increased blood pressure
• Delusions of grandeur
• In severe cases, hallucinations Paranoia Bruxism (teeth grinding) Tremors Anxiety and panic attacks

Mephedrone Myths

Like most illegal drugs, there have been several urban myths surrounding mephedrone. In the UK, media outlets commonly referred to the drug as "plant food,” claiming that it was commonly sold as a fertilizer because it could not be legally marketed for human consumption. However, the drug is not appropriate as a plant food and has never been used as such.

In 2009, it was reported in The Sun, a British tabloid publication, that a young man had torn off his own testicles while under the influence of mephedrone. Later on, it became known that the story was an online hoax. Police reports about the supposed incident included a note that the details were unreliable at best. Nonetheless, the tabloid picked up on the story and ran with it.

Yet, another myth involved a fictitious media report that mephedrone had been causing a rash of deaths among young people after snorting even small doses of the drug. This caused mephedrone to be classified as a Class B substance under UK drug law. However, as the media outrage dwindled, it became known that mephedrone use was the actual cause of death in very few of the reported cases.

Long-Term Health Effects

Because mephedrone is structurally similar to amphetamines, it can be assumed to carry the same potential for long-term harm. This can include:

• Addiction
• Psychosis
• Anxiety and depression
• Addiction
• Impaired memory and cognitive function
• Excessively low body weight due to appetite suppression
• A drawn, haggard appearance
• Behavioral problems including violence, impulsivity, and recklessness
• Heart problems
• Infections associated with IV drug use, such as hepatitis

Currently, little is known about mephedrone's actual long-term effects on health and functioning. Because the substance is relatively new, few comprehensive studies have been performed, although it's safe to consider the drug potentially hazardous to health. Legal Issues

In the UK, where mephedrone use is the most widespread, it has been categorized under Class B of the UK Misuse of Drugs Act. This classification falls between Class A, which includes substances with the greatest harm potential, and Class C, which contains those with the least potential for harm. Possession in the UK carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison and an unlimited fine. Sale carries a 14-year max sentence, as well as an unlimited fine.

In the US, mephedrone is placed under Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). This classification means that the drug has a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical value. Trafficking and production of all Schedule I substances in any quantity is a felony offense carrying a maximum sentence of life in prison. Possession of any amount is also a felony and carries a maximum punishment of seven years imprisonment. It should be noted that the penalties may vary by state, and may also include fines.

The Dangers of Mixing Ecstasy and Alcohol

Mixing the popular club drug ecstasy with alcohol can cause serious adverse reactions in users, including brain damage, organ failure and death.

Alcohol

In small to moderate doses, alcohol alone can be enjoyed safely by recreational users who are not predisposed to addiction. A sense of euphoria, confidence and reduced inhibitions are the effects that many people find most desirable about alcohol.

Long-term abuse of alcohol and frequent bouts of heavy drinking can have many negative effects on the user including:

• Liver damage
• Sleep disorder
• Mood Changes
• Death

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that there were nearly 26,000 alcohol-induced deaths in 2010, excluding accidents and homicides. These staggering numbers suggest that alcohol use alone can have disastrous consequences.

Ecstasy

Infrequent, recreational use of ecstasy by itself has a stimulant effect on the user and can enhance mood, reduce sensitivity to pain and create a sense of euphoria. The drug is widely used in dance clubs and raves as a means to enhance the positive social and musical experience.

Frequent abuse of ecstasy and ingestion of tainted ecstasy can cause severe consequences in users including:

• Mood disturbances
• Seizures
• Dehydration
• Death

The Substance Abuse and Mental HealthServices Administration (SAMHSA) reported that there were over 2,000 ecstasy-related emergency room visits in the second half of 2003 in the United States. Since then, the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) has indicated that there has been a steady increase in ecstasy use in the U.S., partly as a result of new versions of the drug marketed to club and party-goers.

Ecstasy and Alcohol Overdose

Using ecstasy and alcohol simultaneously can be a deadly combination. Alcohol acts as a central nervous system depressant and negatively impacts every organ in the human body when consumed in large quantities. Alcohol overdose can occur when a user consumes more alcohol than the body can metabolize in a given period of time. Alcohol overdose can result in:

• Coma
• Brain Damage
• Death

The nature of ecstasy is such that users may not perceive how intoxicated they are or may underestimate the effect that alcohol is having on their body. When under the influence of ecstasy the risk of overdosing on alcohol is elevated. The relatively short-term stimulant effect of ecstasy can temporarily counteract the depressant characteristics of alcohol. This can result in a rapid drop in blood pressure, heart rate and respiration when the stimulant effect of ecstasy wears off. This can cause loss of consciousness, coma or death.

Severe Dehydration

Ecstasy increases body temperature and rate of perspiration in users. Because physical activity such as dancing usually accompanies ecstasy use, dehydration can occur due to excessive sweating. An elevated body temperature increases the need for water intake, which is often limited when using ecstasy.

Alcohol has a noticeable diuretic effect that causes users to sweat and urinate frequently. The alcoholic impact on hydration levels alone are enough to cause dehydration. Alcohol also causes a disruption in the regulation of body temperature. This can result in fluctuations in body temperature during and after a drinking session.

Alcohol enhances the level of perspiration experienced during ecstasy use and increases the likelihood of severe dehydration and hyperthermia resulting from a disruption in regulation of body temperature. These impacts of severe dehydration and hyperthermia caused by mixing ecstasy and alcohol include:

• Stroke
• Organ Failure
• Coma
• Death

Severe Mood Disturbances and Suicide

Both ecstasy and alcohol abuse can have adverse effects on brain chemistry which can result in mood disturbances, depression and suicidal thoughts and actions. Mixing ecstasy and alcohol can have such a profound impact on the regulation of neurotransmitters that users may experience severe mood swings and frequent bouts of depression and anxiety, which can ultimately lead to suicidal ideation.

Prevention of Health Consequences

The only way to completely prevent the consequences associated with mixing ecstasy and alcohol is total abstinence from both drugs. This can be especially difficult for users who have developed a psychological or physical dependence. Often the best course of action for those who wish to prevent the health consequences associated with ecstasy and alcohol use is inpatient drug treatment.

Inpatient drug treatment can help users safely detox in a drug and alcohol-free environment. With the appropriate guidance and support that can be provided during inpatient treatment, users can commit to sobriety and gain the tools needed to live a healthy, drug-free lifestyle.

How Long Does Drug Addiction Recovery Typically Take?

The length of time that it takes to graduate from a drug addiction recovery program depends on the type of program that a person enters into. In addition, the length of the program depends on the involvement of the person as well as the resources that are available. Sometimes, substance abusers will go through assessments and detox programs before actually entering into a treatment program. When going through these things, this will of course add onto the time that it takes to complete the rehab program.

 

Detox Programs

Some people consider detox programs to be rehab programs in and of their selves. The average detox program takes anywhere from three to 15 days to complete. Most times, detox programs are carried out under the supervision of a medical professional. The purpose behind these programs is to make sure a substance abuser withdrawals from his or her choice of drugs without enduring severe medical complications. In the event that critical complications do arise, the person is usually then transported to a hospital to finish detoxing. The two worst drugs to detox off of include alcohol and opiates. Oftentimes, people will endure painful withdrawal symptoms, including seizures depending on the severity of their prior usage.

 

Outpatient Programs

Outpatient programs come in many forms. Some of them last for seven days. Some of them last for three or more years. Outpatient programs are very advantageous for those people who have successfully finished a short-term or long-term rehab program.

 

Short-Term Rehab Programs

After detoxing, a person will then enter into a drug rehab program. A short-term program tends to last anywhere from 30 to 90 days. During the program, a person will live in a structured environment. The living facility may possibly be a half-way house, a medical facility or in living quarters that the rehab program makes available for the person. Most times, short-term rehab programs have anywhere from 15 to 50 attendees at any given time. Not every one has to begin the program at the same time, meaning new people can enter into the program at any time while others will be graduating. There is much to learn during a short-term rehab program, and being that the program only lasts one to three months, it is imperative that a substance abuser be willing to learn everything he or she can.

 

Long-Term Rehab Programs

Another type of rehab program that can be attended is a long-term program. Generally, a long-term program will last six months or longer. Many long-term rehabs come in the form of half-way houses. These types of facilities provide attendees with much needed education relating to addictions and overcoming them, but they also allow the attendees to work and go to school while finishing their rehab programs. They also provide a structured environment for the attendees to live in; however, there are many rules and restrictions that have to be adhered by. Breaking any rules can result in a person being kicked out of the program. Long-term programs are very advantageous for those people who have been suffering from an addiction for an extended amount of time. META: Most times, short-term rehab programs have anywhere from 15 to 50 attendees at any given time. There is much to learn during a short-term rehab program.***152 CHARS***