Did you know that this type of drug can lead to severe mental disorders and horrifying muscle breakdown?
A drug scarier than crystal meth
In recent years, we have received a lot of information about crystal meth – a drug containing methamphetamine (meth) and amphetamine (amph), even niketamide. It causes users’ nervous systems to become excessively excited, leading to a series of uncontrollable behaviors that they would normally never dare to engage in. The long-term effects of crystal meth can quickly weaken the body, disturb personality behavior, impair reproductive capabilities, and potentially lead to sudden death.
However, recently, a new drug called Flakka has emerged, believed to be even more devastating to the body than crystal meth. So how can it “destroy” the very essence of its users? Let’s explore!
Flakka is a type of synthetic drug currently sweeping through Florida and has appeared in other states such as Ohio and Texas. Surprisingly, Flakka is a synthetic narcotic originating from China. This drug is typically white or light pink and has a crystalline shape resembling salt.
Image of a person chewing Khat leaves.
Flakka is primarily synthesized from the chemical Alpha PVP (alpha-Pyrrolidinopentiophenone), which converts amphetamine into cathinone.
Cathinone is a chemical extracted from the leaves of the Khat plant – a leaf that induces a euphoric effect similar to drugs, commonly found in the Middle East and Somalia.
It can be said that Flakka is akin to a mix of cocaine and crystal meth, with a distinctly foul odor. Many experts suggest that the smell of this drug is quite strong, resembling that of dirty socks.
This is known to be a cheap drug, but its danger level is much higher than that of crystal meth. High doses of Flakka can lead to severe health complications such as increased heart rate, agitation, extreme aggression, and mental disorders.
Image of Flakka users harming themselves while in a euphoric state.
According to experts, Flakka causes a hormonal mutation in the body, affecting dopamine – responsible for feelings of euphoria – and norepinephrine – a nervous system hormone.
This mutation leads users to always feel euphoric, extremely stimulated, and hallucinate… but it can also cause seizures, body temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius, rapid heart rates, paranoia, and death.
Moreover, some victims react strongly, tearing their clothes and running into the streets with extremely violent behaviors. Additionally, this drug can cause muscle breakdown, potentially leading to complications in the kidneys.
Specifically, the cathinone in Flakka can cause a highly dangerous condition – rhabdomyolysis – where skeletal muscle tissue is rapidly damaged and destroyed.
Rhabdomyolysis releases substances like myoglobin and phosphorus – components of skeletal muscle cells – into the bloodstream… leading to electrolyte imbalances, harming the kidneys and potentially resulting in kidney failure. Severe rhabdomyolysis can lead to acute kidney failure, increased potassium levels, and if not diagnosed and treated promptly, can be fatal.
The cheapest dose of Flakka sells for about $5 (approximately over 100,000 VND), but the effects of this drug can last from 3 hours to 3 days, much longer than other drugs such as heroin or Krokodil.
The symptoms of “euphoria” can last for hours and leave users with a dangerously intense craving for the drug.
Statistics show that since 2013, there have been 126 deaths related to Flakka in Florida. According to reports from Florida crime analysis laboratories, Flakka was unknown before 2011, but by 2012, there were 85 crime cases related to Flakka, and in 2014, there were over 670 cases.
Dr. Lucas Watterson from the Substance Abuse Research Medical Center stated: “Flakka has emerged as a replacement for ‘bath salts’ (primarily composed of MDPV and mephedrone) – a compound that induces terrifying hallucinations after this drug was banned.“
Conclusion:
The truth is that the consequences of drugs on humanity are incredibly severe. More than anyone else, you should love yourself and self-discipline to stay away from this dangerous narcotic.
