what is flakka drug wikipedia

We offer programs such as outpatient, detox, and residential treatment programs. Our clients work hand in hand with our trained professional therapists to maintain emotional and physical strength during recovery. The Khat plant is mainly grown in Arabia, and East African countries, and some individuals chew its leaves to attain mild stimulation. Flakka is highly dangerous since it can cause extreme paranoia and trigger violent acts, leading to self-harm.

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Authorities believe Harrouff was high on flakka, a highly addictive designer drug that causes paranoia and psychosis. Flakka, sometimes known what is flakka drug wikipedia as gravel, is closely related to bath salts, a synthetic cathinone that police linked to the infamous face-eating attack in Miami four years ago. The man-made drug that’s manufactured primarily in China entered the states only a few years ago, but didn’t soar in popularity until 2013.

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There is a lack of scientific research on the long term effects of Flakka. However, as psycho stimulant, this drug can cause paranoia, hyper stimulation and hallucinations. There are news stories indicating the irrational behavior of people high on Flakka. In combinations with other drugs, A-PVP has been linked to overdoses and suicides. It was reported that the drug in combination with pentedrone, caused heart failure that led to death. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration placed a temporary ban on a-PVP and nine of synthetic cathinones in March 2014.

Flakka (Zombie Drug) vs. Bath Salts

  • As an individual who is addicted to flakka use, seeking professional help for detox or withdrawal is advisable to avoid unpleasant withdrawal symptoms.
  • Similar in form to broken glass, Flakka is a crystal-like substance, usually white or pink in color.
  • Users are not always poor, however, and sellers are not always ill-intentioned, or even aware, of the dangers of Flakka abuse.
  • The designer drug is still classified by the DEA as a Schedule I Controlled Substance as of May of this year.
  • Effective treatment typically includes a combination of medical detoxification, behavioral therapies, and ongoing support to manage cravings and prevent relapse.
  • Synthetic cathinones, in general, are addictive, and the longer an individual uses Flakka, the higher their tolerance level becomes, leading to compulsive cravings.

Bath salts, in general, are psychoactive synthetic drugs (designer drugs) made in large quantities in foreign drug labs. Some brand names of synthetic cathinones include Bliss, Vanilla Sky, Lunar Wave, Cloud Nine, and White Lightning. Flakka is the street name for the synthetic cathinone called alpha-pyrrolidinopentiophenone (Alpha-PVP).

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It comes in different forms and can be eaten, injected, smoked or snorted. As little is known about flakka, detoxing in the care of medical professionals is essential. As cathinones are hydrophobic molecules, they can cross cell membranes and the blood-brain barrier. This allows them to interact with the monoamine transporters in the synaptic cleft between neurons.

  • Similar chemically to MDVP, more commonly known as bath salts, Flakka is currently classified as a Schedule I drug.
  • One single dose can also lead a user into severe paranoia, aggression, and hyper-stimulation.
  • Sometimes referred to as “gravel” for its gravel-like appearance, it is commonly referred to as the Flakka drug.
  • Flakka has gained fame due to its ability to cause erratic and dangerous behavior in users.
  • In other words, users might suffer from a loss of reality and scary-high body temperatures and pressure, Forbes reported.
  • Last year, police in Florida, where flakka has a stronghold, busted a 22-year-old woman for importing the drug from China, the Broward Palm Beach New Times reported.

Researchers have not thoroughly clinically studied the long-term effects of flakka, but renal failure can occur that is irreversible. Flakka is a dangerous drug that has many bad side effects, mostly including changes in behavior or mood. Internationally, the legal status of flakka varies by country, but many countries have taken steps to control its use due to its dangerous effects. Combinations with the following substances can cause dangerously high serotonin levels. Serotonin syndrome requires immediate medical attention and can be fatal if left untreated. It is a more potent inhibitor of DAT and NET than the classical stimulants cocaine and amphetamine.

what is flakka drug wikipedia

It is also known as „gravel” due to its white, crystal-like appearance. Flakka is a highly potent drug that can be snorted, injected, eaten, smoked, or vaporized in e-cigarettes. When heated up, it gives off a foul-smelling smoke characterized as smelling like dirty socks.