Flakka is the name for a powerful designer drug that’s purchased as a recreational drug. Flakka is a synthetic drug called methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV), which is a potent stimulant that may offer some effects that are similar to cocaine or MDMA. However, flakka is notorious for its side effects. It can cause psychosis, hallucinations, and elevated body temperature. In fact, it has caused some users to run into the street in a panic, stripping off their clothes to cool down their body temperature. Addiction to this drug isn’t common. It’s not as widely available as other stimulants, and it can cause an unpleasant high for many people. However, it can affect your brain chemistry in a way that causes dependence and addiction.
What Are the Signs of Flakka Addiction?
Addiction is diagnosed as a severe substance use disorder. One of the clearest signs of addiction is compulsive drug use despite consequences. For many people, taking flakka is an unpleasant experience. It causes paranoia, high body temperature, agitation, and even frightening hallucinations. Other stimulants like cocaine, and even meth, offer a moment of euphoric empowerment before the adverse side effects start to kick in as you come off the drug.
Flakka may offer something like that, but the negative aspects of the drug can be extreme. However, as a stimulant, it can cause chemical dependence and addiction. Other signs of flakka use and addiction may include:
- Using it more often
- Taking escalating doses
- Hyperactivity
- Agitation
- Confusion
- Delusions
- Sweating
- Muscle spasms
- High body temperature
- Isolation
- Loss of interest in usual activities
- Poor performance at work or school
What Is Involved In Flakka Addiction Treatment?
Flakka is an uncommon drug in addiction treatment. It’s so volatile and unpleasant for most people that it’s unlikely to take it enough to develop an addiction.
However, it is possible. People may turn to synthetic stimulants like flakka as a replacement for cocaine, which can be expensive. Treating an addiction to illicit stimulants will involve personalized treatment options that address physiological, psychological, and social needs.
If you have high-level medical needs while you go through withdrawal, you may need medical detox. Detox is designed for people that may encounter severe withdrawal symptoms or other medical complications. Flakka isn’t known to cause life-threatening withdrawal symptoms, but if you have other significant medical needs, you may need medical detox.
After detox, you may go through an inpatient program that can offer 24-hour medically monitored or clinically managed treatment. When you’re able to live on your own, you may go through an intensive outpatient program, which involves more than nine hours of treatment services each week. As you progress, you may go through an outpatient program that includes fewer than nine hours per week.
How Dangerous Is Flakka?
Flakka has been called more dangerous than cocaine because of its unpredictable nature. It’s difficult to determine the appropriate dose of the drug, which can lead to fatal overdoses. High doses can cause heart-related complications and rapid muscle breakdown. It’s also said to cause body temperature spikes of up to 105 degrees, which can be fatal if it’s maintained for too long. The fact that it can cause paranoia, hallucinations, and stimulation, may cause people to put themselves into harm’s way in an intoxicated state.
