Friday, October 13, 2023

Substance Abuse Trend Alert – New Synthetic Cathinone in the U.S. and Florida

 


The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Florida Alcohol and Drug Abuse Association (FADAA) have issued a substance use trend alert regarding a new synthetic cathinone emerging in the U.S. drug market.

N, N-dimethylpentylone is a psychoactive substance now being substituted for stimulant drugs such as Ecstasy, Molly, and MDMA. The National Drug Early Warning System reports increased findings of this drug in Florida.

Synthetic stimulants, often referred to as "Bath Salts", are part of the synthetic cathinone class of drugs that are central nervous system stimulants designed to mimic effects similar to those produced by cocaine, methamphetamine, and MDMA (ecstasy).

What do synthetic cathinones look like? - websites list products containing synthetic stimulants as "plant food" or "bath salts", however the powdered form is also available in gelatin capsules. They are sold at smoke shops, head shops, convenience stores, adult bookstores, gas stations, and online often labeled "not for human consumption."

How are synthetic cathinones abused? - sniffing/snorting, taken orally, smoked, or put in solution and injected in veins.

What are their effects on the mind & body? - synthetic substances are abused for desired effects such as euphoria and alertness. Psychological effects include confusion, agitation, aggression, violent behavior, hallucinations, delusions. Toxic body effects include high blood pressure, rapid heart rate, breakdown of muscle, seizures, even death.

It is important that we continue to raise awareness about the risks and dangers associated with synthetic stimulant use, inform about potential harms, conduct further toxicology testing, and offer education about the limited quality control of these drugs. 


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