Do you suspect a loved one to be addicted to mephedrone? Or are you addicted to the drug?
If you answered yes to any of the questions above, then continue reading as we will tell you exactly what mephedrone is, what are the signs and symptoms to look out for and how it can be treated.
What is Mephedrone?
Mephedrone is a synthetic psychoactive stimulant drug which creates temporary improvements in an individual’s physical and mental functioning.
A fairly new drug on the scene, mephedrone, street named as meow meow, was until April 2010 known as a legal drug. It is now categorised as a Class B drug in the United Kingdom and illegal in South Africa.
Mephedrone comes in the form of tablets or powder and can be taken orally (swallowed) snorted or injected. However the most popular way is though snorting, as it provides an almost instantaneous effect.
The drug is disguised as plant fertiliser when sold and is still today available over the internet.
Mephedrone is a popular choice of drug for clubbers as it causes feelings of euphoria, increased awareness and confidence which may last for up till an hour.
Signs and Symptoms of Mephedrone Addiction
The use of mephedrone may cause increased sweating on individuals as well as migraines and sleeplessness.
Effects such as nausea and the grinding of teeth may also occur and it may also cause the abusers fingers to turn blue and cold.
Sever panic attacks, hallucination and paranoia may also be experienced.
The drug may also over stimulate the heart and nervous system, which could lead to fits and agitation.
In more serious cases, it has been reported that mephedrone may cause death.
Mephedrone Addiction Treatment
While not much is known if mephedrone users experience any withdrawal symptoms when the drug is not available with any other addiction, the best way to get help is to be placed in medical care.
A stay in rehabilitation is the best way to recover and end your use of mephedrone.
In rehab, the addicted individual may go through a medical detoxification to remove all the toxins of the drug out of the body and will also attend vaious forms of counselling and therapy.
The length of stay will be determined on the nature of the addiction suffered, however all patients are required to remain in treatment for at least 28 days.
Once the stay in rehab has been completed, it is advisable to look to attend outpatient treatment, which will serve as a continuation of what was taught in rehabilitation.
This can either be done through regular outpatient meetings where the individual can reside at home or through staying at a halfway house, which helps in slowly integrating the person back into society.
Tertiary care is also available once that has been completed, which helps prevent relapses occurring on a long term basis.
For more information regarding treatment, call us now and our accredited Addictions Counsellor will find the best rehab available for you or a loved one.