A recent rodent study from the Scripps Research Institute found that the new synthetic drug known as “flakka” appears to be as potent and addictive as “bath salts”, which are illegal in the United States. Over the last several months, flakka has made the headlines for its association with acts of violence, public nudity and making the user feel like they possess “superhuman strength.” Flakka’s main ingredient is a chemical compound called Alpha-PVP, a synthetic stimulant. Some claim the drug is worse than other synthetic cathinone drugs known as "bath salts” but researchers say both drugs are chemically similar and very dangerous.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, use of flakka can cause heart palpitations, hallucinations, paranoia, hyper-stimulation, and kidney damage and has been linked to deaths by suicide and heart attack. The drug, which comes in crystalline rock form, can be snorted, eaten, injected, or vaporized in an e-cigarette. When vaporized, the drug is sent very quickly into the bloodstream, which may make it easy to overdose. Flakka, also sold as “gravel,” has been reportedly used in Texas, Florida, and Ohio in the past few years. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration temporarily banned the substance in 2014 and is reportedly expected to issue a permanent ban in the future.
Make sure to get the facts about flakka and other drugs. DrugFreeAZKids.org has some great ways for parents to get the conversation going.
To find out more about Flakka, check out our 411 Drug Series. Here's a snapshot:
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FLAKKA
What is it and what does it look like? Flakka is a crystal-like drug that contains a synthetic....READ MORE What are the short and long-term effects? · Body temperature rapidly rises to as high as 105-106 degrees Fahrenheit · Kidney damage and failure · Severe anxiety, paranoia and....READ MORE What every parent should know: · This new designer drug has been reportedly used in....READ MORE |
