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. The cathinones also inhibit the reuptake of epinephrine, norepinephrine, and serotonin in the central nervous system.
Effects of Flakka abuse
That may be because they were easy to get and used to be hard to detect in drug tests. Made in China, Pakistan, and other countries, the drug (alpha-pyrrolidinopentiophenone or alpha-PDP) is sold as a foul-smelling white or pink crystal. Though vaporizing flakka, which is popular among teens since it gives off no odor, may appear to be the least harmful way to take the drug, the reverse is true. Available for $5 (or less) a vial, a new designer drug is surging through Florida, says the National Institute on Drug Abuse, with new media reports now coming from Texas, Tennessee, and Ohio. Flakka causes intense delusions, which are key to its allure yet also cause for concern. This controlled substance may be deadly, especially when combined with vaping (smoking it with a vaporizing e-cigarette).
What Are the Effects of Flakka (Alpha-PVP) Addiction on the Body?
People with low MBL levels may experience more frequent or severe infections. Lectins can interfere with the absorption of certain nutrients in the digestive tract. They may bind to the intestinal wall, potentially damaging the gut lining and reducing nutrient uptake. This can lead to deficiencies in key vitamins and minerals over time. Wheat contains wheat germ agglutinin, a lectin that can be particularly problematic for some people.
Various instances of “Man on Flakka” have been captured in videos on news channels and social media platforms such as YouTube. These instances highlight the profound and often alarming effects that flakka can have on behavior and mental state, emphasizing its dangers to both users and the community at large. Flakka is a dangerous drug, and seeking help is crucial if you suspect someone is using it. If you or someone you know needs assistance, consider reaching out to a professional or a helpline. Yes, therapy dogs can play a supportive role in Flakka addiction recovery by providing emotional comfort and helping to alleviate stress. According to Dr. Ann Berger in “The Power of Pets” from NIH News in Health (2019), therapy dogs have been shown to reduce stress and provide a comforting presence in therapeutic settings.
Common Insurance Plans for Addiction and Mental Health Treatment
Compared to drugs like cocaine and marijuana, there is less research on how K2/Spice and bath salts work in the brain. Researchers do know that these drugs attach to the same areas in the brain, called receptors, where chemicals in cocaine and marijuana attach. Researchers have also found that K2/Spice can produce stronger effects than marijuana and that bath salts can produce stronger effects than cocaine. In contrast, Flakka is primarily composed of alpha-Pyrrolidinopentiophenone (alpha-PVP). This difference in chemical structure contributes to variations in their effects and potential for addiction.
- Flakka is a dangerous drug, and seeking help is crucial if you suspect someone is using it.
- Evidence indicates that lectins may play a role in neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and multiple sclerosis.
- Alpha-PVP produces a rush of dopamine in the brain, causing an intense high similar to that of cocaine and methamphetamine.
- If you or someone you know needs assistance, consider reaching out to a professional or a helpline.
For some, the reason is ongoing stress; how does flakka affect your brain for others, peer pressure is responsible for sending them down the addiction spiral. Identifying the reasons and determining how to manage them is important to overcome addiction. Overcome addiction with our family support system, and regain control of your life!
These drugs are all related to a broader group of chemical compounds known as synthetic cathinones, chemically similar to a substance found in the khat plant, which is known for its amphetamine-like stimulant effects. 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). In a Flakka addiction recovery center, individuals expect a comprehensive treatment approach that includes medical detox, behavioral therapy, and long-term support. According to Weinstein et al. (2017), the first step usually involves medically supervised detoxification to manage dangerous withdrawal symptoms, such as anxiety, tremors, and seizures.