MEPHEDRONE
Mephedrone is a stimulant that causes speediness and euphoric effects. It is most often a powder and can be snorted, mixed with a drink, "bombed" (wrapped in paper or put in a capsule and swallowed) booty-bumped (syringed up the anus) and injected.
Being a relatively new drug, there has not been enough research to understand the impact mephedrone and other "legal highs" will have on the clubbing or sex-party scenes. It may even be true to say it is safer to do other better known drugs which are better researched and understood. Should anything go wrong, hospital staff and other health care workers have greater knowledge about treating symptoms of the more widely used drugs. Antidote works with people who have developed psychological dependence on mephedrone.
MEPHEDRONE HARM REDUCTION TIPS
If you inject mephedrone, you will be running the risk of narrowing or collapsing your veins. If you do decide to inject mephedrone, then it's important that you follow these safer injecting practices. Many people complain of nose-bleeds or irritation when snorted, and of sore throats when swallowed with a drink. The best harm-reduction advice (besides not doing it) would be to "bomb" it in a paper wrap or capsule, so as to avoid the aggravation to nostrils, veins and throat.
Mephedrone is a psychological addictive substance, so avoid repeat exposure to it and make sure that you take breaks in between your using sessions. Using every weekend does not allow for your brain and body to recover from it's effects. Mixing mephedrone with other stimulants such as crystal meth can be lead to overdose, and potential strokes, or heart attacks, therefore do not mix your drugs.
The effects produced by using mephedrone, contributes to taking risks during sex, so you should only take in small amounts, and know your tolerance to ensure you do not expose yourself to STI’s and do not regret your choices at a later date. Follow advice on minimising sexual health risk.
As a stimulant, when taken in large amounts, mephedrone can keep you awake, can cause hallucinations, paranoia, and in some cases psychosis. It’s important then to stop taking any substance. Come downs on Mephedrone can be a difficult experience, and even more so when mixed with other stimulants, so ensure that you are able to take time out, and it does not impact your work, social life etc.
Side effects include heart palpitations, anxiety, sleeplessness, temperature fluctuations, and in some cases hallucinations and feinting.
If you wish to discuss anything regarding this or other drugs, please be in touch. Remember, it's your well-being we are concerned with, not legalities or judgement. Download a more detailed report on the risks associated with mephedrone, from the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction.
You can access a list of our services or contact us via email to discuss your needs: antidote@londonfriend.org.uk.
Antidote helpline: Contact us to discuss your drug or alcohol issues on 020 7833 1674 (10am-6pm, Monday to Friday). Ask for someone from the Antidote Team.
