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 Mephedrone addiction– how does it start?

Until recently, it was legal to buy and sell mephedrone, which was marketed as a plant fertiliser, even though it has no use as such. The only condition was that the mephedrone sold should not be intended for human consumption. Many people have started abusing the substance and four people in Britain died as a direct result of mephedrone use, which led to it being made a class B illegal drug in the UK.

As a previously “legal high”, mephedrone has become the fourth most popular street drug in Britain due to the false belief that it is safer and more pure than illegal drugs. However, even legal chemicals that have not been produced for human consumption do not undergo the same kind of medical testing as pharmaceutical grade medical products, and so the side effects and long-term risks associated with substances such as mephedrone, and the consequences of mephedrone addiction, are often unknown. As with all drug addictions, however, the road to mephedrone addiction begins with trying it out...

 

Experiencing mephedrone addiction

People taking mephedrone may expect to experience effects similar to those induced by amphetamines, ecstasy or cocaine. The desired effects include:

  • Stimulation
  • Alertness
  • Euphoria
  • Excitement
  • Loss of inhibitions
  • Enhanced social interaction

These effects can lead to repeated mephedrone use and eventually, mephedrone addiction. This follows the usual pattern of addiction; over time more of the drug needs to be taken to achieve the same effects and, after a while, the person who is addicted suffers serious withdrawal symptoms if they don’t take regular fixes.

 

The signs of mephedrone addiction

Not much is known about mephedrone addiction, but the signs of addiction are likely to be similar to that of addiction to other drugs. Early signs of drug addiction include mood swings, sleepiness or tiredness, agitation and paranoia. During later stages of addiction, signs can include depression, distraction, psychosis and a general reduction in the ability to function normally, such as performing normal tasks, paying bills, or holding down a job. 

 


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The Have I Got A Problem website is a free online resource to help people better understand any issues or concerns they may have about mental health or addiction. The website includes resources specifically focused to; general Mental Health, Depression, Stress, Anxiety, Insecurities, Self-harm Schizophrenia, Bipolar, Anger Management, Eating Disorders, Coping, general Addiction, Alcohol, Smoking, Gambling, Drugs, Cocaine, Heroin, Marijuana (Cannabis) Ecstasy, PCP, Mephedrone, Ketamine & Crystal Meth.

The site was created to give the public information to help them understand mental health and addiction issues and to assist people in making better informed decisions about their life and personal choices.

www.haveigotaproblem.com was created and is run by 'Advising Communities’, which is a UK registered charity (Charity No. 1061055)

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