Signs and Symptoms of Mephedrone Misuse
Mephedrone has the properties of stimulant drugs and also acts as an entactogenic stimulant, making it similar to ecstasy (MDMA). These effects, in addition to the stimulant effect, produce feelings of increased sociability, friendliness, talkativeness, and empathy. Mephedrone is often confused with other similar-sounding drugs like methadone, but it is entirely different substance.
The drug is very similar to the cathinones found in the leaves of the khat plant and used by people indigenous to Africa as a stimulant. Many sources classify mephedrone as one of many synthetic cathinones (man-made substances that are synthetic in their chemical composition to natural occurring cathinones).
There are no formally approved medicinal uses for mephedrone, and it is classified by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) under the Schedule I category of controlled substances. This means that unless one has special permissions from the federal government, the possession of any amount of mephedrone is illegal.
Mephedrone may be sold as tablets, in powder form, or packaged in substances labeled as “bath salts.” This drug can be artificially produced by sources overseas and in private laboratories in the United States.
Signs of Mephedrone Misuse
Because there are no recognized medicinal uses for mephedrone, anyone who is using this drug is abusing it. The drug can only be obtained illegally, is only used recreationally, and the sole intent of individuals using it is to experience its unique psychoactive effects. Thus, the first sign that should be considered when there is a question that an individual is abusing mephedrone is evidence of any use of the drug.
Some of the physical signs of mephedrone withdrawal symptoms that an individual can experience can include:
- Appearing overly content or happy (a sign of euphoria).
- Being overly affectionate.
- Being overly concerned with the feelings of others.
- Dilated pupils.
- Speaking very rapidly or appearing to have rapid thoughts, as a result of the stimulant effects of the drug.
- Increased energy levels, hyperactive, or jittery.
- Clenching teeth.
- Inability to focus on one topic or subject.
- Highly distractible.
- Trouble breathing.
- Shaking or vibrating vision.
- Becoming overheated rather easily.
- Significant reduction in appetite.
- Periods where the person cannot sleep followed by periods of extreme lethargy.
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat and high blood pressure, which can lead to a stroke or heart attack.
- Headaches due to overheating, hyperactivity, and distractibility.
Psychological Effects of Mephedrone
Misusing a substance like mephedrone can trigger the onset of psychological effects that range in severity, particularly based on factors such as how much is being used and how frequently. Some of the psychological effects of mephedrone misuse can include:
- Uncharacteristic isolation from others.
- Being uncharacteristically secretive, such as disappearing for periods of time.
- Periodic issues with anxiety.
- Accelerated perception of time.
- Inability to control behavior.
- Extreme impulsiveness.
- Periodic issues with very poor judgment.
- Cognitive issues, such as issues with attention, memory, and problem-solving abilities.
- Displaying an extremely inflated sense of self-esteem or accomplishment.
- Out-of-body experiences.
- Alternating periods of euphoria or contentment with periods of depression and apathy.
- Suicidal thoughts.
- Extreme suspiciousness and paranoia.
- Hallucinations, most likely visual or auditory hallucinations.
- Delirium (marked confusion, disorientation, and/or hallucinations in conjunction with hyperactivity or hypoactivity).
- Aggressiveness or even becoming violent.
Mephedrone Addiction & Withdrawal
It has been established that there is the potential to develop physical dependence with chronic misuse of mephedrone. Most of the symptoms that are associated with mephredone withdrawal appear to be primarily psychological in nature. Observing that an individual has intermittent periods of extreme energy, sociability, friendliness, and even possible psychosis followed by withdrawal symptoms would suggest a very severe case of misuse to the drug.
Some of these withdrawal symptoms include:
- Becoming lethargic and needing more sleep than normal.
- An increase in appetite.
- Apathy and depression.
- Vivid dreams.
- Cravings to use mephedrone.
An individual who has a problem with mephedrone addiction would most likely be diagnosed with a stimulant use disorder, a diagnosable mental health disorder that is one of many substance use disorders. The formal diagnosis of a stimulant use disorder requires that the individual undergo a professional assessment by a licensed mental health clinician.
The individual would have to meet a certain number of diagnostic criteria that define the disorder. A person who has misused mephedrone, had problems with overall functioning, and experienced significant distress associated with their use of the drug could qualify for a diagnosis by expressing as few as 2 of a total of 11 formal diagnostic signs and symptoms.
Most of these mephedrone addiction symptoms are related to the person’s inability to control their use of the drug, negative effects associated with their drug use, and the development of physical dependence on the drug. Any individual who demonstrates signs of physical dependence on mephedrone would automatically be considered to have a stimulant use disorder because the drug is not administered for medicinal purposes; therefore, the development of physical dependence on the drug would indicate chronic illicit misuse.
Getting Help for Stimulant Use Disorders
Substance use disorders, such as stimulant use disorders associated with mephedrone misuse, do not resolve by themselves. Often, individuals who enter recovery programs are motivated by external factors, such as friends or family, their work, declining performance in school, or getting into trouble with the law. Interestingly, the majority of individuals who are in the very early stages of recovery maintain the notion that they will be able to eventually control their use of the drug and go back to occasional use; however, this is never a realistic expectation.
According to the vast majority of available research, overall treatment outcomes are typically similar, regardless of whether an individual enters treatment voluntarily or is coerced into treatment. This means that simply getting a person into a treatment program is the first step to help them with their substance misuse issue.
Once they get into treatment, it is up to them to take ownership of their issues and move forward in their recovery. Treatment programs should be structured so they address the needs of the individual while at the same time following the recognized protocols that help clients engage in a successful recovery.
One way to help a loved one is to organize a substance misuse intervention and get the person to commit to entering treatment. This can help the individual recognize that they might have a problem and lead them to the road to recovery.
Although the use of coercion to get an individual into treatment may often be necessary, name-calling, hostility, and frustration are very poor means of persuasion. Instead, coercion should be professionally structured, so the person agrees to enter treatment. Showing concern, promising support, and pointing out how the person’s substance use affects them and the people around them are the most effective forms of persuasion to get the individual to enter treatment.
Treatment for Mephedrone Addiction
If you or someone you love is struggling, do not hesitate to reach out to our drug rehab in Orange County right now for professional mephedrone addiction treatment. By calling , you will be connected to one of our compassionate rehab admissions navigators who can help you get started on your recovery journey. We encourage you to ask any questions you may have, including those regarding the levels of addiction treatment we provide, using insurance to pay for rehab, and rehab payment options.