Monkey Dust Addiction

Monkey Dust (known in the scientific world as Methylenedioxy-a-pyrrolidniohexiophenone) is a synthetic drug with psychoactive effects. Like other illicit substances, it may be referred to under several names, such as:

• Bath salts
• Magic
• MDPV
• Zombie dust

Monkey dust is a type of synthetic cathinone, meaning it is designed to be chemically similar to natural cathinone. Cathinones are known for their mind-altering effects, creating a high similar to that achieved by cocaine or MDMA. That makes monkey dust a very strong stimulant – it, therefore, carries a range of risks particularly linked with psychoactive drugs.

Monkey dust is usually purchased in powder form. It can range in colour, appearing in various hues of white, yellow and brown. They are usually snorted but can also be taken by:

• ‘bombing’ (swallowing small amounts of the drug wrapped in paper)
• smoking
• swallowing in pill or capsule form
• injecting

Each form of administration can come with its own set of risks. It can also alter how quickly the drug hits your system. Typically, the faster the drug enters your bloodstream, the sooner you will notice the effects.

Monkey dust can last for up to 12 hours (depending on the method of use and a range of other factors). Given the somewhat unpredictable nature of monkey dust high, 12 hours is a relatively long time to both be at risk and pose a risk whilst inebriated.

Monkey dust is currently available on the illegal market at a lower price than other psychoactive stimulants. This reduced price point can make the drug appear desirable – however, the substance has been linked with some disconcerting health effects. A group of users in Stoke reported to researchers that the drug was particularly easy to get hold of, both online and in person. A monkey dust high is also very potent.

As a New Psychoactive Substance,’ monkey dust acts as a mind-altering stimulant. It ‘impairs the normal function’ of key neurotransmitters in the brain, leading to various peaks and dips in key hormones and causing a dramatic change in mood. Monkey dust affects our levels of dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin.

Dopamine is the ‘pleasure’ chemical in our brains. It helps us to feel rewarded, satisfied and motivated. It can also reinforce behaviours such as drug-taking, making us want to see substances repeatedly.

Serotonin is the ‘happy’ chemical in our brains.Low levels of serotonin are linked to anxiety and depression. Too much serotonin can lead to serotonin syndrome, where you may experience hallucinations, seizures, and fever.

Norepinephrine is involved in our fight or flight reactions. This hormone can alter our blood pressure and also lead to us feeling anxious, on-edge or even in danger.

Changes to these key neurotransmitters can make our thoughts, feelings and behaviours unpredictable. This can lead people high on monkey dust to act irrationally and potentially put themselves and others at risk. Alongside reports of monkey dust users committing acts of arson and violence, a 2023 ITV report states how taking the drug ‘“messes with the brain” and makes people “run and hide in trees all night.”’

Short-term

• euphoria
• feeling more alert
• being more talkative
• dilated pupils
• difficulty sleeping
• reduced inhibitions
• hallucinations
• paranoia
• unpredictable behaviour
• violence and aggression
• muscle tension
• stomach pains
• risk of overdose

Long-term

As monkey dust appeared on the UK market in 2018, it is slightly harder to anticipate what the longer term monkey dust drug effects might be. However, there is evidence that monkey dust can lead to:

• paranoia
• depression
• anxiety
• psychosis
• violent tendencies
• heart problems
• kidney damage
• dependency
• monkey dust addiction

There is no safe level of drug use with any illegal drug. However, since 2018, monkey dust, in particular, has been linked to a plethora of specific health and community-wide harms.

In 2022, 4,907 people died from drug poisoning in England and Wales. Overdose risk is typically associated with opioids such as heroin and is also high in cases of polydrug use, where multiple drugs (and alcohol) are mixed together. However, monkey dust is becoming an increasing concern. Even a very small amount of monkey dust has the potential to be lethal, with overdoses occurring after the use of 3-5 milligrams. A monkey dust overdose can happen as a result of several serious health effects, such as:

• hyperthermia
• ‘monkey dust stroke’
• damage to the heart
• damage to the nervous system, leading to seizures
• infections in key organs
• blood clots

Since the explosion of monkey dust use in Stoke-On-Trent in 2018, the media have actively been reporting on the effects of the drug. It has led to numerous occasions of ill mental health, including the development of:

• hallucinations (hearing and seeing things that are not there)
• delusions (believing things that are not consistent with reality)
• irrational and dangerous behaviour
• panic and paranoia

These symptoms resemble psychosis, meaning a user has a ‘loss [of] contact with reality.’ There have been instances of individuals attempting to climb buildings or hiding in forests due to the intense psychological effects of the drug clouding sound judgement.

Several incidents of arson (including setting individuals on fire) and other forms of violent attacks since 2018 have been linked to the use of monkey dust. The Chief Inspector of Staffordshire Police notes that:

“We have a dedicated operation, together with key local partners, aimed at disrupting the supply of monkey dust in Stoke-on-Trent and safeguarding those vulnerable to associated anti-social behaviour and criminality.’

The availability of monkey dust on the market appears to be dangerous to multiple parties – to users themselves, and to members of the public who may be at threat of increased drug-related harm.

If you are concerned that your use of monkey dust is spiralling out of control, then it may be time to seek help. Addiction is overwhelming, but reaching out for support shows great strength. You can contact us today to make an initial inquiry into the support available at our Oasis Bradford clinic.