Flakka, also called “gravel” due to it’s physical appearance of white crystal chunks, which are visually similar to aquarium gravel, is a man-made drug. The drug gives it’s users a similar high to the one induced by cocaine, however researchers believe that this new trending drug could be potentially more dangerous than cocaine.
CNN quotes Jim Hall, a drug abuse epidemiologist at Nova Southeastern University, “It’s so difficult to control the exact dose [of flakka]. Just a little bit of difference in how much is consumed can be the difference between getting high and dying. It’s that critical.”
Flakka is generally smoked, injected, or snorted, a small overdose on this drug could lead to an individual experiencing severe symptoms including “excited delirium” which is characterized by violent behavior, spiked body temperatures ranging from 105 degrees and higher, and paranoia. One of the most dangerous effects of flakka is that it gives it’s users the perception that they have the strength and fury of the Incredible Hulk.
Flakka contains a chemical similar to MPDV, one of the main ingredients in the banned drug “bath salts.” MPDV has the power to bind and stop molecules on the surface of neurons, which are responsible for controlling the levels of mood-regulating neurotransmitters, dopamine, and serotonin. The use of flakka floods the brain with these chemicals similar to cocaine and methamphetamine, but flakka is reported to have longer lasting effects.
Being as though flakka lingers in the brain longer than cocaine, the extent of flakka’s destruction is potentially greater than cocaine. The dangers of flakka include permanent neurological damage, when the drug sits on its users’ neurons it can virtually destroy them. Flakka also has the potential to negatively affect the kidneys. If hyperthermia onsets, the muscles begin to break down, taking a toll on the kidneys. It is believed flakka overdose victims who survived may be on dialysis for the remainder of their lives.
It is presumed flakka is being exported in China and can be purchased online, gas stations, or through dealers. Flakka is often seen as a cheaper substitute for cocaine, one dose is as low as three to five dollars.
South Florida has specifically drawn attention to flakka use after stories of men and women behaving destructively while high on flakka. Currently the entire state of Florida is being hit hard by flakka overdoses. Cases of flakka overdose have also been reported in other states including New Jersey, Alabama, and Mississippi.
Hall stated there are currently three to four flakka-related hospitalizations daily, and even more during the weekends in South Florida’s Broward County area. It is still unknown how flakka became so popular in South Florida.
The Drug Enforcement Administration has placed a temporary ban on flakka, however makers of this man-made drug are working around the ban by placing “not for human consumption” labels on the drug. It is assumed that it will take up to several years to obtain the data essential for putting a permanent ban on flakka. Bans have the potential to be effective in discouraging individuals from potentially using flakka.
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