Written by:

Medically Reviewed by:

Dr Mateen Durrani – MBBS, DPM, MSc, BCPsych

Last Updated:

January 6th, 2025

Mephedrone Addiction | Signs, Symptoms & Effects

Mephedrone, also known as “meow meow” or “M-Cat,” is a synthetic stimulant belonging to the cathinone class. It’s a white, crystalline powder that, in the past, was often sold legally as bath salts or plant food.

Users typically snort, swallow or inject it, seeking a euphoric high and increased energy.

In the UK, mephedrone is classified as a Class B drug, making its production, distribution and possession illegal.

Mephedrone poses significant health risks, including cardiovascular problems and mental health issues. Understanding its dangers is crucial for those considering its use.

Page Content
What happens to your body when you take Mephedrone?
The dark side of Mephedrone
How dangerous can Mephedrone be?
What are the signs of Mephedrone addiction?
How is Mephedrone addiction treated?
What’s next?
Frequently Asked Questions

What happens to your body when you take Mephedrone?

When you take mephedrone, it affects your body in several ways:

Initial effects

Euphoria: Users often feel an intense sense of happiness and become more talkative and sociable.
Increased energy: Mephedrone can make you feel more energetic, alert and awake.
Heightened senses: Your senses, especially touch and sound, might feel more intense.

Physical effects

Elevated heart rate: This stimulant speeds up your heart rate and increases blood pressure, which can be risky, especially if you have heart problems.
Dilated pupils: Your pupils might dilate, and you could experience dry mouth.
Sweating: Increased body temperature and sweating are common, and if not hydrated enough, they can lead to dehydration.

Mental effects

Enhanced mood: Initially, mephedrone can improve your mood and reduce inhibitions.
Increased confidence: Users often report feeling more confident and self-assured.
Short-term memory impairment: You might have trouble remembering things or keeping track of time.

The dark side of Mephedrone

The negative side effects of mephedrone can be severe and alarming. High doses or prolonged use can lead to anxiety, paranoia and cravings, making the experience highly distressing. The stimulant effects of mephedrone can cause disturbed sleep, making it difficult to get restful sleep and users often experience uncomfortable physical symptoms like jaw clenching and teeth grinding whilst taking the drug.

As the effects of mephedrone wear off, you might go through a ‘comedown’ period characterised by feelings of depression, fatigue and irritability. Many users have reported the drug to be ‘moreish’, leading to many re-dosing shortly after taking their last hit. This paves the way for a potential for binge use, which can become habit-forming.

The long-term effects of mephedrone are equally concerning. Repeated use can place significant strain on the heart and blood vessels, leading to serious cardiovascular problems. Additionally, prolonged use can lead to a range of mental health issues, including heightened anxiety, depression and cognitive impairments.

Understanding these risks underscores just how dangerous mephedrone can be for your overall health and well-being.

How dangerous can Mephedrone be?

To show you just how dangerous Mephedrone can be, we turn our attention to a case study published by the National Library of Medicine that shows just how easily it can be to fall into the traps of mephedrone addiction:

A young, employed man required inpatient psychiatric treatment following prolonged mephedrone use. Previously experimenting with drugs like cocaine, ecstasy and heroin as a teenager, he began using mephedrone regularly after initially trying various legal highs. Over a year, his usage escalated, leading to daily consumption and increased tolerance.

After five months, he experienced insomnia, poor appetite, weight loss and auditory and visual hallucinations, prompting GP visits and initial treatment with chlorpromazine, diazepam and fluoxetine.

Despite attempts to quit, he relapsed into heavy bingeing. Admitted in an agitated state with hallucinations and depressive thoughts, he was diagnosed with drug-induced psychosis and dependence syndrome per ICD-10 criteria. Treated with olanzapine, he displayed significant symptoms like persecutory ideation, agitation and poor concentration. He was discharged after four weeks with a diagnosis of stimulant dependence and psychosis.

This case highlights how synthetic drugs, like mephedrone, can devastate mental health and daily life, leading to severe psychosis and dependence. It’s a serious warning about the real dangers of experimenting with these substances.

What are the signs of Mephedrone addiction?

Educating yourself on the signs of mephedrone addiction is crucial. Addiction can sneak up on anyone and being aware of the symptoms can either help prevent it from worsening or enable you to recognise the signs in a loved one. You can take the necessary steps to seek help and support by understanding what to look for.

Physical signs

Increased heart rate: Persistent and unusual spikes in heart rate.
Weight loss: Unexplained and rapid weight loss.
Insomnia: Difficulty sleeping or staying asleep.
Appetite changes: Either a significant increase or decrease in appetite.
Sweating: Excessive sweating even without physical exertion.
Nosebleeds: Frequent nosebleeds, particularly in those who snort the drug.
Dilated pupils: Enlarged pupils even in low light conditions.

Psychological Signs

Euphoria: Extreme and inappropriate feelings of happiness or invincibility.
Anxiety: Increased anxiety, paranoia and panic attacks.
Depression: Persistent low mood and loss of interest in activities once enjoyed.
Confusion: Difficulty concentrating and maintaining focus.
Hallucinations: Seeing or hearing things that aren’t there.
Aggression: Uncharacteristic anger and irritability.

Behavioural signs

Secrecy: Being secretive about activities and whereabouts.
Social withdrawal: Isolating from family and friends.
Neglecting responsibilities: Ignoring work, school or family duties.
Financial issues: Unexplained financial problems or borrowing money frequently.
Risk-taking behaviour: Engaging in risky or dangerous activities.
Obsession with the drug: Constantly thinking about obtaining and using mephedrone.

Recognising these signs early on can make a significant difference in addressing mephedrone addiction. If you or someone you know is exhibiting these symptoms, seeking professional help is a crucial step toward recovery.

How is Mephedrone addiction treated?

Becoming addicted to mephedrone can indeed be a confusing and lonely experience. What might have started as just a bit of fun with friends has now potentially turned into a situation you’d least expect. No matter how you arrived at this point, know that this is not the end of the road. There are effective ways to treat mephedrone addiction and one of those ways is through Linwood House’s dedicated Mephedrone addiction rehab programme. Our programme is designed to provide the support and care you need to overcome this challenge and regain control of your life.

Here’s what you can expect:

Detox: Our Mephedrone addiction rehab programme begins with a monitored detox, ensuring you have 24/7 support to make the process as comfortable as possible.
Therapy: Following detox, we offer a range of therapies to address the underlying causes of addiction. Therapies such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) focuses on managing emotions. Group counselling fosters peer support and holistic methods like art and yoga therapy promote overall well-being and stress relief.
Aftercare: After completing the programme, our aftercare services are crucial for maintaining sobriety. We provide ongoing support and resources to help you transition back into everyday life, ensuring you have the best chance for lasting recovery.

What’s next?

Struggling with mephedrone addiction can be difficult to deal with but know that Linwood House is here to help. Our comprehensive rehab programme offers a supportive and personalised approach to recovery. With experienced professionals and proven therapies, we’ll guide you every step of the way. Don’t wait—take the first step toward a healthier, happier life today. Reach out to Linwood House now for the help you deserve.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes mephedrone addictive?

Mephedrone is addictive due to its ability to rapidly release large amounts of dopamine and serotonin in the brain, creating intense feelings of euphoria, increased energy, and enhanced mood. This powerful stimulation of the brain’s reward system reinforces drug-taking behaviour, making users crave repeated doses to maintain the pleasurable effects and avoid withdrawal symptoms, thus fostering addiction.

What to do if I’m addicted to mephedrone

If you’re addicted to mephedrone, seek professional help immediately by contacting a healthcare provider or addiction specialist. Consider entering a detox programme to manage withdrawal symptoms safely, followed by rehab for comprehensive treatment. Support groups, counselling, and behavioural therapies can provide ongoing support, while lifestyle changes and avoiding triggers are crucial for maintaining sobriety.

How long does it take to get addicted to mephedrone?

The time it takes to become addicted to mephedrone can vary, but addiction can develop quickly due to the drug’s intense and immediate effects on the brain’s reward system. Regular or heavy use can lead to physical and psychological dependence within weeks or even days for some individuals, especially those with a predisposition to substance abuse.

Is mephedrone legal/illegal in the UK?

Mephedrone is illegal in the UK. It was classified as a Class B drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act in 2010, making its production, distribution, and possession illegal and subject to severe penalties, including imprisonment and fines.

Mephedrone effects on the brain

Mephedrone affects the brain by increasing the release and inhibiting the reuptake of neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, leading to heightened feelings of pleasure, energy, and alertness. However, this can also cause neurotoxicity, leading to potential long-term damage to brain cells, cognitive impairments, and emotional disturbances, as well as increasing the risk of addiction and mental health issues.

(Click here to see works cited)

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(PDF) Mephedrone and Multiplicity: User Accounts of Effects and Harms, www.researchgate.net/publication/275638931_Mephedrone_and_Multiplicity_User_Accounts_of_Effects_and_Harms. Accessed 20 June 2024.
Bajaj N, Mullen D, Wylie S. Dependence and psychosis with 4-methylmethcathinone (mephedrone) use. BMJ Case Rep. 2010 Nov 3;2010:bcr0220102780. doi: 10.1136/bcr.02.2010.2780. PMID: 22791836; PMCID: PMC3027483.