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.
