What is Flakka Drug Addiction?

The designer drug “Flakka” has been in the news increasingly over the years for the role it’s played in drug-fueled suicides, accidents, and homicides. Although some of these incidents were related to acute use, many more were linked to addiction.

Here, you’ll learn what Flakka is, how its use can lead to addiction, and how it is treated.

What Is Flakka?

Flakka is a dangerous drug that is a synthetic form of cathinone known by the scientific name alpha-pyrrolidinopentiophenone (alpha-PVP).[1] Although it is often called “bath salt,” it’s a different substance, though chemically similar. Flakka and bath salts imitate the true cathinone, which is an amphetamine-like compound found in the khat plant. This gives Flakka users a high similar to that of bath salts.[2]

Although some individuals over 30 use Flakka, one sampling shows that 15% of emergency department visits related to its use were for individuals under 25.[3] This is because the drug is inexpensive and easily accessible, which makes it more attractive to people in this age group.

Identification 

Flakka looks like white or pink gravel, similar to what is often seen at the bottom of a fish tank.[4] Users typically pound this gravel into a fine powder to be snorted, vaporized, injected, or ingested.

In its raw form, Flakka has a foul odor that makes it easy to recognize and hard to hide its use.[5]

Mechanism of Action 

Once Flakka reaches the bloodstream, it increases the user’s body temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure. These effects are due to its amphetamine-like effects, which stimulate the central nervous system. At this point, users will begin to experience a Flakka high and exhibit a range of unusual behaviors.

What Are the Signs and Side Effects of Flakka Use?

Flakka is a synthetic amphetamine, so the side effects of using it are very similar to those of other amphetamines.

They include:[6]

• Hallucination
• Paranoia
• Aggressive behavior
• Panic attacks
• Irrational behavior
• Delusions

A person under the influence of Flakka may use exaggerated movements and appear unusually agitated. In some cases, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, Flakka users may experience excited delirium.[7] This condition causes hypothermia, agitation, and even psychosis in the user. Unfortunately, Flakka-fueled psychosis has led to violent murders in multiple incidents.

Signs of Flakka Use in Teens 

Signs of Flakka use in teens may differ slightly from those in adults. This is mainly because adults have more ways to hide or mask their drug use. However, teens under the influence of drugs like Flakka may show changes in their mood and personality that are difficult to hide.

They include:[8]

• Being uncooperative
• Having an inability to focus
• Developing a sudden loss of inhibition
• Displaying unusual hyperactivity
• Developing new or worsening anger
• Losing their motivation
• Displaying depressive symptoms
• Having an unwillingness to communicate or speak

They may also display several behavioral changes linked to withdrawal.

These behavioral changes include:[8]

• Locking their doors
• Strained relationships with loved ones
• Increased absenteeism at school or other activities
• Unexplained disappearances
• Breaking curfew regularly
• Going out often
• Using excessive sprays or mint gum to cover up the smell of drug use
• Using over-the-counter preparations to reduce the appearance of being under the influence
• A need for more money without a reason
• Unusual clumsiness
• Unexplained bouts of sleepiness and hyperactivity

Flakka users may also showcase changes in their appearance and hygiene. You may notice an unusual odor emanating from their breath or clothes, and they may appear messier than usual, indicating poor hygiene.[8]

Can You Become Addicted to Flakka?

According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, Flakka is considered a Schedule I Controlled Substance due to its high potential for abuse and misuse.[10] This means that regardless of how much Flakka a person ingests, they are at risk of becoming addicted to it. It is also illegal in the United States to buy, sell, or possess Flakka.[10]

The more you use Flakka, the greater your risk of developing tolerance to its effects. Once you build a tolerance through repeated misuse and abuse, you’ll need a higher dose the next time to achieve the same effect.[11] Often, the original effect can no longer be replicated, leading people to use progressively higher doses, which can lead to dependence.

Dependency occurs when your brain and body depend on the presence of Flakka.[12] Without it, you may experience several unpleasant side effects known as withdrawal syndrome.[7]

Withdrawal can be severe and include symptoms, such as:[7]

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Tremors
• Problems sleeping
• Paranoia

What Are the Symptoms of Flakka Addiction?

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, a person must meet six of 11 criteria for substance use disorder to be diagnosed with addiction, which is the most severe form of SUD.[13]

The 11 criteria are as follows:[13]

• Failure to meet work, school, or home obligations due to drug use.
• Giving up important activities due to substance use.
• Continually using a substance despite it causing social or interpersonal problems.
• Using the substance in larger amounts or for longer than intended.
• Having an inability to quit despite wanting to.
• Spending a significant amount of time using, finding, or recovering from drug use.
• Experiencing drug cravings or urges to use despite not wanting to.
• Using the substance in hazardous situations.
• Continuing to use the drug despite it causing or worsening physical or psychological conditions.
• Experiencing tolerance.
• Experiencing withdrawal when not using the substance.

What Are the Risks of Flakka Addiction?

Flakka addiction can cause a person to develop secondary health concerns such as dehydration and skeletal muscle loss. Kidney failure has also been observed in individuals who regularly use Flakka.[7]

Other risks associated with Flakka addiction include:[14]

• Getting arrested for a violent crime
• Coming under financial strain
• Driving under the influence
• Increased risk of a motor vehicle accident
• Increased risk of domestic violence
• Increased risk of polysubstance abuse
• Suicide attempts
• Overdose

People who inject Flakka with a shared needle are at an increased risk of developing communicable diseases, such as hepatitis and HIV.[15] A dirty needle can also cause system-wide organ failure called sepsis.[16]

Sepsis happens when your body struggles to fight off an infection.[17] The infection overwhelms filtering organs, such as the kidneys and liver, causing them to shut down and letting toxins build up in the bloodstream. This is a life-threatening condition that needs immediate medical attention in an intensive care unit. Without quick treatment, sepsis can be fatal.[17]

How is Flakka Addiction Treated?

Flakka addiction is treated with a comprehensive approach that includes behavioral therapy and detox.

Detoxification: The First Step 

Detoxification is the first step in treating drug addiction.[18] It focuses on managing acute intoxication and withdrawal. During this phase, you may participate in an inpatient or residential program supervised by a licensed medical professional to monitor your progress as your body naturally clears the drug.

To ensure comfort and safety, they may administer medical assistance with pharmaceuticals to help manage cravings, pain, or other uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. Throughout the process, they will monitor your vitals to keep you safe and give you peace of mind.

Behavioral Therapy: Getting to the Root of Addiction

Behavioral therapy programs, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavioral therapy, help people with Flakka addiction change behaviors that led to their initial drug use.[19] These forms of behavioral therapy can help users identify and replace unhealthy behaviors with healthier ones, leading to better decision-making in the future.

A behavioral therapist can also help you create a plan that includes emotional regulation techniques to deal with triggers that may prompt you to reinitiate use.

Both behavioral therapy and drug detox are offered as part of an inpatient or residential program. Behavioral therapy, when offered as a standalone treatment, can be provided in an outpatient setting for ongoing care.

Other treatment programs for Flakka addiction include:

• Nature therapy
• Art therapy
• Music therapy
• Adventure therapy

The above-listed programs are available under the umbrella of experiential therapy. These are holistic adjunct services that enhance the results of more scientifically backed treatments, such as 12-step, detox, and medication-assisted treatment.

Finding Help for a Flakka Addiction 

Are you finding it hard to beat Flakka addiction? We’re here to support you.

At Engage Wellness Acton, we provide various treatment options for those struggling with Flakka dependence, including strategies for polysubstance use, dual diagnosis, and additional concerns.

To learn how our fully accredited facility can help you overcome Flakka use and prevent relapse, call us today.

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