“Flakka” is a synthetic cathinone drug commonly abused in Florida. When misused, it is a potent stimulant that can cause severe and unwanted psychological and physical issues. Call 1.844.675.1022 to speak with someone from the caring and compassionate team at My 5 Palms about synthetic drug addiction and our addiction treatment programs that focus on them.
What Are Some Commonly Abused Synthetic Drugs?
Synthetic drugs are human-made chemical compounds that mimic the effects of natural drugs like cannabis, cocaine, and heroin. These drugs are often found in pills labeled “not for human consumption” or “research chemicals” to avoid law enforcement. They are dangerous because people do not know what they are ingesting or how it will affect them. They are not regulated and can contain highly unpredictable and dangerous ingredients. Some commonly abused synthetic drugs include synthetic cannabinoids like Spice and synthetic cathinone, known in the streets as “flakka.”
What Is Flakka?
“Flakka” is also commonly referred to as “bath salts” due to its white crystal-like appearance resembling Epsom salt crystals. Other names it goes by include “gravel,” “cloud nine,” and “vanilla sky.” It produces intense euphoria followed by agitation and paranoia. When used recreationally, it can provide intense hallucinations and delusions that have been known to lead to violent or aggressive behavior in some individuals.
How Does Flakka Abuse Develop?
Flakka abuse typically begins with recreational use, which can quickly become an addiction if left unchecked. This is due to the drug’s ability to produce intense feelings of pleasure while simultaneously creating psychological dependency in users. As people develop an addiction, they tend to increase their dosage to achieve the same effects they had before, leading them down a dangerous path of increased risk of overdose and other health problems associated with long-term use, such as depression and anxiety disorders.
What Are the Signs of Flakka Addiction?
Signs of “flakka” addiction include the following:
- Aggression and violence
- Compulsive seeking of the drug
- Difficulty focusing on tasks
- Dilated pupils
- Elevated heart rate and blood pressure
- Erratic sleeping patterns
- Increased tolerance to the drug
- Irregular sleeping patterns
- Paranoia and hallucinations
- Poor hygiene habits
- Rapid weight loss or gain
If you suspect that you or someone you love is struggling with “flakka” addiction, seek professional help immediately. Professional help is necessary for those struggling with substance use disorders (SUDs) because these conditions require long-term care and support from experienced professionals who understand the complexities of addiction recovery.
What to Expect from Substance Abuse Treatment
A typical substance abuse treatment program includes the following:
- Detoxification
- Behavioral therapy
- Group therapy
- Medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
- Aftercare planning
At My 5 Palms, our team of caring and compassionate professionals is dedicated to helping people struggling with SUD. We specialize in addiction treatment programs that focus on synthetic drug addiction.
A comprehensive treatment plan should include medical detoxification followed by therapy sessions that address underlying mental health issues that may have contributed to addictive behaviors to prevent relapse later on down the road. Additionally, 12-step programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) provide valuable peer support for individuals throughout their recovery journey. At My 5 Palms, we offer patients personalized treatment plans tailored specifically to their needs so they can start living a life free from addiction as soon as possible.
Find Substance Abuse Treatment in Florida at My 5 Palms
SUDs caused by “flakka” abuse can be challenging to overcome without professional help from experienced professionals who understand how these conditions develop over time. It’s often difficult to overcome addiction independently. If you’re looking for substance abuse treatment in Florida, contact My 5 Palms today at 1.844.675.1022 to learn more about “flakka” and other synthetic drugs—and how we can help you or a loved one overcome addictions to drugs like these.
