Known by slang names like M-CAT, White Magic, and meow meow, mephedrone is a synthetic stimulant drug that’s part of the amphetamine and cathinone drug classes.
Mephedrone is also considered a type of bath salt because it produces both stimulating and mind-altering side effects. Contrary to popular belief, mephedrone is addictive, and long-term abuse can lead to physical dependence. Today, our drug rehab in Palm Springs, CA, is sharing more on mephedrone withdrawal symptoms.
How Does Mephedrone Affect the Brain?
Although little research is available on M-CAT effects, mephedrone is believed to work by inducing a sudden release of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that plays a role in regulating mood, well-being, and happiness. M-CAT also spikes dopamine levels, contributing to a sense of euphoria.
- Increased alertness and energy
- Increased sociability and empathy towards others
- Talkativeness
- Confidence
- Anxiety
- Feeling like you’re “on edge”
- Sensitivity to touch
- Increased sexual libido
- Dehydration
- Increased body temperature
- Racing heart
- Stomach pains
- Excessive sweating
- Teeth grinding
Mephedrone’s impact on chemical messengers in the brain encourages drug-taking behavior, meaning that long-term abuse can lead to physical dependence and addiction. Those addicted to mephedrone or any other substance are encouraged to receive professional addiction treatment to safely recover.
What Is Drug Withdrawal?
Drug withdrawal refers to the physical and psychological symptoms that a person experiences when they stop using or reduce their use of substances like drugs or alcohol. Withdrawal is most common in people who have developed a physical dependence on these substances.
Although physical dependence can quickly develop in people who abuse drugs or alcohol, it’s also common in those who take prescription drugs, as directed, for long periods. So, if you’ve taken medication with a high potential for abuse for a while, you may experience withdrawal symptoms if your dose is suddenly reduced or if you suddenly stop taking it.
Withdrawal is often an unpleasant experience and can become potentially dangerous in certain situations. Depending on the drug in question, how much the person takes, and how long they’ve used this substance, symptoms can vary from moderate to severe.
For this reason, it’s important to always talk to your doctor before reducing or stopping any medications. Additionally, in those who have developed a physical dependence on alcohol, prescription drugs, or illicit substances, a medically monitored detox is recommended to avoid complications and to ensure the individual receives 24-hour care.
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Symptoms of Mephedrone Withdrawal
A mephedrone or M-CAT withdrawal symptoms can be very intense. The substance tends to affect the brain more rapidly than drugs like MDMA or Molly and metabolizes more quickly.
This means that a mephedrone high is usually short-lived, which can encourage further drug-taking behavior to sustain the feeling. This type of abuse can quickly lead to physical dependence and addiction in the long run, if not a severe overdose.
Trying to stop mephedrone abuse once this cycle has begun can be difficult. Medical oversight is usually needed not only to alleviate withdrawal symptoms but also to reduce the risk of relapse in the future.
Like other stimulants, a mephedrone comedown occurs following a stimulating high. The effects of White Magic usually only last for a few hours, with desirable side effects like euphoria and energy only lasting about 10 minutes.
Once the “fun” part of the high wears off, the person experiences a sudden comedown or crash. This may be characterized by feelings of depression and fatigue, leaving users in a slump.
Common mephedrone withdrawal symptoms include:
- Fatigue
- Tiredness
- Depression
- Trouble sleeping
- Anxiety
- Nasal congestion
- Physical tremors or shaking
- Digestive problems
- Increased appetite
- Intensive cravings for more mephedrone
- Difficulty focusing
- Suicidal thoughts
- Nightmares
To avoid these symptoms from occurring, users may quickly ingest more mephedrone. However, this cycle of bingeing not only contributes to addiction but also increases their risk of overdose.
Get Help for Addiction Today
Our Palm Springs drug rehab offers various levels of substance treatment, including inpatient and outpatient options that incorporate various forms of counseling and therapy to address the physical, mental, and social impact of drug use. If you or someone you know is battling drug addiction or alcoholism, we can help.
Call Banyan Treatment Centers Palm Springs today at 888-280-7763 to learn more about our California drug treatment programs.
Related Reading:
History of Bath Salts
The Short-Term Effects of Bath Salts
