Mephedrone Addiction
Last Updated:
January 4th, 2024
Mephedrone, also known colloquially as ‘Meow Meow’ or ‘M-Cat,’ seemed to appear from nowhere on British streets at the start of the 2000s. A synthetic stimulant, similar to amphetamines and ecstasy, mephedrone soon gained notoriety for its widespread use, particularly among club-goers and party enthusiasts, who were able to buy it legally online. However, the sudden rise of mephedrone soon brought to light its potential for addiction and harm, and this quickly resulted in its ban. However, mephedrone addiction and abuse are still a serious issue in the UK, and users must be under no illusions about the dangers posed by this former “legal high”.
What is mephedrone?
Mephedrone, chemically known as 4-methyl methcathinone (4-MMC), is a synthetic stimulant drug of the amphetamine and cathinone classes. Mephedrone produces effects similar to ecstasy and cocaine combined, affecting the brain by increasing the release of neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine. This results in heightened mood, increased energy, euphoria, and general well-being. However, these are often accompanied by various side effects like increased heart rate, high blood pressure and, in some cases, severe anxiety, hallucinations and paranoia.
What is mephedrone addiction?
Mephedrone addiction is a form of legal high addiction marked by a compulsive need to use the drug despite being aware of its adverse consequences. Mephedrone addiction develops through incremental stages, beginning with experimental or recreational use that can quickly escalate to regular use. As tolerance to the drug’s effects builds (a process which can happen very quickly with mephedrone), users often find themselves consuming higher doses to achieve the same euphoric effect, leading to physical and psychological dependency. This dependency is characterised by a strong craving for mephedrone, difficulty in controlling its use and withdrawal symptoms when mephedrone use is reduced or stopped.
What are the underlying causes of mephedrone addiction?
Mephedrone addiction can arise from a variety of causes, each contributing to the likelihood of a person becoming dependent. Understanding these causes can help in creating effective prevention and treatment strategies:
Understanding these varied causes highlights the need for comprehensive approaches in treatment that address not just mephedrone addiction itself but also the underlying factors.
How to identify Mephedrone addiction signs
Recognising mephedrone addiction signs can be challenging, particularly as mephedrone is not as high profile as other drugs. If you are worried that your mephedrone abuse may have risen to the level of addiction (although any level of use is hazardous), here are some common mephedrone addiction signs:
- Needing more mephedrone to achieve the same effects as before.
- Experiencing physical or psychological withdrawal symptoms when not using mephedrone, such as fatigue, depression, agitation or anxiety.
- Feeling a strong urge or compulsion to use mephedrone even when alone or when there is no social event to enhance.
- Inability to reduce or control the amount and frequency of mephedrone use even if you want to.
- Failing to meet responsibilities at work, school or home due to mephedrone use.
- Spending a lot of time and energy obtaining, using and recovering from mephedrone.
- Engaging in dangerous or illegal activities while under the influence or to obtain mephedrone.
- Using mephedrone despite it causes you clear physical, psychological or social problems.
If you recognise these mephedrone addiction signs, you must reach out for professional help as soon as possible.
What are the side effects of mephedrone addiction?
The consequences of mephedrone abuse and addiction are far-reaching, impacting the physical, mental and social aspects of your life. These include:
Physical health consequences
Cardiovascular issues: Mephedrone abuse significantly increases heart rate and blood pressure, leading to cardiovascular strain. This puts chronic users at an increased risk of heart attacks, strokes and other heart-related problems.
Neurological damage: The intense stimulation of the nervous system can result in seizures or convulsions, especially at high doses or during withdrawal.
Organ damage: Prolonged use of mephedrone can cause liver and kidney damage due to the toxic effects of the drug. This can lead to long-term health complications, including the risk of organ failure.
Overdose risk: There is a high risk of overdose with mephedrone, which can be fatal. Overdose symptoms include extreme agitation, rapid heart rate, hallucinations and severe hyperthermia.
Mental health effects
Psychiatric symptoms: There is a high risk of overdose with mephedrone, which can be fatal. Overdose symptoms include extreme agitation, rapid heart rate, hallucinations and severe hyperthermia.
Basic cognitive disruption: Chronic mephedrone abuse can also affect cognitive functions, leading to memory issues, difficulty concentrating and impaired decision-making abilities.
Personal consequences
Relationship issues: Mephedrone addiction can lead to damaged relationships with family and friends due to changes in behaviour, social withdrawal, neglect of responsibilities and the decision that often accompanies drug use.
Work and academic problems: The effects of mephedrone on cognitive abilities can lead to poor performance at work and school. Regular use or recovery from the effects of mephedrone can also result in frequent absences, affecting academic progress or job stability.
Legal issues: Possession, use and distribution of mephedrone is illegal in the UK and carries heavy legal penalties.
How is mephedrone addiction treated?
Because the underlying causes of addiction are so complex, mephedrone addiction treatment requires a comprehensive, multi-channel approach. UKAT combines three main stages in our treatment programmes, each targeting a different aspect of recovery:
Legal high detox: This is the first crucial step on every recovery journey, as it enables you to overcome physical dependence and begin purging your body of Mephedrone. It involves safely withdrawing from the drug under medical supervision to manage withdrawal symptoms so you can move on to the next stage…
Legal high rehab: This is where all the underlying causes are identified, addressed and resolved. At UKAT, it involves a combination of traditional and holistic therapies to heal your whole person and set you up for lifelong sobriety.
Aftercare: Following rehab, ongoing support through weekly group therapy will help to prevent relapse and sustain your recovery going forward.
Overcome mephedrone addiction today
Beginning the journey to recovery from mephedrone addiction starts with acknowledging the problem and seeking help. With professional care and a supportive environment, UKAT can provide the tools and resources needed to overcome Mephedrone addiction and start a brand new life. If you or a loved one is struggling with Mephedrone addiction, reach out to UKAT today and embark on the path to recovery.
