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Last updated on June 30th, 2021 at 08:49 am

Get help for mephedrone addiction, find a rehab clinic, or learn about the signs and symptoms of Mephedrone addiction, right here.

*This page medically reviewed by Dr Robert Lefever, April 2021.

Mephedrone is a Class B drug in the UK. It has been designated as dangerous because of the effects it has on the body through prolonged use. If you think you have a mephedrone addiction, your best chance at treatment success is within a detox and rehab clinic.

If you are ready to get help for your mephedrone problems, then we are ready to welcome you. Call us today to seek referral to a rehab clinic near you. Otherwise, keep reading. This page contains everything you need to know to help you break free from a mephedrone addiction in your own time.

What is Mephedrone?

Users describe mephedrone as having a similar effect to a combination of speed, ecstasy and cocaine. The drug works similarly to other amphetamines, giving people who take it a sense of boundless energy, focus and euphoria. The desired effects of mephedrone do not last long – up to an hour – which is why many people take multiple doses in succession, upping the risk of changes to brain chemistry.

Other names for Mephedrone

Mephedrone goes by several street names, including 4-MMT, MCAT, bubbles, Bath Salts, and drone. According to some medical experts, mephedrone does not have any physically addictive properties, however many people develop a psychological dependence on the drug.

How is it used?

People usually take mephedrone in the form of a pill or capsule. Abusers also snort the substance in its pure, powder form. Some people swallow it in powder form using a liquid, like water or alcoholic beverage.

Mephedrone has a clinical use, too. It might be prescribed as a transitional drug to help wean a user off opioid medications, which you can’t safely detox from[i].

What does it do to you?

Mephedrone makes you euphoric in that first hit. Afterwards, you will spend all your time taking the drug in trying to achieve that same high. According to medical sources[ii], 67% of users had profuse sweating, 43% had heart palpitations, and they liken it to taking ecstasy or MDMA.

Negative Long Term Effects of Mephedrone Use

If you use mephedrone long term you will need more and more of it to get high, eventually causing overdose. There is only so long you can live with overdosing regularly before it kills you. Long term effects of mephedrone might induce psychoactive problems, such as hallucinations, severe panic attacks, and brain damage through neurotoxicity[iii].

Mephedrone Use in the UK Facts and Statistics

Mephedrone is a relative newcomer to the illegal drugs scene. Classified as illegal in 2010 in the UK, mephedrone was initially marketed as a plant fertiliser or bath salts. However, the substance cannot be sold legally for any purpose because it has no legitimate medical uses.

Thanks to the ONS we know that drug use has increased across the board in the year ending March 2020. Unfortunately, Mephedrone is still a ‘new’ drug by comparison to others, so we don’t have as many facts on it as we would like. We do know that it was on the rise in London[iv] back in 2016, so we can only assume that the figures have continued to rise.

Studies into the drug since then have revealed it has troublesome interactions with alcohol. A 2019 paper[v] found that mephedrone combined with alcohol has a far greater abuse liability than it does when taken on its own.

Drugs Similar to Mephedrone

Unlike other heavy drugs, Mephedrone has drugs that are closely related to it. There are two which see use recreationally throughout the UK.

What’s 2-methylamino-1-P-tolypropan-1-one?

This is more commonly known by the name mephedrone hydrochloride[vi]. It is used as a powder or taken orally in pill form. It is highly addictive and should not be underestimated.

What’s 4-methyl-N-methylcathinone?

Recreationally known as 4-mec, it is not the same as mephedrone but gives a similar high. It is usually injected but isn’t good for the veins, it can cause pain and, in the worst case scenario, damage to the veins and arteries[vii].

What Causes Mephedrone Addiction?

The causes of mephedrone addiction are varied and not yet well understood. However, part of the reason some researchers believe that the drug might be addictive is because of the psychological effect that it has on the abuser. Mephedrone can produce a high like MDMA, amphetamines and cocaine. It makes people feel energetic and excited – something which depressed people may not experience in their regular lives. Mephedrone, therefore, offers a chemical route out of day-to-day negative feelings, which may be why people go back to it time and time again.

Signs your Loved One is Using Mephedrone

  • Headaches. People who use mephedrone are usually highly active and easy to distract. This level of activity can lead a person to experience intense headaches following a trip,
  • Rapid heartbeat. Like many amphetamine-like drugs, mephedrone can cause changes to the body’s respiratory system. People who use the drug may experience elevated blood pressure and an irregular heartbeat.
  • Reduction in appetite. Mephedrone acts as a temporary appetite suppressant. People who extensively use the drug may suffer from otherwise unexplained weight loss. Over time, weight loss can be extreme, leading to further complications, such as a compromised immune system and infertility.
  • Shaking. Mephedrone induces shakiness of vibrating vision in certain people which can be disorientating.
  • Trouble breathing. Trouble breathing is a potentially harmful sign of mephedrone addiction. If you are experiencing trouble breathing following the use of mephedrone, speak with a medical professional immediately.
  • Highly distractable. Because mephedrone induces an effect like cocaine and speed, people who take it can be highly distractable, unable to focus on a single thing for more than a few seconds.
  • Clenching teeth. Why mephedrone leads to clenching of teeth is unclear. However, chronic teeth clenching can damage both the teeth and jaw.
  • Being overly concerned with the feelings of others. Mephedrone may affect the part of the brain involved in empathising with others. People on the drug often display increased concern for those around them.
  • Speaking rapidly. As a stimulant, mephedrone can induce episodes of extreme hyperactivity where a person speaks at high speed to those around them. Increased energy levels increase the rate at which the brain produces new ideas, encouraging people to communicate at a much faster pace.
  • Increased energy levels. Mephedrone is a stimulant. People who are currently experiencing the effects may seem to have higher energy levels and capacity for physical exertion. This increased energy is temporary but also a sign that a person may be under the influence of drugs.
  • Appearing uncharacteristically happy or content. Mephedrone can produce feelings of happiness and euphoria for a short time. Its ability to do this is one of the reasons why the drug is addictive.
  • Dilated pupils. Dilated pupils are a sign that somebody might be medicating with mephedrone (or other similar substances, like amphetamines).

Symptoms of Mephedrone Use

Similarly, while someone is using, they go through the following side effects of mephedrone.

Physical Side Effects

  •       Heart palpitations
  •       Shaking
  •       Sweating
  •       Headaches
  •       Inability to control rapid speech
  •       Stimulation

Phycological Side Effects

  •       Increased self-confidence
  •       Feelings of closeness to others
  •       Enhanced empathy
  •       Increased sexual desire
  •       Intense sensory experiences

How is Mephedrone Addiction Treated?  don-t-panic-button

Mephedrone addiction treatment usually follows the detox – rehab – secondary treatment outline.

Detox

Detoxing from any addiction is difficult but worthwhile. Ketamine addiction will get worse and worse as your tolerance builds, and you may end up with long term brain damage if you don’t quit.

The detox period for mephedrone is best done as an inpatient in a medical facility. It can take anything up to a week before the drugs are fully eliminated from your system.

Medications Used for a Medically Assisted Detox

Your doctor or medical professional might prescribe drugs that will help ease the symptoms of withdrawal from mephedrone during detox. They may prescribe you an antidepressant or antianxiety medication[viii]. They might also issue anticonvulsants and anti-nausea tablets. Depending on your past, diazepam or other benzodiazepines may be prescribed.

Rehab

People in mephedrone rehab may experience several psychological and physical withdrawal symptoms. The main psychological symptoms include tiredness, sleep disturbances, anxiety, and depression. Many people describe the aftermath of using mephedrone as like a hangover following alcohol consumption. It’s a general state of unease and feelings of tiredness combined with negative emotional states.

Talking Therapies Used for Mephedrone Addiction

There are several talking therapies which might be used for Mephedrone addiction. Some of the most common include group therapy and one-on-one sessions with a psychologist, counsellor, or psychotherapist.

Your psychotherapist is likely to want to try several options with you. Commonly, they will use CBT as a starting point. CBT is used to talk through your traumas and get to the bottom of your addiction. If you are a highly emotional type, your therapist may use DBT instead.

Motivational Interviewing, 12 step therapy [ix]similar to that used by the AA, and the Matrix Model[x] for addiction treatments are all used, too.

Secondary Treatment

Secondary treatment is also known as aftercare. It involves therapies mixed with support that helps you return to normal life after your stint in rehab. It should last for anything up to 6 months and ought to make your transition period easier.

Symptoms of Mephedrone Withdrawal

There are several symptoms you can expect to experience when you go through the process of mephedrone withdrawal. Some of these are:

  •       Intense drug cravings
  •       Hot flashes, aches and pains, chills, cold sweats, and muscle cramps
  •       Insomnia coupled with inability to focus
  •       Irritability and nightmares[xi]

You can find more information about other drug withdrawal symptoms suffered by Mephedrone addicts within our pages.

Mephedrone Addiction Treatment Timeline

Coming off mephedrone can be a challenge, especially if you have been on the substance for a long time. Withdrawal symptoms are usually at their worst on days two and three after coming off the drug, with withdrawal usually running its course by day seven. Don’t forget that you can find out all about how long rehab takes through our site.

How Much does it Cost to get help for an addiction in the UK?

Typically, residential rehab clinics in the UK charge around £1,000 per week. For many patients, this represents excellent value. They can finally get off the drugs that are causing health, financial and relationship problems in their lives, and improve their long-term chances of success. You can find out more about the costs of rehab in our site.

Free Consultation about Mephedrone Addiction

You can get a free consultation right here in the Help 4 Addiction pages. Simply click on the link at the top of the page and one of our dedicated addiction experts will be in touch. The consultation is no-obligation, so you won’t be locked into a decision without having plenty of time to think.

Get Help to Find a Rehab Near You

Going for rehab could be one of the best decisions that you ever make, so get in touch with Help4Addiction today to find out more about rehab services in your area. You’ll be glad you did.

 

[i] https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/heroin-get-help/

[ii] https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/184233

[iii] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5771050/

[iv] https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(16)30258-6/fulltext

[v] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6999687/

[vi] https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Mephedrone-hydrochloride

[vii] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5331761/

[viii] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15769553/

[ix] https://www.help4addiction.co.uk/12-steps-rehab-program-uk/

[x] https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/principles-drug-addiction-treatment-research-based-guide-third-edition/evidence-based-approaches-to-drug-addiction-treatment/behavioral-therapies/matrix

[xi] https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/methadone-withdrawal#withdrawal-symptoms

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 How can you tell if someone is addicted to Mephedrone?

Your loved one might act strangely if they are hiding a mephedrone addiction. They may appear euphoric at times or suffer from mood swings. Unable to concentrate or stay focused on one topic for long are also signs.

 Should I intervene with a mephedrone addiction?

Most people are on mephedrone as a heroin substitute, but it is widely considered to be the second most addictive substance available on the black market. Mephedrone addicts should not be confronted aggressively. Subtle encouragement will work best here – especially if they are in recovery from heroin use already.

Can you overdose from mephedrone use?

Yes, you can die from an overdose to mephedrone. Overdoses on this substance are comparatively common because it is hard to tell how pure your mephedrone is.

What are the signs of mephedrone addiction?

Your loved one will start to crave mephedrone more and more, the longer they stay off it. They will then go through the signs of withdrawal from mephedrone use, which include sweating, shaking, itching, dilated pupils, sickness and diarrhoea. If your loved one is experiencing any of these symptoms, coupled with hiding behaviour from you, then they may be suffering from an addiction.

 Is mephedrone addictive?

Mephedrone is highly addictive. It is among the topmost addictive drugs, even although it is a class B in the UK. It is commonly used as a lesser addictive substance to get heroin users to quit using.

 Why do people take mephedrone?

 It is seen as a party drug, which means that it produces short-term, euphoric effects on your brain. This synthetic stimulant leads you to feel fantastic for a while, before dropping you into the deep, depressive depths of a come down. This depressive episode can last for days and is one of the driving factors in the progressive uses that make an addict.

Should I go to rehab for mephedrone addiction in the UK?

Absolutely. If you have a brewing problem with (or a full-blown addiction to) mephedrone, it is never too early to seek help. Reaching out sooner, rather than later, lets you interrupt that addictive process and break the cycle before it takes a true hold. If you can, rehab clinic treatment for mephedrone addiction should start as soon as you feel the urge to take the drug regularly.

 Should I go to private rehab?

You can get help for an addiction to mephedrone through the NHS. However, they do have long waiting lists and strict rules you need to follow. Private rehab clinics remove you from your problem immediately, creating a barrier between you and your drug use as quickly as possible.

How much does rehab for mephedrone addiction cost? 

You can get help for free, but it will not treat all your issues quickly. Rehab costs about £1000 per week for a private rehab clinic. If you want to go to a luxury, high end centre, then you can expect to pay more. You should give yourself 28 days of rehab to have the best chance at recovering from your mephedrone addiction.

How do I pay for rehab? 

If you cannot afford to get private rehab treatment for your mephedrone addiction, then you can find a rehab clinic with payment plan options. This should allow you to get the help you need immediately while paying it up over time.

Author

Nick Conn

Nick Conn is a leading industry addiction expert, author of the Thin White Line. Nick is regularly featured in the national press, radio, and TV. He has worked in the Addiction and Rehab Industry for over 8 years and is dedicated to helping others recover and get treatment for Drug and Alcohol Abuse.

The ‘Thin White Line’ available at Amazon : https://amzn.to/2Ip2mIW

Doctor’s View

Mephedrone (often called ‘meow meow’ because it smells like cat’s urine) is a synthetic substance chemically similar to amphetamines and to the naturally occurring cathinone, found in the leaves of the khat plant (which cause a brown stain on teeth when chewed). 

It was taken as a legal alternative to cocaine, ecstasy (MDMA) and amphetamines, because it produces similar effects. It is a white or yellowish powder which – before both khat and mephedrone became illegal – dealers said was ‘bath salt’ or ‘plant food’. 

Mephedrone is usually snorted but can be sold as capsules or as ‘bombs’, wrapped in paper and swallowed. 

Side-effects of headaches, vomiting, vertigo, blurred vision, palpitations and raised blood pressure, changes in body temperature, sweating and loss of short-term memory will vary from one user to another. Some people get blueish fingers and toes. A common feature is teeth-grinding. 

Despite these negative effects, psychological dependence occurs and regular users often develop cravings for more and more. This may lead to paranoia.

Mephedrone is often ‘cut’ (mixed or adulterated) with the flavouring agent MSG, caffeine or benzocaine, so that little of the original chemical remains. But the after effects – the ‘come-down’ – of the genuine article can be particularly distressing and lead to a risk of suicide.

None of this common knowledge deters regular users. Addiction is not a  ‘bad habit’. It’s a desperate compulsion.

Medically Reviewed By:

Dr Robert Lefever

Dr. Robert Lefever is a world leading addictions specialist. He is the foremost expert for addiction treatment. He has personally been in recovery from all substances since the 12th October 1984.

He created the first rehab in the UK to look at all addiction in 1986. Dr. Robert Lefever wrote with Professor Geoffrey Stephenson the masters degree course in addiction psychology at London South Bank University, this was the first of its kind and one of the most highly regarded courses that a therapist can do today.

Robert is also a TED speaker, author, composer and still remains an addiction treatment counsellor.
Last Medically Reviewed On: 6/30/2021
Due to be Reviewed On: 6/30/2023

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