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December 3rd, 2024
Monkey Dust Addiction
What is Monkey Dust?
Monkey Dust is a synthetic stimulant that falls under a group of drugs called synthetic cathinones, known for producing intense feelings of euphoria, increased energy and heightened alertness. However, its extreme potency often leads to dangerous side effects, such as severe paranoia, hallucinations and aggressive behaviour.
Before it became illegal in the UK, Monkey Dust was marketed under vague names like ‘bath salts’ or ‘plant food’, often sold in head shops and online. These products were labelled ‘not for human consumption’ to skirt drug laws but their real purpose as recreational drugs was widely known.
In 2016, the UK government introduced the Psychoactive Substances Act, banning the sale of these unregulated drugs. Since then, Monkey Dust has gained a troubling reputation for causing erratic and dangerous behaviour, making it a significant public health concern.
Is Monkey Dust addictive?
Monkey Dust is highly addictive and its addictive nature stems from its impact on the brain’s reward system. Like other synthetic cathinones, Monkey Dust stimulates the release of dopamine, creating intense feelings of euphoria and increased energy. The body quickly becomes dependent on this powerful rush, driving individuals to seek out the drug repeatedly to maintain the high.
Unfortunately, over time, the body builds up a tolerance, meaning larger or more frequent doses are needed, which can spiral into full-blown addiction.
Monkey Dust in the UK
Part of what makes Monkey Dust particularly concerning is its low cost. Media outlets have reported that a single ‘hit’ can be purchased for as little as £2, making it accessible in areas across the UK that are struggling financially. This affordability, combined with the strong effects, led to its increased popularity, especially in places where unemployment and poverty rates are higher.
In 2018, Staffordshire Police reported handling 950 calls related to Monkey Dust within a three-month period, averaging about 10 calls per day. This staggering number reflects how Staffordshire became a hotspot for the drug but its impact wasn’t limited to just one area. The West Midlands Ambulance Service also encountered cases linked to Monkey Dust throughout the region, highlighting a broader issue.
While media attention surrounding Monkey Dust has quieted in recent years, the problem hasn’t entirely disappeared. In early 2024, there were calls to reclassify Monkey Dust from a Class B drug to a Class A drug, primarily as a deterrent to those dealing the drug. This push for reclassification emphasises the ongoing concern that communities across the UK still face, even if Monkey Dust is not making as many headlines as before.
What are the signs of Monkey Dust addiction?
Understanding the signs of monkey dust addiction is crucial for identifying when someone’s drug use has escalated from casual experimentation to serious dependency. As with many addictive substances, early detection can be key to getting help before Monkey Dust addiction spirals out of control.
Recognising the psychological, physical and behavioural signs of Monkey Dust addiction is the first step in intervening and seeking the appropriate treatment.
Psychological signs
- Intense paranoia: One of the hallmark signs of monkey dust addiction is extreme paranoia. Users may feel like they’re constantly being watched or that others are plotting against them.
- Hallucinations: Both auditory and visual hallucinations are common, making the user feel disconnected from reality.
- Anxiety and panic attacks: The drug can trigger overwhelming feelings of anxiety, leading to frequent panic attacks.
- Aggressive or violent thoughts: Some users may exhibit sudden and unprovoked aggression or violent tendencies, which can escalate with continued use.
Physical signs
- Severe insomnia: Addiction often results in the inability to sleep for extended periods, which can exacerbate other symptoms.
- Rapid weight loss: Many users lose weight quickly due to a loss of appetite and erratic eating habits.
- Twitching or shaking: Involuntary muscle spasms and tremors can occur, particularly during the comedown phase of the drug.
- Excessive sweating: Users may experience intense sweating, even in cool environments, due to the body’s hyperactivity.
Behavioural signs
- Erratic behaviour: Sudden and unpredictable mood swings or actions are common, often leading to dangerous situations for the user and those around them.
- Neglect of responsibilities: As the addiction deepens, individuals may start neglecting work, family and personal hygiene.
- Isolation: Users often withdraw from friends and family, choosing instead to spend time alone or with other users.
- Financial problems: Monkey dust addiction can lead to significant financial strain, with users prioritising the purchase of the drug over essential expenses.
Do I have a Monkey Dust addiction?
Understanding whether your relationship with Monkey Dust is turning into an addiction is crucial. Addictions often sneak up, clouding judgement and making you believe everything is fine when, in reality, things may be spiralling out of control. Taking an honest look at your situation is the first step in reclaiming control and ensuring your well-being. Addiction can distort your perception of the substance’s impact, so it’s essential to pause and reflect.
To help you assess where you stand, ask yourself the following questions:
- Do you crave Monkey Dust more often than before?
- Have you increased your dose to feel the same effects?
- Has your use caused problems in your personal life or work?
- Do you feel anxious or agitated when trying to stop?
- Do you keep using it despite knowing it’s harmful?
If you answered ‘yes’ to any of these questions, it could indicate that your relationship with Monkey Dust has become problematic. Seeking help from professionals can be a critical next step in regaining control and finding support through recovery.
How is a Monkey Dust addiction treated?
At Primrose Lodge, we understand that recovering from Monkey Dust addiction can be a challenging journey, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. We start with a medically monitored detox to help you through the withdrawal process safely and as comfortably as possible.
Once detox is complete, the focus shifts to therapy, where you’ll have access to caring professionals who offer 1-on-1 counselling and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) to help you understand and work through the deeper reasons behind the addiction. We also offer holistic therapies like yoga and art therapy to support your emotional well-being and help you regain balance in your life.
To make sure you feel supported even after leaving our care, we provide aftercare, offering ongoing guidance to help you stay on track and continue building a healthy, sober life.
What’s next?
If you or a loved one is struggling with a Monkey Dust addiction, don’t wait until it’s too late. Primrose Lodge offers professional support to help you regain control and start your journey to recovery. Reach out today and take the first step toward a healthier, drug-free life.
Frequently Asked Questions
(Click here to see works cited)
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- “Psychoactive Substances Act 2016: Guidance for Retailers.” GOV.UK, www.gov.uk/government/publications/psychoactive-substances-act-guidance-for-retailers/psychoactive-substances-act-2016-guidance-for-retailers. Accessed 24 Sept. 2024.
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- Baumann MH, Bukhari MO, Lehner KR, Anizan S, Rice KC, Concheiro M, Huestis MA. Neuropharmacology of 3,4-Methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV), Its Metabolites and Related Analogs. Curr Top Behav Neurosci. 2017;32:93-117. doi: 10.1007/7854_2016_53. PMID: 27830575; PMCID: PMC5392131.
- “Monkey Dust: What Is the Drug Causing a Public Health Crisis?” The Independent, Independent Digital News and Media, 15 Aug. 2018, www.independent.co.uk/news/health/monkey-dust-hulk-drugs-synthetic-addict-uk-crime-police-stoke-staffordshire-midlands-a8486391.html.
- Lissaman, Clare. “BBC News.” BBC Three Drugs Map of Britain: Monkey Dust, BBC, 13 Feb. 2024, www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-stoke-staffordshire-68275288.
