Flakka’s cheap, which has resulted in a boost to its popularity. At the same time, officials call it a zombie drug. What is this substance, and what are the Flakka drug effects you need to know about today? More importantly, if you’re in the vicious cycle of addiction, how do you get clean?

Introducing Florida’s Latest Designer Drug

Picture of flakka doesn't show flakka drug effects at all.Club cooks in Florida receive credit for creating this mix of chemicals. It’s a stimulant that mimics the effects of methamphetamines and cocaine. It’s fair to say that this substance is a new generation of bath salts. The drug makes the news because some of the Flakka drug effects include outrageous, bizarre, and out-of-control behaviors by users.

Because it induces intense paranoia in some users, they may feel threatened by people around them. When someone alerts first responders to the person’s behavior, these professionals are in danger. In fact, people under the influence of Flakka are a danger to others as well as themselves.

Short-Term and Long-Term Flakka Drug Effects

Nobody wants to make the ten o’clock news. So why do people take Flakka? For starters, there are the short-term effects that people like. They include a glut of dopamine in the brain.

Dopamine is the feel-good chemical your body makes when you engage in exercise or sex. It makes you happy. When there’s an overabundance of dopamine, you feel euphoric. Because the drug prevents the body from reabsorbing the substance, you can maintain the euphoric feelings for a while.

At the same time, you may not notice your blood pressure, heart rate, and body temperature increase. These Flakka drug effects can culminate in overly aggressive behavior. You may suddenly feel the need to lash out at somebody for no reason.

Long-term Flakka drug effects are physical and psychological. Because you keep increasing your body’s temperature to unhealthy levels, your kidneys and muscle groups break down. Renal failure is a real threat. Coming down from the high results in a deepening depression and feelings of extreme fatigue.

Treatment for an Addiction to Flakka Starts with Detox and Continues with Rehab

You can’t overcome a dependence on this meth-like substance without first going through detox. Because of the danger that the drug represents, it’s vital to opt for a setting that provides pharmacological support. Your best bet is to select a facility that seamlessly transitions you from detox to rehab. Doing so is in your best interest because it eliminates a lag time that might result in relapse.

Typically, you might choose rehab that includes inpatient care, partial hospitalization, or an intensive outpatient setting. Because of the insidious nature of Flakka drug effects, inpatient treatment offers the best results. You immerse yourself in a therapeutic environment that weakens the hold this drug has on your mind. At a facility, you might undergo treatments that include:

  • Dual diagnosis treatment for co-occurring mental health conditions that the drug may worsen or even cause
  • Gender-specific curriculum that encourages an atmosphere of trust, openness, and safety
  • Psychotherapy such as cognitive behavioral or dialectical behavior therapies
  • Group therapy sessions, which give you the opportunity to learn from others who are also in recovery at this time
  • Family therapy to re-open channels of communication with loved ones while also teaching healthy boundary setting
  • Experiential therapy such as music, art, or animal therapies to support one-on-one talk therapy session goals and challenges
  • Sober living transition, which makes it easier to move from inpatient treatment to independent living

What Happens if You Do Nothing?

If you continue using Flakka, you’ll feel your body slowly deteriorating. Without medical detox, your muscles decline. Renal failure sets in. Your heart muscle’s weakening can result in a sudden coronary episode.

The time between doses results in deep depressive episodes that can worsen an already present mental health disorder. Your erratic behavior alienates you from friends and loved ones. You won’t be able to keep a job or continue your educational pursuits. The drug is slowly killing you.

However, you don’t have to go down this road. Instead, reach out for help to the expert therapists at Beaches Recovery. These addiction specialists understand that it’s difficult to overcome a dependence. Call 866.605.0532 today to find out how you can become drug-free again.