A new designer drug called “Flakka” also known as “gravel” in other areas of the country has hit the streets and is gaining massive popularity in South Florida. Flakka is inexpensive, exceptionally potent and is depicted as the succeeding generation of synthetic drugs. Users possess feelings of euphoria and delirium that is produced by imitating the stimulant cathinone (Calarco, 2015). Flakka is mainly produced with alpha-pyrrolidinovalerophenone (Alpha-PVP), a synthetic stimulant initially developed in the 1960’s, and recognized as the equivalent form of chemical used to produce an alternative abused substance known as “bath salts” (Calarco, 2015). Similar to Flakka, bath salts contain artificial chemicals linked to amphetamine creating dangerous
…show more content…
Synthetic drugs are hazardous prior to being altered, however, since the chemicals used to produce Flakka differ, individuals using the drug cannot be certain of the ingredients, potency, and desired effects (Calarco, 2015). The author Calarco (2015) highlights the increased risk of substantial complications consisting of tachycardia, irritability, elevated blood pressure, dizziness, aggressive behaviors, paranoia, hallucinations, psychotic incidents, heart attack, killer instincts, and death. Artificial drugs imitate cocaine, LSD, methamphetamine, and ecstasy creating a greater concern that symptoms may not subside for numerous days for first-time users. Those that are repeat users may experience symptoms for approximately 2 weeks (Calarco, …show more content…
Nonetheless, AAC has reported over 120 individuals admitted for treatment acknowledged designer drugs as a form of substance abuse with an increase in occurrence (Calarco, 2015). Approximately 68% of clients treated by the American Addiction Center who experiment with designer drugs are under 25 years old and 41% of users choose designer or synthetic drugs as their secondary choice or third choice, which account for 36% (Calarco, 2015). About 98% of drug users receiving treatment claim to abuse some form of designer drug (Calarco, 2015). According to the National Institute for Drug Abuse, the reality is that synthetic drugs are becoming increasingly popular amongst young individuals making it the second choice of drug for high-school seniors (Calarco, 2015). Hence, with Flakka usage on the rise it is crucial that nurses in emergency departments and psychiatric facilities become educated on the signs and symptoms of individuals abusing Flakka. Nurses must be able to differentiate clients being admitted with true psychotic behavioral disorders compared to those individuals using Flakka. Nurses must be aware and follow hospital protocols to treat Flakka ingestion since these individuals tend to be admitted to the hospital combative and exceedingly difficult to manage due to being unresponsive to
Synthetic drugs are hazardous prior to being altered, however, since the chemicals used to produce Flakka differ, individuals using the drug cannot be certain of the ingredients, potency, and desired effects (Calarco, 2015). The author Calarco (2015) highlights the increased risk of substantial complications consisting of tachycardia, irritability, elevated blood pressure, dizziness, aggressive behaviors, paranoia, hallucinations, psychotic incidents, heart attack, killer instincts, and death. Artificial drugs imitate cocaine, LSD, methamphetamine, and ecstasy creating a greater concern that symptoms may not subside for numerous days for first-time users. Those that are repeat users may experience symptoms for approximately 2 weeks (Calarco, …show more content…
Nonetheless, AAC has reported over 120 individuals admitted for treatment acknowledged designer drugs as a form of substance abuse with an increase in occurrence (Calarco, 2015). Approximately 68% of clients treated by the American Addiction Center who experiment with designer drugs are under 25 years old and 41% of users choose designer or synthetic drugs as their secondary choice or third choice, which account for 36% (Calarco, 2015). About 98% of drug users receiving treatment claim to abuse some form of designer drug (Calarco, 2015). According to the National Institute for Drug Abuse, the reality is that synthetic drugs are becoming increasingly popular amongst young individuals making it the second choice of drug for high-school seniors (Calarco, 2015). Hence, with Flakka usage on the rise it is crucial that nurses in emergency departments and psychiatric facilities become educated on the signs and symptoms of individuals abusing Flakka. Nurses must be able to differentiate clients being admitted with true psychotic behavioral disorders compared to those individuals using Flakka. Nurses must be aware and follow hospital protocols to treat Flakka ingestion since these individuals tend to be admitted to the hospital combative and exceedingly difficult to manage due to being unresponsive to