Meow Meow Drug: A Detailed Look at Mephedrone and Its Consequences

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Meow Meow Drug: A Detailed Look at Mephedrone and Its Consequences

Meow Meow Drug: A Detailed Look at Mephedrone and Its Consequences

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Written by Parth Sharma

In recent years, a drug known colloquially as "Meow Meow" has gained notoriety. Its scientific name is Mephedrone, and it's crucial to understand its effects and risks. This blog post aims to provide a comprehensive overview of Mephedrone, exploring its addictive nature, usage methods, and the consequences of its use. 

Understanding Meow Meow Drug and Mephedrone 

Mephedrone, popularly called the Meow Meow Drug, is a synthetically produced amphetamine and cathinone stimulant that has effects comparable to MDMA or cocaine. Mephedrone is the scientific name for the substance that naturally occurs and activates the body's central nervous system. The drug looks like an off-white powder with yellow tones and has a strong metallic flavor. Used as a party drug to mimic euphoria, the substance is usually snorted (via the nasal passage) or swallowed (in the form of tablets and powders).

The History and Legal Status of Mephedrone

Mephedrone, Also known as 4-methyl methcathinone (4-MMC), first appeared in the early 2000s and quickly became popular in the party scene for its affordability and accessibility. Initially, it was not regulated under drug laws, making it a legal alternative to other controlled substances. However, due to its increasing abuse and the associated health risks, many countries started to take notice.

By the late 2000s and early 2010s, the legal status of Mephedrone changed drastically worldwide. Several countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and those in the European Union, classified it as a controlled substance. This change in legal status was a response to growing concerns about its safety, addictive potential, and the increasing number of hospitalizations and fatalities linked to its use.

The Addictive Nature of Mephedrone

Mephedrone use is relatively new, and while there have been no long-term studies on the effects of regular use of the meow-meow drug, preliminary research suggests the intoxication mimics that of cocaine abuse. This is unlike other recreational drugs that were developed first for medicinal use, such as amphetamines. The M-Cat drug was created in underground labs and backstreet sweatshops with little to no regard for the substance's purity or the safety of the user.

However, it is interesting that party/club drugs such as Meow Meow are not as potent as the drugs within their class and thus are overtly reused until tolerance is created, requiring higher doses on each administration. 

While the drug was created to access a high legally, it has been banned in several countries and classified as a harmful class 1 drug. Administration, intoxication, and withdrawal for the same mimic that of MDMA and cocaine. Thus, the drug can readily be abused. 

This lack of information on the drug itself serves as a problematic site for healthcare workers and first responders in case of an "M-Cat" overdose and impedes addiction recovery

Methods of Mephedrone Consumption

Mephedrone, known for its versatility in methods of use, is most commonly administered through snorting, swallowing, or injecting. Each of these methods carries its own set of risks and influences how the drug affects the user.

  • Snorting: Snorting Mephedrone is the most popular method due to its rapid delivery of effects. When snorted, the drug is absorbed through the mucous membranes of the nasal passages, leading to an almost immediate onset of its stimulating effects.
  • Swallowing: Swallowing Mephedrone, whether in tablet form or as powder wrapped in a piece of paper (a technique known as 'bombing'), produces a more gradual onset of effects compared to snorting. This method can irritate the stomach and affect the liver and kidneys with long-term use.
  • Injecting: Injecting the drug offers a rapid and intense high but greatly increases the risk of overdose and the spread of infectious diseases.
  • Inhalation: Less common, inhaling Mephedrone's vapors offers quick effects but can harm the respiratory system.
  • The Dangers of Mixing Methods: It's not uncommon for users to mix different methods of ingesting Mephedrone, which can compound the risks. For instance, alternating between snorting and swallowing can lead to unpredictable effects and increased strain on the body.

Effects of Mephedrone or Meow Meow Drug Regular Use

The major effect that drug meow meow users want to feel includes a special kind of intense pleasure called euphoria. The drug mimics cocaine, which stimulates the brain as a real achievement does—creating a rewarding feeling that is the primary motivation for people who get addicted and want to get high on the drug again and again. 

Its regular use can have a wide range of consequences on a user's physical and mental health.

Physical Effects of Meow Meow Drug (Mephedrone)

The physical impact of Mephedrone includes several stimulant-like effects:

  • Increased Heart Rate and Blood Pressure: Regular use can lead to cardiovascular issues, including an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes.
  • Chest Pain and Heart Palpitations: Users may experience discomfort and irregular heart rhythms, which can be particularly dangerous for those with pre-existing heart conditions.
  • Sweating and Low Appetite: Mephedrone can disrupt normal bodily functions, leading to excessive sweating and reduced appetite, potentially causing nutritional deficiencies.
  • Dry Mouth and Tremors: These are common side effects, along with a heightened sense of alertness and energy.
  • Convulsions: In severe cases, especially during an overdose, users may experience convulsions or seizures.

Psychological and Cognitive Effects of Meow Meow Drug (Mephedrone)

Mephedrone's impact on the mind can be profound:

  • Euphoria: The drug creates a short-lived high, characterized by intense feelings of happiness and increased sociability.
  • Anxiety and Paranoia: As the effects wear off, users may experience heightened anxiety, paranoia, and even panic attacks.
  • Insomnia and Agitation: Difficulty in sleeping and restlessness are common, which can exacerbate mental health issues over time.
  • Lightheadedness and Memory Impairment: These cognitive effects can affect a user's ability to function in daily life, impacting work, studies, and personal relationships.

Crash Effects

After the high wears off, users often experience a significant drop in mood, leading to feelings of depression and lethargy. This 'crash' can create a cycle of repeated use to avoid these negative feelings.

Other Health Effects of Mephedrone

Long-term use of Mephedrone can have serious health implications:

  • Social and Financial Consequences: The drug can lead to neglect of responsibilities, straining relationships, and financial problems due to the cost of sustaining the addiction.
  • Risky Behaviors: Users may engage in dangerous activities, including driving under the influence or unprotected sex.
  • Overdose Risks: Regular use increases the risk of overdose, which can be fatal. Symptoms of an overdose include severe agitation, bluish tint to the fingers and toes, hallucinations, and life-threatening complications like seizures and respiratory failure.

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Withdrawal Symptoms of Mephedrone

When individuals cease using Mephedrone after prolonged usage, they may experience various withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms can be challenging as the body adjusts to functioning without the drug:

  • Cravings: A strong desire to use Mephedrone again.
  • Increased Appetite: A noticeable increase in hunger that might have been suppressed while using the drug.
  • Stuffy Nose: Especially common if the drug was snorted.
  • Tiredness: General feelings of fatigue and lethargy.
  • Anxiety: Increased feelings of anxiousness or nervousness.
  • Depression and Emotional Changes: Feelings of sadness, being emotionally unstable, or tearful.
  • Irritability: Quick to anger or frustration.
  • Difficulty Concentrating: Challenges in focusing on tasks or activities.

These symptoms highlight the psychological and physical dependence that can develop with regular Mephedrone use. Addressing these withdrawal symptoms often requires professional support and treatment.​

Effects of Using Meow Meow Drug with Other Drugs

Combining meow meow drug or mephedrone with other substances can significantly alter and often intensify its effects, leading to unpredictable and potentially harmful outcomes:

  • Mephedrone and Stimulants (like ice, speed, or ecstasy): Using Mephedrone with other stimulants increases the overall strain on the body, particularly the cardiovascular system. This combination heightens the risk of severe side effects, including heart issues and even the risk of death.
  • Mephedrone with Alcohol and Cannabis: Mixing Mephedrone with alcohol and cannabis can lead to increased nausea and vomiting.
  • Mephedrone and MAOIs (antidepressants): There are reports suggesting that combining Mephedrone with MAOIs can elevate the risk of seizures and cardiovascular complications.

It's important to understand that combining drugs can lead to dangerous interactions, and with illicit substances like Mephedrone, these risks are often unpredictable and untested. Professional medical advice should always be sought when dealing with drug interactions, especially with substances of abuse

How to Help Someone Who is Addicted to Meow Meow Drug?

It's not simple to break free from a mephedrone addiction, especially if you've been abusing the substance for a long period. Stuffy nose, loss of focus, a significant increase in hunger, wanting the substance, impatience, and others are some of the common withdrawal symptoms that people experience when they stop using drugs. In general, the mephedrone recovery phase consists of several phases, including:

Assessment

Tests help determine the depth of a person's addiction and reliance on the substance. It clarifies the psychological concerns as well as the substance's influence on cognitive function. Such assessments are carried out by experts who employ clinically validated evaluation methodologies and instruments.

Detox

Detox is the next step in the rehabilitation process for addiction. The goal of the procedure is to get the hazardous substances out of the body. The individual may have withdrawal symptoms during the elimination procedure. Once the toxins have been removed from the body, the patient is ready to go on to the next step of treatment.

Therapies

CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), psychotherapy, family therapy, individual therapy, counselling and group therapy are among the many result-oriented therapies available for mephedrone drug addiction. All of these treatments are aimed at treating dysfunctional coping mechanisms and addictive behaviors. Furthermore, they are all founded on solid facts.

Get Help for Meow Meow Addiction at Cadabams Before Its Too Late

Reaching out for assistance can be more challenging in practice than it sounds. Although we acknowledge that accepting help takes time, it's crucial to remember that the earlier you seek assistance, the more effective your journey towards recovery will be. Therefore, if you observe any of the following indications, it is advisable to promptly seek the guidance of a healthcare professional:

  • Engaging in excessive drug consumption
  • Persistently using the drug despite the harm it inflicts
  • Experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms upon discontinuing drug use

Contact Cadabams, or our de-addiction center, if you or a loved one have encountered the abuse of Meow Meow, and require assistance or drug addiction treatment. We have been helping thousands of people live healthier and happier lives for 30+ years. We leverage evidence-based approaches and holistic treatment methods to help individuals effectively. Get in touch with us today. You can call us at +91 96111 94949.

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FAQs

What is the drug called meow meow?

Meow Meow Drug is the common name for the substance known as Mephedrone. Mephedrone is an addictive substance that has multiple adverse effects on the human body. It is a powerful stimulant and the effects it has is comparable to that of cocaine and ecstasy. 

What does meow meow drug look like?

Meow Meow drug looks like a white powder, or a yellowish powder sometimes. Its taste has been described as foul and metallic. Some people compare it to inhaling exhaust fumes. However, despite its foul taste, its effect as a stimulant is what leads people to meow meow addiction.

How does mephedrone affect the brain?

Mephedrone, also known as the meow meow drug, acts as a stimulant on the brain and central nervous system. However, overdosing and substance use disorder cause significant damage to the brain. It includes seizures, anxiety, and psychosis as well, and addiction itself is a mental health disorder. 

What are treatments for Meow-Meow Drug Addiction?

Meow Meow drug is dangerous for your body and mind. It has a significant impact on your mental and physical health and can lead to serious disorders. Meow Meow addiction can be treated through various approaches:

  • Assessment
  • Detox
  • Therapies
  • Recreational Activities
  • Care for co-occurring disorders

What is a meow meow drug in India?

Meow Meow drug also known as mephedrone is a synthetic stimulant that is banned in India. 

Is mephedrone available in India?

The Meow Meow drug is unavailable since it is banned by the Narcotics Control Bureau.  

Is mephedrone legal in India?

According to the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, mephedrone is banned in India. 

What is the MCAT used for?

Mephedrone, also known as the meow meow drug, acts as a stimulant on the brain and central nervous system. It leads to a special kind of intense pleasure called euphoria making it one of the most addictive substances.

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