Introduction
Mephedrone, also known as 4-methylmethcathinone, is a synthetic stimulant drug that gained significant popularity in the late 2000s and early 2010s, particularly in Europe. This article delves into the development, health and social risks, market dynamics, and the current regulatory status of mephedrone.
Physical and Chemical Description
Mephedrone is a cathinone derivative, structurally similar to amphetamines and cathinone, the primary psychoactive compound found in the khat plant. It acts by inducing the release of monoamines such as dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine into the synaptic cleft and blocking their reuptake, similar to the mechanisms of cocaine and amphetamines[4].
Health Risks Associated with Mephedrone
The health risks associated with mephedrone are significant and well-documented. Users have reported a range of adverse effects, including increased heart rate, palpitations, and hypertension. The drug is also associated with psychological effects such as anxiety, paranoia, and in some cases, psychosis. Intranasal use, which is the most common route of administration, is linked to higher abuse liability and increased risk of adverse effects compared to oral use[3].
Neurological Effects
Studies in mice have shown that mephedrone can induce hyperlocomotion, anxiolytic-like effects, and improvements in spatial memory, but it does not affect recognition memory. It also causes changes in brain regions such as the nucleus accumbens and hippocampus, indicating potential long-term neurological impacts[4].
Addiction Potential
Mephedrone has been found to have comparable abuse potential to cocaine. More than half of the users who have also used cocaine reported that mephedrone gives a better quality high, and those using it intranasally were more likely to report it as more addictive and risky than cocaine[3].
Social Risks Associated with Mephedrone
The social risks of mephedrone are substantial, particularly among young people. The drug became popular in the UK and other European countries due to its ease of availability online, often disguised as "plant food" or "bath salts." This accessibility led to widespread use in universities, clubs, and social gatherings, contributing to a culture of obsessive consumption among students and young adults[5].
Impact on Drug Markets
The rise of mephedrone filled a gap in the drug market created by the scarcity of MDMA and cocaine in the late 2000s. It became a cheap and legal alternative, leading to the emergence of hyperlocal markets where demand was highest, such as university campuses and club scenes[5].
Involvement of Organised Crime
The production and distribution of mephedrone have been linked to organised crime. The drug's manufacture often involves chemical precursors that are controlled substances, and its trafficking has been a concern for law enforcement agencies. The involvement of organised crime groups has contributed to the drug's widespread availability and has complicated efforts to control its distribution[1].
Regulatory Status
Following a comprehensive risk assessment by the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA) and other European agencies, mephedrone was placed under control measures in the EU. On 2 December 2010, the Council of the European Union decided to subject mephedrone to control measures due to its health and social risks[1].
Market Projections
Given the current regulatory status and the well-documented risks associated with mephedrone, the market for this drug is expected to remain tightly controlled. Here are some key projections:
Decline in Legal Availability
With mephedrone now classified as a controlled substance in many countries, its legal availability has significantly decreased. This reduction is expected to continue as law enforcement and regulatory bodies enforce stricter controls on its production and distribution.
Black Market Dynamics
Despite the decline in legal availability, mephedrone may still be present in black markets. However, the risks associated with purchasing from unregulated sources are high, and law enforcement efforts are likely to continue targeting these illegal markets.
Alternative Substances
The market gap left by mephedrone is likely to be filled by other synthetic substances or traditional drugs. This shift could lead to new challenges in drug policy and public health as users seek alternative stimulants.
Public Health Initiatives
There will be an increased focus on public health initiatives aimed at reducing the use of mephedrone and other synthetic stimulants. These initiatives may include education campaigns, treatment programs, and community outreach to mitigate the social and health impacts of these drugs.
"Mephedrone appears to be used primarily intranasally and to have comparable abuse potential to cocaine, with more than half those who use both reporting that mephedrone gives a better quality high."[3]
Key Takeaways
- Health Risks: Mephedrone is associated with significant health risks, including cardiovascular issues, psychological effects, and neurological impacts.
- Social Impact: The drug had a profound social impact, particularly among young people, contributing to a culture of obsessive consumption.
- Regulatory Status: Mephedrone is now a controlled substance in many countries due to its health and social risks.
- Market Projections: The market for mephedrone is expected to remain tightly controlled, with a decline in legal availability and potential shifts to black markets or alternative substances.
FAQs
What is mephedrone?
Mephedrone, also known as 4-methylmethcathinone, is a synthetic stimulant drug that acts by releasing monoamines such as dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine into the synaptic cleft.
Why did mephedrone become popular?
Mephedrone became popular due to its ease of availability online, its legal status at the time, and its cheap price, filling a gap in the drug market created by the scarcity of MDMA and cocaine.
What are the health risks associated with mephedrone?
The health risks include increased heart rate, palpitations, hypertension, anxiety, paranoia, and potential long-term neurological impacts.
Is mephedrone addictive?
Yes, mephedrone has been found to have comparable abuse potential to cocaine, with many users reporting it as more addictive and risky, especially when used intranasally.
What is the current regulatory status of mephedrone?
Mephedrone is now a controlled substance in many countries, including the EU, due to its health and social risks.
Sources
- Report on the risk assessment of mephedrone in the framework of the Council Decision on new psychoactive substances. European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction.
- A preference for mephedrone: drug markets, drugs of choice, and the emerging “legal high” scene. Journal of Drug Issues.
- Mephedrone, new kid for the chop? PubMed.
- Central Effects of the Designer Drug Mephedrone in Mice—Basic and Behavioral Studies. MDPI.
- Remembering the Great British Mephedrone Craze. VICE.