Priyanka Ganwani
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Written By: Priyanka Ganwani | Published : December 7, 2014 5:44 PM IST
Mumbai, December 7: Mumbai city is now raging over the mephedrone or 'meow meow' drug which is readily available online and is extremely cheap. This drug does not come under the list of banned drugs under the Narcotics, Drugs and Psychotropic Substance (NCB) Act, 1958. Hence, this drug seems to be an increasing danger among the youth in the city. As of now, in the last two months, 30 cases out of a total of 40 cases revived are of the 'meow meow' drug addiction. Among these cases, most were between the age of 16 and 26 years. This drug is white or off-white in colour and could be easily mistaken as cocaine. This drug is snorted or swallowed for consumption.
About the drug
Here are some facts about the drug that you need to know:
It has powerful effects like ecstasy: This drug is powerful and has similar effects to amphetamines and ecstasy. Mephedrone comes with medicinal value used as an anaesthetic.
It is light on the pocket: It has gained popularity because of its price as it costs Rs 150 per gm, which turns out much, much cheaper than cocaine (Rs 3,000 per gram).
It is extremely accessible: This drug has become easily accessible through internet pharmacy websites and is directly delivered to one's address without any peddlers or drug dealers being involved. This drug is often sold as plant fertilisers in fewer grams to pass through any stringent law enforcement.
It acts like an energy and confidence booster: This drug, mephedrone tends to infuse energy, confidence and talkativeness, a sense of euphoria, along with mental and physical stimulation. Addicts of this drug may also experience the consciousnesses towards the sense of touch and a sudden urge to be more empathising.
Side effects
Here are few of its side effects:
It deteriorates health
Addiction to this drug may cause loss of appetite, frequent headaches, muscle stress and increased blood pressure levels. Apart from this, some chest pain, irregular heartbeat, problems during urinating, fluctuations in body temperature can occur too.
It increases the cravings
During such an addiction, addicts crave and long for more of this substance so as to keep the high away from wearing out of it. Even after the drug has worn out of them, it leaves them depressed and longing for more.
It influences extreme and absurd behavior
Under the influence of this drug, these addicts may tend to experience hallucinations as if they were among the dead or even devils. They may also come across as extremely abusive and violent in behavior. Here are some more effects of the mephedrone drug.
Image source: Getty Images
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