Benzo Fury Addiction

Benzo Fury is an umbrella term for a group of stimulant drugs called benzofurans. Benzofurans are synthetic substances created to mimic other psychoactive drugs like amphetamines. Associated with party culture, these types of drugs are often used in a social, recreational context. Currently, the novelty of these substances means that our scientific understanding of benzo fury is limited. However, existing research has identified a series of dangers associated with benzo fury abuse, including high addiction potential and risk of death. Researchers have declared benzo fury as  ‘an alarming public health threat.

What is benzo fury?

Benzo fury (or benzo fury) is the colloquial or street term for substances containing benzofurans. This substance first appeared on the market in the early 2010s. Benzofurans are ‘synthetic phenethylamines,’ a group of manufactured compounds that are found in street drugs. The compounds commonly found in benzo fury include 5-APB and 6-APB. Benzo fury is sometimes known as ‘White Pearl’ by users.

Substances sold as benzo fury can be found in different forms. This includes:

• Powders
• Capsules
• Pellets

In its powdered form, benzo fury typically ranges in colour from a brown, yellowish, cream or white substance.

Capsules of benzo Fury can be found in a range of colours (in a similar way to ecstasy).

Benzo Fury pellets are used as they prolong the release of a substance. These are often brightly coloured.

Reviews of use have found that benzo fury is frequently taken with other stimulants, especially alcohol. This is perhaps due to the drugs associated with ‘electronic dance music parties’ and other hotspots of party culture.

The effects of the drug can be varied but often mimic the mechanisms of ecstasy and amphetamines. For this reason, Benzo Fury is classed as a ‘New Psychoactive Substance,’ one of many drugs that have been ‘designed to mimic established illegal drugs, such as cannabis, cocaine, MDMA and LSD.’

After taking benzo fury, you may experience an initial high that feels like:

• Increased energy
• Boost in confidence
• Feeling more sociable
• Reduction in inhibitions
• A heightening of the senses
• Feeling very connected with those around you

Alongside the psychoactive effects, the drug will likely impact your body’s usual functioning. This could lead to:

• Itchy, crawling or ‘tingling’ skin
• Pupil dilation
• Difficulty with homeostasis (feeling hot)
• High blood pressure
• Tachycardia
• Tension in muscles

Benzo fury addiction

A misunderstanding of New Psychoactive Substances like Benzo Fury is that these drugs are safer to use than their pre-existing counterparts as they were originally classed as legal highs. This is not true. These drugs are designed to mimic the high of other substances and can still produce some of the dangerous effects associated with risky drug use. In fact, some of these synthetic NPS drugs are thought to be potentially more dangerous than their original counterparts. This can be linked to a lack of understanding of how these drugs will affect the body in the long term and little transparency as to what these substances contain.

Research activity on benzo fury appears to have increased in 2019 – so far, this area of study has indicated that these types of drugs can be linked with abuse, potential physical harm and a risk of death.

Why is it addictive?

Benzofurans are thought to ‘disturb […] the functioning of serotonergic circuits.’ It also has some effects on our dopamine systems. This means that when Benzo Fury is taken, it interacts with both the serotonin and dopamine in our brain. Serotonin and dopamine are two of the key neurotransmitters involved in our functioning.

Serotonin is linked with mood. A perceived increase or decrease in serotonin levels can cause us to either experience euphoria or very low mood. It can also change the way our bodies deal with essential functions such as digestion and homeostasis. Dopamine, on the other hand, is typically linked with both pleasure and reward. Dopamine is associated with reinforcing repetitive behaviour which can lead us to repeat drug-use.

Benzo fury acts by exciting serotonin. This leads to a boost in mood and a temporary change in perception. By influencing the dopaminergic circuit, Benzo Fury can establish a link between substance use and positive feelings. This can lead us to seek the drug again in the future. Together, these changes in neurotransmitter levels can establish a dependency. As we seek Benzo Fury repeatedly, our neurotransmitter levels can become heavily enmeshed – and therefore dependent on – our drug use. This leads, therefore, to benzo fury addiction.

Why is it dangerous?

As a psychoactive substance, benzo fury carries a range of psychological and physical health risks. These include the risk of:

• Irritation
• Irrationality
• Confusion
• Delirium
• Delusions
• Paranoia
• Psychosis
• Altered sensory perception
• Panic attacks

These symptoms can lead to a deterioration in mental health in the long term. They also, however, increase the risk of acute harm during a high. This is because experiencing such extreme emotions and sensations when not fully cognisant can lead to engaging in risky behaviour, either intentionally or accidentally.

Physical Risks

Psychoactive drugs also impact our bodies, leading to:

• Cardiovascular risk linked to increased blood pressure
• Cardiovascular risk linked to increased heart rate
• Lethargy and insomnia
• Damage to the heart
• Benzo Fury- related death

Toxicity

The toxicity of benzo fury can be heightened by polydrug use. This occurs when more than one substance is used concurrently. Polydrug use heightens the risk of overdosing.  As it is not possible to establish what drugs sold as ‘Benzo’ may contain, we cannot know for certain if they have been cut with other substances.  Using benzo fury alongside excessive alcohol use can lead to a dangerous level of intoxication. This could mean the development of dangerous physical symptoms – such as severe dehydration and tachycardia in a hot, part setting – that could pose a genuine health risk.

Benzo fury addiction symptoms

Even when we have concerns that an addiction may be present, it can often be difficult to pinpoint what substance a loved one is addicted to. This means that being aware of both general and benzo fury addiction signs can be a useful way of assessing the risk and severity associated with specific substances.

General signs to look out for:

• Appearing distant or distracted
• Changes in appetite
• Changes in sleeping patterns
• Changes in social life
• Reduced engagement with work or school
• Conflict in relationships
• Reduced attention to personal care
• Financial difficulties
• Appearing stressed or unwell
• Experiencing aches or pains
• Becoming defensive or secretive
• Appearing agitated, anxious or upset

Benzo fury specific indicators may include:

• Sore or red eyes
• Nosebleeds or sinus issues
• Insomnia
• Pupil dilation
• Euphoria
• Increased engagement with party culture

Seek support

Here at Banbury Lodge, we can help you take the steps to move towards an addiction-free future. Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation with a member of our team. We are here to lend a listening, non-judgmental ear and to guide you through potential options for your next steps towards sobriety. Addiction is a heavy weight to carry, but you do not need to bear it alone. We are available to talk you through the bespoke rehab packages we offer to help you find the most appropriate treatment for your current situation.

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