Mephedrone Addiction Treatment

Quick info

Mephedrone is a type of synthetic stimulant called a cathinone. It is manufactured to simulate the highs associated with cocaine and ecstasy. Mephedrone has been linked with ‘youth culture,’ especially with the party, dance and rave scene. However, the drug is also taken recreationally outside of these contexts by people of all ages. Whilst mephedrone is often categorised with legal highs, engagement with the drug is considered illicit.

Mephedrone is currently recognised as a Class B drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act. This means that possession could lead to up to 5 years in prison or an unlimited fine. Supplying or production of mephedrone could lead to up to 14 years in prison or an unlimited fine.

Mephedrone-related deaths appeared to spike between 2009 and 2012. However, data indicates that risky mephedrone use is still an issue across the country.

Addiction risk

During the 2011 spike of mephedrone use, three out of every 10 ‘clubbers who take the drug mephedrone exhibit symptoms associated with addiction.’ This has been linked to the consensus that mephedrone ‘was perceived to produce a ‘better high’ than cocaine.’ This indicates plausible instances of repeat usage and, therefore, increased risk of mephedrone addiction developing.

When mephedrone use begins to spiral, there may be a need for rehabilitative intervention. Treatment for mephedrone dependency often takes place in two stages:

1. Detox
2. Rehab

This two-pronged approach consolidates both the physical and psychological health effects related to mephedrone use. The aim of this treatment is to:

• Reduce cravings
• End the cycle of addiction
• Address underlying factors contributing to drug use
• Address dual diagnosis where present
• Increase distress tolerance
• Implement safer coping strategies
• Building resilience and self-awareness
• Learning relapse prevention strategies [9]

The beginning of mephedrone addiction treatment involves the process of mephedrone withdrawal. This is known as a detox. This phase addresses the physiological impact that heavy drug use can have on an individual. By ceasing the use of mephedrone, the body will begin to react. This is because the body begins to adapt to functioning with the drug in the system, meaning that without it, it can experience difficult withdrawal symptoms.

These symptoms can include:

• Anxiety
• Lethargy
• Difficulty sleeping
• Cravings
• Shaking
• Sweating
• Low mood

Withdrawals from mephedrone can appear within the first day (or even hours) after your last use. These can then last for several weeks.

Day 1-2

After coming down from your first use, you may experience cravings as the drug is metabolised and leaves the body. This could leave you thinking about mephedrone, feeling anxious or itching to get another dose. You may also start feeling low or irritable at this stage. Physical symptoms such as nausea, sweating, or shakiness may begin.

Day 3-7

This is the peak of withdrawal. Day 3-5 is often the most difficult to weather. At this stage, you may find yourself questioning your choice to detox. This is normal, and pushing through this conflict can lead you towards completing detox successfully.

Week 1 -2

Symptoms will start to tailor off at this stage. They may be present but will not feel as all-encompassing as they were in the earlier stages of detoxing.

It is possible to detox at home rather than in a rehab clinic. However, due to the various mephedrone withdrawal symptoms that can be experienced, it is always best practice that you seek support and advice from a medical practitioner before beginning a detox. This reduces the risk of medical complications such as dehydration, seizure or severe psychological distress.

Detox addresses the effects of mephedrone on our bodies. When it is safe to do so, therapy can be implemented to begin targeting the psychological elements of addiction. We know that addiction can be caused by psychological pressures (such as a mental health condition or a traumatic event), but we also know that addiction can cause additional psychological pressures. This could include secondary emotions such as guilt, shame, or anger. Working through the psychological elements that both underpin and accompany addiction is essential for moving towards an addiction-free future. Doing so can help us to:

• Accept the presence of an addiction
• Establish contributing factors
• Address trauma
• Confront difficult emotions
• Establish responsibility for our wellbeing
• Challenge deep-set thought and behavioural patterns

Often, achieving this means engaging in a range of therapeutic interventions. This is because each type of therapy has specific strengths. By targeting areas that you may need support in, it is possible to design a bespoke treatment programme that weaves several types of therapy together. This is referred to as a multidimensional approach.

It means that you could engage with several of the following types of therapy:

• 12- Step Therapy
• Art Therapy
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
• Dialectical Behavioural Therapy
• Group Therapy
• Individual Therapy
• Family Therapy
• Trauma Therapy
• Sound Therapy
• Meditation
• Mindfulness

Each type of therapy follows its own set of principles. For example, cognitive behavioural therapy focuses on the link between thoughts, feelings and behaviours, emphasising how altering one or more of these can begin to affect the others. This could help unpick the catalyst that led you to mephedrone initially.

On the other hand, sound therapy may be used to integrate a holistic treatment that considers our well-being as comprising body, mind and soul. This can be a useful way of rebalancing our sense of self after being influenced by stimulants for a prolonged period.

Group therapy can provide healthy connections and peer support. This can lead to strong relationships in a safe and non-drug-centric environment.

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 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 needs.