Synthetic Cocaine: What Is It?

Fake cocaine is a more recently popularized synthetic drug that is often combined with, or passed off as, MDMA, methamphetamine, or crack cocaine. It is one of 26 synthetic cannabinoids and cathinones named as Schedule I controlled substances.

This new psychoactive substance is also known as bath salts, white lightning, or plant food. The tan/white powder is ingested in the same way cocaine or methamphetamines are taken, typically by oral ingestion, snorting, or smoking.

What Is Synthetic Cocaine?

Synthetic cocaine contains the active ingredient 3,4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV), a synthetic cathinone derivative of the khat plant alkaloid. This cathinone works as a central nervous system stimulant that gives feelings of euphoria and a rush of energy. Human consumption of synthetic cocaine results in feelings similar to cocaine, meth, or MDMA. Many people feel empathy, alertness, and heightened senses when high on this drug.

Because fake cocaine is relatively new, there has not been extensive research on the drug. However, there is adequate information about the addictive qualities of the drug, effects, and dangers of continuous abuse, which are similar to the risks of amphetamine and cocaine abuse.

Effects Of Synthetic Cocaine

When synthetic cocaine is ingested by snorting or smoking, effects can be felt almost instantly. Public health and law enforcement officials indicate that while injecting the drug is not common, some people have turned to this method. The mental and physical effects of using synthetic cocaine will generally mimic that of other central nervous system (CNS) stimulants.

Increased heart rate and blood pressure may lead to a heart attack or stroke. When the drug is taken in high doses or by somebody with preexisting medical conditions affecting the heart and pulmonary system, this risk is increased.

Physical Side Effects

When a person ingests synthetic cocaine, they may experience numerous physical effects beyond the anticipated feelings of euphoria.

Excessive stimulation of the CNS may cause:

• excessively rapid heart rate
• dehydration
• chest pain
• high blood pressure
• rhabdomyolysis (muscle tissue breakdown)
• kidney failure

These physical side effects can be severe and potentially life-threatening, often requiring immediate medical attention. Unlike the short-lived euphoric effects that users seek, these dangerous health complications can have lasting consequences and may occur even with first-time use of synthetic cocaine.

Psychological Side Effects

The active ingredient of synthetic cocaine, MDPV, has been known since the mid-2000s, so additional long-term effects may exist. Some of MDPV’s effects on the brain can include lasting psychological impact.

Some short-term effects of synthetic cocaine use include:

• panic attacks
• excitement
• hallucinations/delirium
• paranoia
• increased sex drive
• increased sociability

These psychological effects can be unpredictable and dangerous, often leading to risky behavior and poor decision-making. Because synthetic cocaine is a relatively new drug with limited research, users are essentially experimenting with unknown substances that could cause permanent changes to brain function and mental health.

Can Synthetic Cocaine Lead To Overdose?

As an illegal street drug, synthetic cocaine comes in unpredictable formulations that can be spiked with other drugs. When this drug is snorted in binges, the body can become overwhelmed and may be unable to adequately process the high volume of drug in their system.

Overdose symptoms include:

• difficulty breathing
• severe agitation
• psychosis (hallucinations and paranoia)
• rapid and irregular heartbeat

The body may react to the excess of synthetic cocaine with overdose effects that can result in cardiac damage and death.

Signs Of Synthetic Cocaine Addiction

People may become addicted to continued synthetic cocaine drug use. Some signs that a person is addicted to synthetic cocaine can include strange behavior and physical changes as a reaction to their emotional need for the drug. Addiction to synthetic cocaine and continued use of bath salts may cause a person to act and look differently.

They may exhibit:

• agitation
• anger
• delusions/paranoia
• dilated pupils
• restlessness
• hallucinations
• violent behavior

If you notice these signs in someone you care about, it’s important to seek professional help immediately. Synthetic cocaine addiction can escalate quickly and become dangerous for both the user and those around them, making early intervention crucial for recovery and safety.

Does Synthetic Cocaine Lead To Withdrawal?

A reaction to synthetic cocaine can manifest as negative withdrawal symptoms. When a person depends on synthetic cocaine to feel normal, then a period of detoxification may be necessary to begin the recovery process.

A person that is undergoing detox or has not had bath salts after a period of heavy use can experience strong withdrawal symptoms like:

• trouble sleeping
• tremors
• depression
• anxiety
• paranoia

Some medical interventions like benzodiazepine anti-anxiety medication may help mitigate more extreme instances of withdrawal symptoms. In a substance treatment environment, these withdrawals can be better managed than they would during a self-directed “cold-turkey” approach.

Treatment For Synthetic Cocaine Substance Abuse

If you or a loved one is abusing synthetic drugs like bath salts or other cocaine analogues, the long-term negative health impact cannot be overstated. Getting help for drug abuse is the first step to living a better life. Several treatment options are available to help overcome synthetic cocaine addiction.

Treatment options include:

• Medical Detoxification: professional supervision during withdrawal to manage dangerous symptoms safely
• Inpatient Rehabilitation Programs: 24-hour care in a residential facility with comprehensive treatment services
• Outpatient Treatment Programs: therapy sessions that allow you to maintain work or school commitments
• Individual Counseling: one-on-one therapy to address underlying causes of addiction and develop coping strategies
• Group Therapy Sessions: support from others facing similar challenges in a structured environment
• Behavioral Therapy: techniques like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to change harmful thought patterns and behaviors
• Medication-Assisted Treatment: prescription medications to help manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms
• Support Groups: ongoing peer support through programs like Narcotics Anonymous
• Family Therapy: involving loved ones in the recovery process to rebuild relationships and create a supportive home environment

Recovery from synthetic cocaine addiction is possible with the right treatment approach. Browse our directory or reach out to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) for more information about addiction recovery programs in your area.

Written by the Addiction Resource Editorial Staff