Flakka is a nickname for the synthetic drug alpha-pyrrolidinopentiophenone, or alpha-PVP. It is an illegal drug classified as a schedule I substance, meaning it has no acceptable medical use.
Flakka is chemically similar to:
- synthetic cathinones (“bath salts”)
- natural cathinones (i.e. khat)
Flakka, also known as gravel or “poor man’s cocaine”, is a stimulant that comes in the form of white or pinkish crystals.
Like other illicit drugs, flakka can become addictive and have serious effects on behavior and health. Its effects have been compared to cocaine, meth, and amphetamines.
How Is Flakka Used?
Flakka is an addictive, recreational drug that can be used in multiple ways. It is commonly referred to as the ‘zombie drug’ due to reports of bizarre effects on behavior.
Flakka can be:
- snorted
- injected
- swallowed
- vaped
All methods of use can be dangerous and may lead to serious side effects on physical health, behavior, and mental health.
Side Effects Of Flakka
Flakka is a fully synthetic drug that can have a number of side effects when used.
In small doses, it can have effects similar to prescription stimulants like Adderall, such as increased focus and an energy boost.
Higher doses of flakka have been associated with dangerous side effects similar to those seen with cocaine or meth use.
Side effects of flakka may include:
- euphoria
- increased focus
- rapid heart rate
- high body temperature
- twitching
- delusions
- paranoia
According to some reports, the effects of flakka can last one to five hours. This is longer than drugs such as cocaine, which has a high that is unlikely to last longer than 30 minutes.
Flakka And Excited Delirium
According to the U.S. National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), flakka can cause a condition known as “excited delirium”.
This life-threatening condition can cause hyperstimulation, dangerously high body temperature, and symptoms of psychosis, such as hallucinations, deliriousness, and extreme paranoia.
People who use flakka may demonstrate bizarre behavior that can be scary both to the person using it and those around them.
Is Flakka Dangerous?
Taking high doses of flaka has been associated with a number of dangers related to physical health, mental health, and behavior.
Dangers of flakka include:
- violent or aggressive behavior
- loss of touch with reality
- increased risk of self-injury
- suicide risk
- heart attack
- stroke
- kidney damage
- kidney failure
Using an excessive amount of flakka, or mixing it with other drugs, can also lead to drug overdose, which can be deadly.
Flakka Addiction: Can You Become Addicted To Flakka?
The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that synthetic cathinones like flakka can become addictive. This has been echoed by additional research from the Scripps Research Institute.
Signs of a Flakka drug addiction may include:
- being unable to reduce flakka use
- craving flakka
- continuing to use flakka despite negative consequences
- going to extreme lengths to get more flakka
- withdrawal symptoms
People who become addicted to flakka may experience drug cravings. Withdrawal symptoms have also been reported by some people who use synthetic cathinones like flakka regularly.
Flakka Withdrawal Symptoms
Withdrawal is a physical or psychological reaction to the lack of a drug in a person’s system, following a period of regular or heavy drug use.
People who become addicted to flakka, or who use it regularly, may experience withdrawal symptoms if they try to stop using it.
Flakka withdrawal symptoms may include:
- anxiety
- depression
- drug cravings
- tremors
People can also experience side effects after coming down from flakka, including depression and fatigue.
Treatment For Flakka Abuse And Addiction
People who become addicted to flakka may be recommended behavioral treatments like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or a full drug addiction rehab program.
Drug rehab for flakka addiction can offer:
- detox assistance
- behavioral therapy
- motivational enhancement therapy
- contingency management
- group therapy
- aftercare support
Treatment for people who use flakka will largely focus on addressing the underlying causes of a person’s drug use as well as thoughts and behaviors related to their drug use.
Find Treatment For Flakka Addiction Today
If you or a loved one is using flakka, this may be a sign that they need professional help. Browse our website to find a treatment center to contact today.
Addiction Resource aims to provide only the most current, accurate information in regards to addiction and addiction treatment, which means we only reference the most credible sources available.
These include peer-reviewed journals, government entities and academic institutions, and leaders in addiction healthcare and advocacy. Learn more about how we safeguard our content by viewing our editorial policy.
- CNN
https://www.cnn.com/2015/05/26/health/flakka-gravel-illegal-drugs/index.html - Scripps Research Institute
https://www.scripps.edu/newsandviews/e_20150518/flakka.html#:~:text=Scientists%20at%20The%20Scripps%20Research,(%E2%80%9Cbath%20salts%E2%80%9D). - U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
https://www.dea.gov/factsheets/flakka-alpha-pvp - U.S. National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
https://archives.drugabuse.gov/emerging-trends/flakka-alpha-pvp - U.S. National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/synthetic-cathinones-bath-salts
