Flakka, a street name for the drug ‘alpha-PVP,’ is a synthetic drug similar to bath salts that can become addictive with chronic, regular use.
Detoxing from flakka may be necessary for people who use it regularly and have become physically dependent on the illicit stimulant drug.
Learn more about alcohol and drug detox
Who Needs Flakka Detox?
Detoxification, or detox, is a process of removing toxins, including addictive drugs like flakka, from the body. Among those physically dependent, this can lead to withdrawal.
Signs of flakka abuse and dependence include:
- using flakka very often
- constantly thinking about flakka
- increasing your use of flakka over time
- bizarre or aggressive behavior
- feeling physically sick or unwell within hours of your last dose
Flakka is a drug that is sometimes misused alongside other drugs, including illicit drugs like methamphetamine and cocaine. This can influence withdrawal during detox.
Side Effects Of Flakka Detox
Flakka is a synthetic stimulant, similar to synthetic cathinone, that can have dramatic effects on behavior, mood, and the body.
Detoxification, or detox, is a process through which the body can begin to heal from the effects of drug addiction. This may cause what are known as withdrawal symptoms.
Flakka withdrawal symptoms may include:
- depression
- anxiety
- difficulty sleeping
- paranoia
- strong drug cravings
- tremors
The intensity of withdrawal, and the types of symptoms individuals develop, may depend on the amount of flakka used, how long you’ve been using flakka, and other personal factors.
Dangers Of Flakka Detox
Once addicted, getting off flakka can be difficult. Withdrawal symptoms during detox may become severe. This can also cause intense drug cravings, which may lead to drug relapse.
Within a drug detox program, dangers of flakka detox, such as relapse, severe mood swings, and suicidal thoughts, can be safely and effectively managed.
How Long Does Flakka Detox Last?
Detoxing from flakka can typically be accomplished in a few days. During this time, withdrawal symptoms may grow more intense before leveling off and declining in their intensity.
Most acute detox programs last anywhere from three to seven days, or up to one week. After this, any lingering symptoms may be treated within a drug rehab program.
What Factors Can Affect How Long It Takes To Detox?
The amount of time it takes to fully detox from flakka can vary somewhat from person to person, based on biological, environmental, and other personal factors.
Influential factors may include:
- a person’s age
- polysubstance abuse (use of multiple drugs)
- amount of flakka used
- duration of flakka use
- other medical or mental health conditions
- detox setting
Getting professional help in a detox center or inpatient treatment facility can help reduce both the severity and the duration of flakka withdrawal.
How Does Flakka Detox Work?
Getting off flakka may begin with seeking out a detox program. Drug detoxification programs, often offered by inpatient treatment centers, can offer treatment for drug withdrawal.
What’s involved in the detox process:
- a clinical assessment
- detoxification and withdrawal
- preparing for a drug rehab program
Flakka is highly addictive, and even after detox, individuals may struggle to resist the urge of returning to the drug.
For this reason, detox centers will often provide referrals for additional addiction treatment at a nearby substance abuse rehab center.
Flakka Detox Programs
Detoxing from flakka is a process that can take place in a few different settings. Ideally, this will happen in an inpatient setting, such as a detox or rehab facility.
Medical Detox
Medical detox programs are short-term treatment programs that offer 24-hour supervision, treatment for withdrawal, and referrals for intensive addiction treatment programs.
Benefits of medical detox include:
- a safe and quiet setting to detox
- having medical professionals on standby
- treatment for severe withdrawal symptoms
- reduced risk for relapse
Medical detox is highly recommended for flakka detox, due to health risks associated with flakka detox and relapse after detox.
Outpatient Detox
Outpatient detox is a low-intensity detox option that doesn’t require staying overnight in a treatment facility.
This type of detox program isn’t generally recommended for people addicted to flakka, or those who have a history of addiction to other substances, including alcohol.
Outpatient detox programs typically involve checking in with a medical doctor regularly, seeing a counselor, and using take-home medication for mild discomfort during withdrawal.
Flakka Detox FAQs
Find answers to frequently asked questions about flakka detoxification, withdrawal, and how to find flakka abuse treatment.
How Is Flakka Used?
Flakka is a synthetic “designer drug” that comes in the form of white or pinkish crystals. This can be swallowed, snorted, injected, or vaporized in an e-cigarette or vaporizer.
Flakka gained greater attention after surges of Flakka use, and effects such as heart attacks, were reported in South Florida and other parts of the United States.
Is Flakka Addictive?
Flakka can be both physically and psychologically addictive. Flakka disrupts the brain’s normal dopamine function, which can affect mood and addictive potential.
Flakka is also dangerous due to effects such as hyperthermia (high body temperature), rapid heart rate, bizarre behavior, renal failure, and psychosis that can result from high doses.
Can You Detox From Flakka At Home?
Attempting to detox from flakka at home isn’t recommended. Some side effects that can develop during detox, such as severe mood swings, may require medical attention.
Without medical supervision and support, individuals trying to detox from home may relapse, which—after detoxing—carries a high risk for accidental overdose.
What Type Of Treatment Is Offered For Flakka Addiction?
Flakka addiction can be most effectively treated within an inpatient or residential treatment program that can offer medical and behavioral health treatment.
Treatment for flakka addiction may involve:
- medically supervised detox
- cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- contingency management
- motivational enhancement therapy
- group therapy
- aftercare support
Find A Flakka Addiction Treatment Program Today
Millions of people in the United States struggle with drug addiction and seek help for addiction each year. Let us help you get there.
Call our free and confidential helpline now to find flakka detox options for yourself or a loved one living with addiction.
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.
- U.S. National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) — Commonly Used Drugs
https://www.drugabuse.gov/drug-topics/commonly-used-drugs-charts - U.S. National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) — “Flakka” (alpha-PVP)
https://archives.drugabuse.gov/emerging-trends/flakka-alpha-pvp - U.S. National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) — Synthetic Cathinones (“Bath Salts”) Drug Facts
https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/synthetic-cathinones-bath-salts
