A highly dangerous yet relatively cheap drug has reportedly reared its ugly head in South Africa.<\/p>\n
Flakka is a chemical compound originally synthesised in the 1960s.<\/p>
It is known as next generation \u201cbath salts\u201d, a group of related synthetic drugs that was banned in 2012.<\/p>\n
Resembling aquarium gravel, flakka is a synthetic psychoactive drug that is structurally related to cathinone.<\/p>
Flakka comes as a white or pink crystal that you can snort, eat, inject or even vape.<\/p>\n
\u201cJust like \u2018bath salts\u2019 the substance is packaged inconspicuously in plastic bags or vials which are labelled \u2018not for human consumption\u2019.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou can buy it online or off the street,\u201d said Karen Griessel, a social worker at Rand Aid\u2019s Wedge Gardens substance abuse treatment centre.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
ALSO READ:<\/span><\/p>\n EMPD officers tackle drugs in the city<\/a><\/p>\n Silkworth extends its reach<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n She said the reason it has become popular is that it simulates the effects of cocaine and methamphetamines without the high financial cost and it has been reported to be 10 times more powerful than cocaine.<\/p>\n Initially, it gives the user a euphoric high but continued use leads to delirium.<\/p>\n Hallucinations, paranoia and even increased strength are experienced.<\/p>\n Panic attacks, depression, violence, psychosis, suicide and death are associated with overdose.<\/p>\n It increases body temperature and blood pressure which medically can cause kidney damage, a heart attack, stroke, aneurysm and even heart failure.<\/p>\n The drug is bought in bulk online, normally from China, and initially surfaced in South Florida.<\/p>\n \u201cJust recently, we received reports that at our South African Gay Pride party, there was an incident of Flakka use and reports of bizarre behaviour,\u201d said Karen.<\/p>\n \u201cThe drug appears to have alarming side effects and often police and paramedics are needed to subdue or treat users.<\/p>\n \u201cThere have been bizarre incidents in America and other countries, including reports of a naked man savagely biting another man\u2019s face, a woman running down the street naked screaming obscenities about God and others convinced they were being chased by packs of animals.<\/p>\n \u201cIt sounds like something out of a horror movie.\u201d<\/p>\n Karen added that with the possibility of the drug making a widespread appearance in South Africa people need to inform themselves of the symptoms.<\/p>\n These include extreme agitation, jerking muscle movements, delirious thoughts and paranoia.<\/p>\n Wedge Gardens can be contacted on 011 430 0320.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Have a story?<\/strong><\/p>\n Contact the newsroom by emailing: Melissa Hart (Editor)\u00a0<\/span>germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za <\/a><\/strong>or Leigh Hodgson (News Editor)\u00a0<\/span>leighh@caxton.co.za.<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Remember to visit the Germiston City News on the following social media platforms:<\/p>\n Facebook<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Twitter<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Instagram<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n YouTube\u00a0<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Or add the GCN on\u00a0<\/b><\/span>WhatsApp 079 406 1181<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>or\u00a0BBM (BBM Pin: 7F102137)<\/strong>\u00a0<\/b><\/span>today, to get all the latest news.<\/p>\n Catch-up on more local news with our sister newspapers\u00a0<\/span>Bedfordview Edenvale News<\/a><\/strong>,\u00a0<\/span>Alberton Record<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0<\/span>Kempton Express<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n