The Dangers of Flakka

Alpha-PVP (alpha-pyrrolidinopentiophenone), commonly known as “flakka” or “gravel,” is a dangerous and highly addictive synthetic cathinone drug. It is associated with severe physical and psychological dangers, including overdose and death.

Physical Dangers

Alpha-PVP significantly impacts the cardiovascular system and the central nervous system, leading to several critical health risks:

Cardiovascular Issues: The drug causes rapid heart rate (tachycardia) and high blood pressure (hypertension). Additionally, it can cause chest pain, leading to heart attacks or strokes.
Extreme Hyperthermia: Users often experience a dangerous elevation in body temperature, sometimes exceeding 105°F (41°C). This can lead to dehydration and kidney failure.
Neuromuscular Effects: The drug can cause muscle spasms, tremors, and seizures. Furthermore, a condition called rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) occurs when muscle fibers dissolve into the bloodstream, further damaging the kidneys.
Organ Damage: Long-term use or overdose can result in kidney damage, respiratory distress, and pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs).
Overdose: The drug is extremely potent, and a very small dose can cause an overdose. Vaping the drug is particularly dangerous because it enters the bloodstream rapidly, overwhelming the body’s systems.

Psychological & Behavioral Dangers

The mental effects are often severe and unpredictable, posing risks to both the user and others:

Excited Delirium: A dangerous condition characterized by extreme agitation, anxiety, confusion, and psychosis (hallucinations and delusions).
Violent and Erratic Behavior: The drug triggers the “fight-or-flight” response, often leading to irrational, aggressive, and unpredictable violent outbursts. Self-injury may also occur.
Paranoia and Psychosis: Users frequently experience intense paranoia and paranoid delusions. Sometimes, they believe they are being chased or have superhuman strength.
Impaired Judgment: The drug shuts off the part of the brain responsible for rational control, leading to risky and dangerous behaviors.
Addiction and Withdrawal: Alpha-PVP is highly addictive, and withdrawal can cause severe anxiety, depression, tremors, paranoia, and suicidal thoughts.

Risk of Death

Fatalities linked to alpha-PVP use are caused by various factors, including cardiac incidents, pulmonary edema, suicide, and accidents. Extreme behavior while intoxicated often results in these accidents. The danger is heightened when mixed with other substances or used in hot environments like a sauna.

Alpha-PVP has no accepted medical use. It is classified as a Schedule I drug by the DEA in the U.S. due to its high potential for abuse and danger.