Let’s talk about Monkey Dust.
We recognise that some ways of using drugs are safer than others, and by providing information which supports people to make informed decisions, we can help people to minimise harm.
What is ‘Monkey Dust’?
Monkey Dust is a name commonly used for drugs containing synthetic cathinones. These are stimulant drugs which have effects similar to amphetamines (speed) and MDMA (ecstasy).
Monkey dust at a glance
How it can make you feel:
- Euphoric
- Alert
- Talkative
- Anxious
- Paranoid
- Suicidal
How long the effects of monkey dust last:
This depends on factors like age, weight, dose and if you’ve taken any other drugs.
Impact of frequent use:
- Memory loss
- Kidney damage
- Heart attacks
- Seizures
- Reduced inhibitions can cause you to do things which are out of character and may be risky
What to do if someone overdoses on it:
If someone passes out or falls asleep and you can’t wake them up, put them in the recovery position, call 999 and give naloxone if you have it, regardless of what drug(s) you think they’ve taken.
What does monkey dust look like?
It’s a fine white, off-white or yellowish powder. It can sometimes be brown in colour.
It may also look like:
- Pills
- Capsules
How is it taken?
- Snorting the powder
- Swallowing tablets or powder wrapped in a cigarette paper (also called ‘bombing’)
- Smoking
How can it make me feel?
Monkey Dust can make you feel:
- Aggressive
- Alert
- Anxious
- Euphoric
- Depressed
- Talkative
- Suicidal (wanting to end your life)
- Out of control
- Paranoid
Monkey dust can also:
- Cause hallucinations
- Increase your heart rate, which could lead to heart attack
- Increase your body temperature
- Decrease your appetite
- Make you feel sick or vomit
- Lead to chest or stomach pain
- Cause seizures (fits)
How long do the effects of Monkey Dust last?
The length of time depends on several factors, including your age, weight and metabolism, what you have already taken, the purity of the drug, and the dose. If you take more than one drug at a time this increases risk of effects being amplified and increases risk of overdose.
Generally speaking, the effects of monkey dust can last around 12 hours. If you can, wait at least two hours between doses to see how the drug affects you.
What happens to my body if I use Monkey Dust frequently?
Using it frequently can cause:
- Heart attacks
- Strokes
- Kidney damage
- Memory loss
- Paranoia or other mental health issues including hallucinations and psychosis
- Insomnia
How to reduce harm while using Monkey Dust
Before you start using:
You might want to ask yourself:
- Is now the right time? How you’re feeling when you take drugs can impact the effects you may experience, so consider checking in with yourself and thinking about whether now is a good time for you.
- Do I know what I’m taking? Researching what you’re planning to take, what the effects can be and how to reduce harm can help to keep you safe.
While you are using:
- Start low, go slow – The strength and ingredients can vary between batches, even if you take the drug regularly, so starting with a small amount and waiting at least two hours before your next dose can help to reduce the risk of overdose.
- A buddy system – It’s best not to use drugs if you’re on your own or if you’re in a position where there is nobody you could call for help. A buddy system – where one person takes their dose first and waits until the peak effects have worn off before the other person uses – makes it more likely that someone can help if someone overdoses.
- Try and take Monkey Dust on its own – mixing it with other drugs or alcohol can increase your risk of overdose.
What do I do if I think someone has overdosed on Monkey Dust?
If someone passes out or falls asleep and you can’t wake them up, put them in the recovery position and get help fast by calling 999, telling emergency services what you know.
Signs of monkey dust overdose include:
- Unconscious or unresponsive
- Problems with breathing
- Chest pains
- Seizure
Carry and administer Naloxone
If you suspect someone has overdosed, it’s always best to administer naloxone. Naloxone reverses the effects of opioid drugs like heroin, morphine and fentanyl. Drugs bought illicitly can contain a mixture of substances, including opioids, so use naloxone if you have it. If someone hasn’t overdosed on opioids, naloxone won’t harm them.
After a monkey dust session
- Self care – Looking after and being kind to yourself is important – get plenty of sleep and rest, and try to avoid taking any other drugs to give your body time to recover.
- Refuel and refresh – Refuelling will help your recovery – this includes drinking plenty of water and eating something nutritious which is soft on your stomach and not too rich.
- And always remember – if you’re feeling low and feel you can’t talk to a friend or family member, contact us for help – we provide free, confidential and non-judgemental advice.
Monkey Dust withdrawal: signs, symptoms and what to do
If your body develops a tolerance to Monkey Dust, you may feel you need to take more to get the same effects.
You can become dependent on Monkey Dust, and regular use can lead to physical withdrawal symptoms when you try to stop or cut back.
We recommend getting professional support to cut down.
Monkey Dust withdrawal symptoms include:
- Insomnia
- Nausea
- Paranoia
- Anxiety
The law
Carrying the drugs
Cathinones are a Class B drug, which means it’s illegal to be found carrying or using it. The legal term for this is possession.
The maximum sentence for possession of a Class B drug is up to five years in prison, a fine or both.
Selling the drugs
It’s also illegal to give away or sell cathinones. This is known as supply, and is a more serious offence than possession. It can be considered supply if you give your friend some or share some with them, and this could get you time in prison, an unlimited fine or both.
