a-z of drugs

There's no harm in finding out about drugs - the more you know, the better. Our guide has everything from what to look out for, to what they actually look like.

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Cathinones

Cathinone is a naturally occurring stimulant found in the khat plant and cathinones is the name given to a group of drugs that are ‘cousins’ of amphetamine-like compounds that include amphetamine itself (speed), cocaine and MDMA (ecstasy). These cathinone derivatives were previously sold online and in headshops as so called ‘legal highs’. Cathinone derivatives include a variety of chemical compounds with slang names including:

Slang: Meph, MC, MCAT, m-cat, 4-MMC, Miaow, Meow Meow, Bubbles, Bounce, Charge, Drone, White Magic

 

Mephedrone. (aka 4-MMC; 4-methylmethcathinone and MCAT). A stimulant drug with effects similar to amphetamines (speed) and MDMA (ecstasy) producing euphoria, alertness, talkativeness and feelings of empathy. It can also cause anxiety and paranoid states and risk overstimulating the heart and circulation, and overstimulating the nervous system to cause fits. Evidence suggests that mephedrone may cause death.

Visit the mephedrone A-Z page >>

Methylone (aka 3,4-methylenedioxymethcathinone). An ecstasy-like compound mainly in powder form but also tablets. Similar effects to mephedrone.

Methedrone (aka 4-methoxymethcathinone). Off-white powder. Similar effects to mephedrone.

 

The law

Cathinone itself and certain derivatives are controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. These are cathinone (Class C), methcathinone (Class B), diethylpropion (Class C) and pyrovalerone (Class C).

From the 16th April 2010, the entire ‘family’ of cathinone derivatives became controlled as Class B drugs. These include, but are not restricted to;

  • 4-Methylmethcathinone (mephedrone)
  • 4-Methoxymethcathinone (bk-PMMA/ methedrone)
  • 3-Fluoromethcathinone
  • 2-Methylamino-1-(3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl)propan-1-one (bk-MDMA/methylone)
  • 2-Methylamino-1-(3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl)butan-1-one (bk-MBDB/butylone)
  • Methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV)

This means they are illegal to possess, give away or sell. Possession can get you up to five years in jail. Supplying someone else, including your friends, can get you up to fourteen years in jail and an unlimited fine.



The risksTop

  • You increase the risk to yourself if you combine alcohol with any substance that causes a 'high', including the risk of death.
  • Other risks include reduced inhibitions, drowsiness, excited or paranoid states, coma, seizures, and death.
  • Because these drugs are new and, in many cases, their chemical make-up is constantly changing, the risks are unpredictable and are often still being assessed.

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