Posted on 08/16/2016 9:12:21 PM PDT by nickcarraway
A horrific story out of Florida on Tuesday has shined a spotlight on a “designer drug” whose effects can be so extreme that some call it “the devil’s drug.”
A man in Tequesta, Fla., was arrested and charged with two counts of murder in the stabbing death of couple there. When police arrived on scene, the man was found crouched over the body of a male victim, tearing the flesh from the man’s face with his teeth.
Police say they believe the man was likely under the influence of a drug called αlpha-Pyrrolidinopentiophenone, or as it is more commonly known, flakka.
News of flakka and its South Florida roots has been circulating for a few years, but, recently, there have been several incidents where authorities believe people on the drug have been involved in more bizarre assaults.
So what is flakka and why is law enforcement so concerned about it? Here’s a quick look at the drug and what it does to a person.
What is flakka?
Alpha-PVP, or flakka, is a synthetic stimulant that is, chemically, similar to amphetamines. It has also been compared to a combination of methamphetamines and crack cocaine. It is similar to “bath salts,” another so-called designer drug that gives users extreme highs. (This is not the bath salts you may be putting in your tub)
What does it look like?
Flakka is made up of granules that are either white or pink – thus it also goes by the name “gravel.” It has a foul smell.
What is it made of?
Alpha-PVP is made in China and contains synthetic chemicals that block the molecules that keep dopamine and serotonin – neurotransmitters which help determine mood - balanced in the brain. Flakka allows those neurotransmitters to flood the brain producing a high.
What does it do to you?
Called “$5 insanity” by some, alpha-PVP causes a condition known as “excited delirium.” This produces paranoia, hallucinations, hyperstimulation and, in the extreme, violent actions. It has also been connected to several suicides.
Medically, the drug can lead to a heart attack, kidney damage or kidney failure. It can quickly raise body temperature to dangerous levels.
How do you take it?
Alpha-PVP can be snorted, injected, eaten, or vaporized in an e-cigarette.
What are the possible long-term effects?
The high from flakka can last several hours. The paranoia can last several months. Damage to the kidneys can result in the need for dialysis for the remainder of a user’s life.
How prevalent is it?
According to a story from Forbes, as of last year, the US Drug Enforcement Administration has seen a nearly 780 percent increase in the number of reported cases since 2012.
Is it legal?
Alpha-PVP is a Schedule 1 drug, meaning it is illegal to import, possess or sell. It is banned in Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovenia, Sweden, United Kingdom, Turkey, Norway and the Czech Republic.
What have people done while on the drug?
There have been several reports of people doing particularly odd things while under the influence of flakka. In South Florida alone, there have been reports of a man standing naked on a building, holding a gun and threatening others; a man with what police called “superhuman strength" kicking in the hurricane doors at the Fort Lauderdale Police Department, and a man who repeatedly said he was God then attacked police after twice being Tased.
I recommend the Lee-Enfield. If you are on a budget, a Mosin-Nagant carbine will do the job.
CC
GREAT! Thanks for that video link. You, sir....just threw me down a rabbit hole on Youtube following bad drug trip videos.
Which somehow lead to a video about Niburu.
Now, we’re all gonna die. I blame you.
And Obama.
You have to be at least somewhat suicidal to do certain drugs. That’s why I consider some hard drug use to be a form of mental illness.
They would rather be dead than alive and sober with whatever bothers them.
Not everyone wants redemption.
I see no teachings of Christ in your words, and therefore I reject them.
In fact, you sound like a Muslim. Or a liberal trying to figure out how to "handle" a conservative.
Goodbye.
All I know is I need some milk...
“YouTube”
I have no doubt that Flakka was engineered by the powers that be.
BTW, this close relative I mentioned before is a Deacon in his church. I'm proud that he turned out well and he also raised a very good daughter, with his wife.
Another thing, this "close relative" is my brother. And yes he is academically smarter then me. I'm academically declined, mechanically inclined.
You're one of the last posters around here who could ever explain the teachings of Christ, Stupid... Just shut up!
Yeah, it's like that now after repeatedly attacking others here without any provocation.
I do object to being called a liberal. I'm brighter than that.
As a police officer, I see this “designer drug” crap far too often. It makes you absolutely nuts for about 20-30 minutes... Then ...poof! All better and no recollection of what happened. Also hard to test for... As the @designer” part is a step ahead of be testing process...
Yeah, it's like that now after repeatedly attacking others here without any provocation.
No, "it's" not like that now - YOU are like "that." And no doubt always have been. And by the way, I do believe you're attacking me without provocation, since I don't believe I was even talking with you before you insulted my faith. Oh, and that white horse you rode in on? Better get off before you hurt yourself.
Now let's see, what was the crime I committed, that made you so angry you had to charge in here with insults flying? Oh yes, I wondered if the teachings of Christ should be considered, in response to another poster, in deciding whether, as he put it, "druggies and democrats" should be KILLED.
Yeah, that's what it was. I invoked Christ's teachings when someong declared mass murder was the only way to handle "those" people.
And that's what got you so mad. That's what offended you so much you had to run in here, spilling your cheap beer all over yourself and slamming into the wall, falling on your fat @ss, and vomiting out what was either your version of an insult, or a failed sobriety test.
Tellya what, genius - find a hobby you can handle. Internet posting is above your paygrade, and you're just hurting yourself. Why not try tearing up your neighbor's flower beds? Yeah, use a shovel, and scream obscenities into the air while you do it. I'll bet you can handle that just fine - and still be able to drink your beer! See, it's a twofer. And at the end of the day, you won't be revealed as an idiot, like here - no, you'll get to sit on your couch, covered in mud, slamming down another brewski and belch out a sigh of satisfacton for a job well done, while you try to figure out all those big words on Jeopardy.
Go for it.
Yada yada yada... Go ping yourself fool.
Says the guy who's directly calling for the mass murder of what he considers problem populations in our culture.
Yeah, great, well... let me know about your version of theology anytime, pardner. I'm all ears.
Yep, I told you - tearing up flowerbeds.
It's perfect for you!
Don’t worry either, whatever you wasted your time typing... I didn’t read it because I don’t waste my time reading garbage from those who attack other posters here without provocation.
So go to bed now and turn out the lights in your parents basement so they can get some sleep.
Incredible. You really think you said something witty, after defending a call for mass murder by attacking the faith of someone who pointed out it wasn't exactly Christian.
Yeah, right. Whatever.
John 13:34, guys.
How much of that is the drugs and how much is just Florida?
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