While it may be new to you, flakka is a drug that is causing serious issues. Flakka is a potent and dangerous stimulant drug that is more potent than Ritalin. Users have described the effects of flakka on bath salts, a human-made drug that causes psychosis and violent outbursts. Flakka is illegal as a stimulant, but it is often sold discreetly and marketed as plant food, jewelry cleaner, and other products to get around the law. Fortunately, Harmony Hills offers a flakka addiction treatment program as part of our more comprehensive stimulant addiction treatment.

Although the U.S. passed legislation to ban flakka, chemists slightly alter the substance to stay ahead of law enforcement. These chemical alterations can be deadly because users will never know what reaction they’ll have when using the drug. The fight to battle flakka addiction rages on, but it’s essential to know some of the symptoms.

What Are the Signs of Flakka Addiction?

Flakka addiction is more straightforward to spot than most drugs because the effects are severe. Reports have described the drug as more addictive than methamphetamine, which is startling to those concerned about a loved one. 

The drug is a norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor, which means it will stop the body’s natural process of removing dopamine from the brain. Dopamine is responsible for regulating feelings of excitement, and flakka causes the body to build up the compound, resulting in paranoia and panic. 

The most common signs of flakka abuse include:

• Recklessness
• Unprovoked aggression
• Increased heart rate
• Hyperthermia
• Paranoia
• Hyperalertness
• Delusions or delirium
• Dramatic mood swings
• Agitation and irritability

If you’re concerned about flakka addiction developing, there are some things you can look out for. The first sign to watch for is if you’re becoming tolerant of the drug’s effects. Tolerance is when the body becomes used to the impact of the drug because of continued use. You may notice the dose you initially used becomes much weaker, which will likely cause you to take more. If your body adjusts to the drug, you run the risk of developing a chemical dependency. 

Dependency is an indicator that your body has become reliant on the drug for normalcy. Quitting suddenly, or “cold turkey” at this point, may cause intense withdrawal symptoms. If you continue to use flakka to avoid drug withdrawal, you may develop an addiction. 

What’s Involved in Addiction Treatment for Flakka?

Treatment requires the continuum of care to address flakka addiction. The treatment plan will address the psychological, medical, and social impacts of the disease. One goal of a recovery program is to achieve long-term sobriety while giving you a better understanding of what drives your condition. 

The first step is the most intensive, which is known as medical detoxification. During this stage, trained staff will assess your most pressing needs. They will help you safely transition into a state where drugs and alcohol exit your system safely. It will then be determined what will be most suitable for you moving forward. 

Once you complete detox, you will move into the next level of care. Depending on the severity of your addiction, that could mean residential treatment or outpatient treatment. When you have your assessment, the clinician will ask questions about your past drug use and relapse history. If you require more help after detox, you will likely be moved to an on-site treatment facility for up to 90 days. 

Discover How Harmony Hills Can Help

Once you’ve finished your treatment program at Harmony Hills, your journey has only begun. You will be encouraged to join an aftercare program that allows you to connect with individuals in the sober community. By doing so, you will provide yourself with a better chance of abstaining from flakka long-term. Addiction is a chronic disease present for life, but treatment will give you the tools to fight it and live in full-time sobriety. We can provide you with the tools, resources, support, and therapy necessary to maintain a lasting recovery. Call us today at 855.494.0357.