Monkey Dust: What is it?

What is 'Monkey Dust'?

'Monkey Dust' is a street name commonly used for drugs containing synthetic cathinones.

These drugs were created to copy the effects of stimulants like amphetamines (speed) and MDMA (ecstasy). 

In 2010, they became Class B drugs, meaning it's now illegal to have, make, or sell them. Despite this. Monkey Dust is still found in some areas, including Stoke-on-Trent, because it's cheap and easy to get.

What effects does Monkey Dust have on you?

Monkey Dust can make you feel: 

• Euphoric 
• Alert
• Aggressive
• Talkative 
• Anxious 
• Depressed
• Paranoid
• Suicidal
• Out of control

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 the effects of Monkey Dust last 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 the 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.

Impact of frequent use

Frequent use of Monkey Dust can have serious effects, including: 

• Memory loss
• Kidney damage 
• Heart attacks
• Seizures

Monkey Dust can also cause people to lose their usual sense of control or awareness. When this happens, people might take risks they normally wouldn't, like acting aggressively, getting into unsafe situations, or harming themselves or others.

What does Monkey Dust look like? 

Monkey Dust usually comes as a fine white, off-white, or yellowish powder, but it can sometimes be brown in colour. 

It may also look like: 

• Pills
• Capsules

How is Monkey Dust taken? 

Monkey Dust can be: 

• Snorted in powder form 
• Swallowed as tablets or powder wrapped in cigarette paper (also called 'bombing') 
• Smoked

Is Monkey Dust addictive? 

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 

• Insomnia 
• Nausea
• Paranoia 
• Anxiety

How to reduce harm while using Monkey Dust 

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.
• Use 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.

After a Monkey Dust session

If you've used Monkey Dust, try to stay somewhere safe and calm until the effects wear off. 

Drink water, rest, and avoid taking more or mixing it with other drugs or alcohol. 

If you start feeling unwell, anxious, or paranoid, tell someone you trust and get medical help if needed. 

And always remember - if you're feeling low and don't know where to turn, we're here to help. We provide free, confidential, and non-judgemental advice and support to anyone in Stoke-on-Trent affected by drugs, and we are here for you.