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Mephedrone

Mephedrone has been in the news a lot over the last six months. A number of young people have been harmed or have died in incidents where Mephedrone has been used. The government has subsequently banned Mephedrone and the UK is now one of a growing number of countries where the drug is illegal. Mephedrone became controlled as a Class B drug on the 16th April 2010

What is it?
Mephedrone itself is a form of cathinone, a stimulant found in plant called ‘khat’. Khat is used as a drug in some parts of Africa, the leaves and tops of the plant are removed from the plant and are chewed or are dried for brewing into a tea. Khat users claim the drug can cause a mild state of euphoria.

Also known as…
Mephedrone is sometimes called ‘Meow Meow’, ‘MCAT’, ‘drone’, ‘Charge’, ‘Meph’, ‘Miaow’, ‘Bounce’ or ‘bubbles”.

What effects does it have?
The effects of Mephedrone can be similar to other drugs such as ecstasy and amphetamines. It can increase a sense of alertness and can make a person more talkative, empathetic and expressive. However, the drug can cause cause anxiety and paranoia and can cause severe, even fatal, side effects.

Why has Mephedrone been banned?
The government believed some young people people and others wrongly believed the drug was safe due to it’s legal status, so took the necessary measures to ban it. The drug has caused significant side-effects for some users – including heart problems, eplieptic fits, vertigo, circulation problems, severe nose bleeds, burns, palpitations, insomnia and memory problems. There have been a number of deaths among young people in the UK and other countries that have been linked to the use of Mephedrone. Long term side effects of the drug are not know, but as with all illegal drugs the risks and dangers can be significant. Mephedrone can be spiked or mixed with other substances, which can increase the possibility of side effects.

Mephedrone is usually sold as a white or off-white powder but also comes in capsules and as pills. Mephedrone is now now a class B drug – you can be charged and imprisoned for selling it or for being in possession of the drug. See our ‘The law and Drugs’ pages for more info on the classification of illegal drugs in the UK.

Contact details and links

Name: Dan 24/7 – Wales Drug and Alcohol Helpline
Web: www.dan247.org.uk/
Email: On website.
Tel: 0800 6 33 55 88 (Freephone)
Text: ‘DAN’ to 81066
Info: A free and bilingual telephone drugs helpline providing a single point of contact for anyone in Wales wanting further information or help relating to drugs or alcohol.

Name: FUSION Young People’s Drug & Alcohol Service
Web: www.fusion-online.org.uk/
Email: admin@fusion-online.org.uk
Tel: 0800 731 4649
Info: Fusion is a free and confidential service for anyone aged between 11 and 24 who lives in the Gwent area and is concerned about their own drinking or drug use, or that of a friend or family member. FUSION Young People’s Drug & Alcohol Service, an initiative of the Gwent Council on Alcohol and Drug Misuse.

Name: Talk to Frank
Web: www.talktofrank.com
Email: Online form (you don’t have to give a name)
Tel: 0800 77 66 00
Text: 82111
Info: The website offers a huge amount of info on all aspects of alcohol and drigs. The infoline is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to offer FREE info on drugs. Set up by the UK government.

Name: NHS Direct Wales
Web: www.nhsdirect.wales.nhs.uk
Tel: 0845 46 47
Info: NHS Direct Wales is a health advice and information service available 24 hours a day, every day.

Name: The Samaritans
Web: www.samaritans.org
Tel: 08457 90 90 90
Email: jo@samaritans.org
Info: Samaritans provides confidential non-judgemental emotional support, 24 hours a day for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those which could lead to suicide.

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