Monkey Dust [1] is just one name for a drug that goes by the scientific name of methylenedioxypyrovalerone.
Because this is a huge mouthful, this stimulant drug goes by the catchier “bath salts”, “zombie dust”, “monkey dust” or “angel powder”.
Often found in crystal or powder form, this drug comprises different synthetic cathinones. [2]
Essentially, these are compounds similar to amphetamines but are man-made rather than derived from an existing substance.
As a relatively new drug, monkey dust is often the focus of tabloid news, especially as it’s often linked to violent behaviour, hence the nickname “zombie dust”.
It’s also relatively cheap when compared with methamphetamine, cocaine, and MDMA, making monkey dust an affordable alternative.
However, because the production process is less regulated, monkey dust is often more potent than its counterparts, contributing to the potential dangers.
Unfortunately, studies show that not only do synthetic cathinones carry the danger of addiction, but users are also at risk of cardiac issues, respiratory problems and strokes.
The side effects experienced after taking monkey dust can vary depending on the dose and route of administration.
Someone injecting monkey dust directly into a vein may experience a more intense high, for example.
However, as a drug produced to mimic popular stimulants like MDMA and cocaine, the short-term effects are fairly easy to predict.
Users report feelings of euphoria, alertness, hyperactivity and hallucinogenic effects.
Someone high on monkey dust will likely be talkative, happy, and have the typical enlarged pupils associated with “uppers”.
But the short-term effects aren’t always positive, however. Especially at higher doses, monkey dust can and does lead to violent behaviours, [3] paranoia and aggression.
People also report shortness of breath, heart palpitations and disturbing hallucinations.
What’s more, the potency of this drug heightens the risk of accidental overdose.
While the powerful high can last up to 12 hours, many users are tempted to take more as soon as the effects start to dampen.
What’s more, it’s common for dealers in the UK to substitute or mix cheaper substances, such as monkey dust, with others, such as MDMA, heightening the risk of overdose.
Signs of a money dust overdose include but aren’t limited to:
When it first came on to the scene, Monkey Dust was picked up by the media and soon became part of a hyperbolic drug scare.
The ensuing tabloid frenzy labelled the substance as “the zombie drug”, bringing stories of supposed cannibalism to the fore. [4]
This might have been somewhat inaccurate, but the facts remain: monkey dust is a dangerous synthetic drug.
But why does this substance carry such a high risk of physical and psychological damage?
Monkey dust is a synthetic cathinone, making it a Central Nervous System (CNS) stimulant [5] with potent effects.
When someone takes this drug, the messages sent between their brain and body are sped up in a way similar to methamphetamines.
When taken in light to moderate doses, this causes the user’s heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure to spike. Because synthetic substances are usually more potent, not much is needed to cause toxic or adverse effects. [6]
Rapid heartbeat, hypertension, and palpitations are just some of the adverse symptoms associated with monkey dust.
Over time, this may have a significant impact on appetite, sleep, and hydration, a depletion of which can be life-threatening.
These are uncomfortable to start, but can quickly become dangerous, especially if someone starts taking monkey dust frequently.
With frequent use, [7] synthetic cathinones can create tremendous strain on the heart, arteries, and other important organs.
Intranasal inhalation (also known as snorting) can cause nasal damage while injecting monkey dust can lead to infection and vascular damage.
A stroke is a serious medical condition caused by poor blood flow to the brain, either because of a temporary disruption, or damage to the blood vessels.
Anyone who has seen a loved one recover from a stroke or has experienced one themselves knows how debilitating this medical emergency can be.
But why is there a connection between monkey dust and stroke risk?
Consistent drug use can damage blood vessels in both the brain and heart, [8] increasing blood pressure and the risk of experiencing a stroke.
Worryingly, stimulant drugs are known for having sudden and significant effects on the body, many of which can cause a stroke. Amphetamines like monkey dust can cause blood pressure to spike while constricting or narrowing blood vessels in the brain.
The volatile increase in blood pressure can lead to a bleed on the brain, one of the leading causes of a hemorrhagic stroke.
When a brain bleed occurs, an important blood vessel has burst and started to bleed into the brain, where it collects around the brain tissue or skull.
A haemorrhagic stroke is especially severe and can quickly become life-threatening without immediate medical attention.
This is because a ruptured vein disrupts the normal blood circulation in your brain, starving some areas of oxygen.
When this happens, the risk of permanent brain damage increases, as well as the probability of a future stroke.
As a stimulant drug, monkey dust behaves similarly to cocaine, [9] which is known for causing ischemic stroke. This deadly medical emergency occurs when a blood clot or obstruction cuts off part of the brain’s blood supply.
Because CNS stimulants can cause blood vessels to constrict or spasm, this makes a blockage more likely.
What’s more, undergoing one stroke can cause permanent damage to the blood vessels and make subsequent blood clots more likely. If a chronic monkey dust user has experienced one stroke without any lasting effects, they might not be so lucky next time.
Worryingly, mixing monkey dust with other drugs further increases stroke risk, especially if that substance is alcohol.
Drinking alongside drug use can induce Atrial Fibrillation (AF), a type of irregular heartbeat linked to an increased risk of stroke.
AF is known to form blood clots in the heart, which can be incredibly dangerous when left to build up over time.
These clots can form obstructions in the arteries and prevent blood from reaching the brain, leading to sudden death or lifelong health consequences.
Alcohol’s effects on the heart [10] can increase the risk of both ischemic stroke and haemorrhagic stroke. As explored above, both types of stroke can result in the loss of someone’s sensory and motor functions.
This means that their touch and temperature sensations are affected, alongside their motor functions and general movement.
A drug-induced stroke can manifest quickly, and it’s vital to know the signs.
As a medical emergency [11] with no at-home treatment, it’s crucial that the person suffering is treated at a hospital.
It’s also important to disclose any drug-related information, as paramedics can use this information to save the patient’s life.
To memorise the signs of a drug-induced stroke, people usually refer to the BE FAST acronym:
Stimulant Use Disorder (SUD) is a very real and life-threatening disease that affects millions worldwide.
Sadly, because monkey dust is cheaper than cocaine and ecstasy, people can afford to take it regularly thereby increasing their risk of addiction.
Because monkey dust is relatively new on the drug scene, there is limited data regarding its addictive potential.
But with that being said, CNS stimulants are known to be highly addictive, with evidence suggesting that monkey dust impacts dopamine and serotonin levels.
What’s more, this drug is notoriously fast-acting, with effects wearing off and leaving users with the niggling desire to repeat their dose.
This increases the risk of dependence, addiction and long-term health risks such as strokes.
When someone uses monkey dust regularly, their risk of cardiac arrest or stroke increases significantly.
While someone may have a drug-induced stroke and not suffer from any long-term impacts, multiple strokes increase the risk of brain damage.
The danger of lifelong disability, heart failure, and death increases with each stroke.
Fortunately, help is available [13] to beat monkey dust addiction and the health risks it brings.
To lower someone’s stroke risk, they must seek formal treatment to achieve abstinence, not moderation.
By formal treatment, we’re referring to either inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation for drug addiction.
These personalised programmes may be the key to your recovery or the well-being of a loved one dependent on monkey dust.
Here at Rehab 4 Addiction we can help you get the treatment you need, in whatever form this takes.
Common recovery approaches used for monkey dust or stimulant drug addiction include:
[1] https://adf.org.au/insights/monkey-dust-busting-the-myths/
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9476408/
[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10093970/
[5] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26216554/
[6] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3056348/
[7] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3217673/
[9] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10455873/
[10] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6007300/
[11] https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/recognizing-the-most-common-warning-signs-of-a-stroke
[12] https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stroke/symptoms/
[13] https://www.staffs.ac.uk/news/2023/07/researchers-welcome-new-support-for-monkey-dust-users
[14] https://ukna.org/
[15] https://smartrecovery.org.uk/
Boris is our editor-in-chief at Rehab 4 Addiction. Boris is an addiction expert with more than 20 years in the field. His expertise covers a broad of topics relating to addiction, rehab and recovery. Boris is an addiction therapist and assists in the alcohol detox and rehab process. Boris has been featured on a variety of websites, including the BBC, Verywell Mind and Healthline. You can connect with Boris online at LinkedIn or X.com.
