New Synthetic Drug Causes Strange Behavior

What type of drug causes people to strip down to their birthday suits and take to the streets?

A new synthetic drug known as “Flakka.”

In Ft Lauderdale, Florida, there has been a rise in cases of individuals using the drug then running through the streets naked, and acting insane. Flakka—also known as gravel—is a new synthetic designer drug that has been gaining popularity since it made its first appearance in 2013.

“I’ve had one addict describe it as $5 insanity,” said Don Maines, a drug treatment counselor with the Broward Sheriff’s Office in Fort Lauderdale. “They still want to try it because it’s so cheap. It gives them heightened awareness. They feel stronger and more sensitive to touch. But then the paranoia sets in.”

The drug is often purchased through the mail and cases have been reported in Texas, Tennessee, and Ohio. Florida seems to be the hot spot for the drug however—with more and more cases being reported all over the state. Many synthetic drugs are hard to test for, due to manufacturers of the drug constantly changing the chemical composition. Flakka is no exception.

This drug raises alarm for another reason as well. A person may smoke Flakka with an e cigarette, making it hard to detect. Flakka does not produce any odor when it is smoked in this way.

Be alert to the use of Flakka as its use has serious consequences.