What is Eutylone: Overdose and Addiction Risks

Designer drugs are created in a lab and have many unknown components which leaves consumers taking a significant risk every time they use them. One of these designer drugs gaining popularity is eutylone, a synthetic cathinone similar to MDMA and other bath salts. While the toxicology of eutylone is still being researched, it is one of the most dangerous new psychoactive substances. It can lead to dependency, addiction, and even death from overdose.

 

Understanding Eutylone

Eutylone is a stimulant first synthesized from cathinone, or “bath salts”. These are man-made central nervous system stimulants designed to mimic the psychoactive effects of other drugs like amphetamines and ecstasy. The popularity of these synthetic designer drugs has risen due to being a cheaper alternative.

Originally it was created by scientists in the 1960s for medical purposes, but quickly became a recreational drug. Widespread use began in 2019 and appears primarily as crystals or rocks with a cloudy, brownish hue. These crystals can be broken up and placed inside gel capsules to be consumed. Its effects are somewhere between cocaine and MDMA, causing the user to feel warm, euphoric, and energized.

Like other stimulant drugs, eutylone carries dependency and addiction potentials leading to several mental and physical long-term health effects. They also carry a risk for overdose which can lead to death. Substance use disorders often require professional intervention and the road to recovery can be long and difficult. Using eutylone with other drugs or substances can increase the risk of overdose and its addiction potential.

How Eutylone is Used

Eutylone is essentially a market replacement for ethylone, another type of bath salt. It is normally taken in capsule form, or the crystals are ingested, which have a bitter taste. Some people also vape or snort eutylone. Many people compare it to a stimulant drug with psychoactive effects. It is often mixed with other substances such as opioids and MDMA, which can make its effects unpredictable and dangerous, increasing the risk of overdose. These types of stimulant designer drugs are popular at parties and the length of effects can vary, but usually last for a few hours.

Effects of Eutylone

The effects of eutylone can vary greatly as with other designer psychoactive substances as each lab makes it differently using a variety of ingredients. Dosages can also vary and effects can also be different depending on whether other substances are used simultaneously. Some of its effects include:

• Increased heart rate and blood pressure
• Dilated pupils
• Hyperthermia
• Teeth grinding
• Excessive thirst and dehydration
• Euphoria
• Altered perception
• Anxiety
• Paranoia
• Compulsive redosing, due to its addictive potential

There are also a host of long-term effects and risks, especially dependency. Individuals can develop a tolerance to eutylone with repeated use needing higher doses to achieve the same effect. Persistent use can lead to mood disturbances, cognitive deficits, and cardiovascular complications.

Overdose Risks and Symptoms

There is a high risk of overdose with eutylone, especially when taken in large quantities or mixed with other substances. In 2020, 53% of eutylone overdose deaths were reported in Florida. Fentanyl is a common substance found in overdose deaths from eutylone. It is often mixed with other drugs such as MDMA and people do not realize they are taking it until it is too late. There are all sorts of toxic chemicals in these designer drugs which can have dangerous consequences.

Another reason why people overdose on eutylone is there is no guarantee of purity of strength. While one batch produced a “good high” another one with the same amount may cause an overdose. Eutylone overdose symptoms are not fully understood, but some studies report the following signs and symptoms of someone who has overdosed:

• Sweating
• Palpitations and increased blood pressure
• Dilated pupils and blurred vision
• Hyperthermia
• Chest pain
• Seizures
• Rhabdomyolysis (the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue)
• Confusion
• Extreme agitation and aggression
• Paranoia
• Hallucinations
• Psychosis
• Difficulty breathing
• Heart rate that won’t slow down
• Unconsciousness

If you believe you or someone else is experiencing an eutylone overdose, emergency medical care is necessary. Call 911 or take the person to the nearest emergency room hospital.

Addiction and Dependency

Eutylone, like other bath salts, carries dependency and addiction potential. Using eutylone regularly increases the risk of someone developing a substance use disorder. People who chronically use stimulants like eutylone may develop a tolerance, needing more of the drug to receive the same effects. It is also possible that individuals use eutylone as a way to self-medicate mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression, which only worsens their symptoms and causes them to use the drug more often.

When the body becomes dependent on eutylone, the person can develop withdrawal symptoms when they attempt to stop using. Withdrawal symptoms from bath salts can include drowsiness, insomnia, paranoia, anxiety, depression, and muscle tremors. When a person experiences withdrawal symptoms from any type of drug, it can make it more difficult to stop using. People may continue to use the substance to prevent withdrawal symptoms.  

Signs someone has developed a eutylone addiction include:

• Using larger amounts or for longer periods than intended.
• Inability to stop eutylone use even when experiencing negative consequences.
• Experiencing cravings when not using.
• Neglecting responsibilities due to eutylone use.
• No longer engaging in activities once enjoyed because of eutylone use.
• Developing tolerance and withdrawal symptoms.
• Using eutylone in dangerous situations, such as while driving or while using machinery.

Treatment for Eutylone Addiction

Recovery from eutylone addiction is possible with professional intervention. Treatment centers can provide individuals with comprehensive treatment programs to overcome the mental, physical, and spiritual symptoms of addiction. Addiction treatment programs combine various types of therapy, medication management, and holistic treatments to help individuals find successful recovery.

Treatment for eutylone addiction is available through inpatient and outpatient treatment programs, depending on what fits the individual best. Inpatient treatment can provide 24-hour support, a structured program, and a safe environment to successfully overcome addiction. Outpatient treatment is an excellent step down from inpatient care which allows individuals access to their personal support network and the ability to actively apply what they learn in treatment to the real world. Medical detox may be a great place to start as it can help individuals safely and comfortably go through the withdrawal process.

How WhiteSands Treatment Can Help

It is not easy to admit a drug problem and can be the hardest step to take before getting much-needed help. Addiction can be a deadly disease but WhiteSands Treatment can offer the necessary support and evidence-based treatments needed to overcome any type of addiction, including eutylone addiction. We provide personalized, comprehensive treatment programs through all levels of care to fit every person’s recovery needs. Our programs are designed to provide each patient with the tools and skills necessary to manage their recovery for a lifetime. Patients also receive ongoing aftercare and life skills programming to ensure their best chance of successful recovery.

If you or a loved one are struggling with eutylone misuse, dependency or addiction, WhiteSands Treatment has a program that best fits your needs. Please contact us today at (877) 855-3470 to speak to one of our intake specialists and begin your journey towards recovery.

Preventing Eutylone Misuse

The best way to prevent eutylone misuse is to never start using it in the first place. It is also important to never mix eutylone with other drugs or substances like opioids or alcohol which increase the risk of developing addiction or dependency. Chronic use of the drug can cause a person to develop tolerance and withdrawal symptoms, both of which are strong indicators of addiction. Getting treatment as soon as possible when addiction is suspected can provide individuals with the best chance at long-term recovery.

If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.