Poor Man’s Cocaine: Cheap Drugs Have a High Price
You are here:Drug abuse, whether it is prescription or illicit, is not safe, and the risks increase when cheap substitutes like poor man’s cocaine are used. The low cost of street drugs is not worth the high price you’ll pay in the long run.
If you experiment with street drugs, finding a bargain may seem like a good deal, until you suffer adverse side effects you didn’t expect. Overdose and death are a very real possibility with some of the drugs known as poor man’s cocaine.
What Is Poor Man’s Cocaine?
Typically, the term poor man’s cocaine refers to methamphetamine. Cocaine and meth are similar in that they are both stimulants. However, on the streets, they differ in price with meth being the cheapest. Hence the name, poor man’s cocaine.
A key difference between meth and cocaine is how they are metabolized in the body. For example, 50% of a dose of cocaine is eliminated from the body within an hour or so. Meth, on the other hand, may take up to 12 hours to be removed from the system. Simply put, meth provides a longer-lasting high than other stimulants like cocaine.
Recently, drugs other than meth are now referred to as poor man’s cocaine. Here’s what you need to know.
Other Drugs Known as Poor Man’s Cocaine
Illicit drugs often have descriptive names that can be misleading. For instance, the street name for MDMA, Ecstasy, sounds harmless, but the drug itself is dangerous for many reasons. Similarly, the term poor man’s cocaine seems innocuous, but depending on the drug involved it can cause adverse effects.
Several illicit drugs other than meth are often referred to as poor man’s cocaine, such as:
- Bupropion (Wellbutrin)
- Captagon (Fenethylline)
- Tramadol
When abused, each of these drugs can lead to overdose or death due to their various side effects.
Side Effects and Health Risks
The effects of stimulants and psychedelics can vary depending on several factors. A person’s physical and mental health plays a role in how they respond to the drug. Furthermore, the dosage, frequency of use, and presence of other substances influence the effects.
Let’s look at each of the above drugs known as poor man’s cocaine, what they are, their side effects, and the risks involved.
> Methamphetamine – A man-made, central nervous system stimulant that alters brain chemistry by increasing dopamine levels to induce euphoric sensations. Meth is highly addictive and causes a range of health problems with repeated use, such as:
Physical symptoms:
- Weight loss
- Organ damage
- Dental problems
- Heart attack, stroke
- Overdose
- Death
Psychological symptoms:
- Confusion, anxiety
- Hallucinations
- Paranoia
- Cognitive decline
- Violent behavior
Some meth side effects may be permanent, including damage to the heart, brain, and kidneys.
> Bupropion (Wellbutrin) – A prescription drug used to treat depression and anxiety. The drug boosts mood by increasing dopamine levels. It typically comes in pill form that can be crushed for injecting or snorting. About 30 pills can be purchased for $100, compared to one gram of cocaine for the same amount.
Side effects of Bupropion (Wellbutrin) may include:
- Insomnia
- Dizziness
- Vertigo
- Hallucinations
- Muscle spasms
- Irregular heart rate
- Irritability
- Seizures
- Overdose
Bupropion causes euphoric sensations, increased energy, and increased self-esteem. Although the drug is not a controlled substance, it can be addictive when abused.
> Captagon (Fenethylline) – Originally indicated for ADHD, narcolepsy, and a central nervous system stimulant. The drug was withdrawn from the commercial market due to concerning side effects such as heart failure, visual distortions, seizures, and myocardial infarction. Illicit production and use of the drug is concentrated in the Eastern Mediterranean Region.
Side effects of Captagon may include:
- Increased body temperature
- Forgetfulness
- Rapid respiration
- Sleep disturbances
- Lethargy
- Depression
- Psychosis
- Hallucinations
- Delusions
- Heart failure
- Seizures
- Overdose
Captagon is highly addictive but may be less addictive than amphetamines. The drug is typically part of polysubstance drug abuse.
>Tramadol – A narcotic, opioid painkiller and Schedule IV controlled substance due to its low potential for misuse and addiction. It works by binding to opiate receptors in the central nervous system and when abused, produces a high similar to heroin or oxycodone.
Side effects of Tramadol may include:
- Agitation
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Cognitive problems
- Sleepiness
- Damaged nasal membranes, throat, esophagus, and lings
- Fever
- Depressed breathing
- Rapid heart rate
- Heart attack
- Death
When Tramadol pills are crushed and snorted, the side effects are compounded significantly.
Benefits of Professional Addiction Treatment at Design for Change
If you use any of the poor man’s cocaine drugs, the journey from addiction to recovery will be easier with our expertise. We offer a full continuum of care that promotes physical, emotional, and spiritual healing. Our compassionate team understand the challenges of addiction and recovery and provide customized evidence-based programs that address your unique addiction and recovery needs.
Design for Change is a JCAHO-accredited facility and in-network with major insurance companies to ensure the highest quality care possible. Contact our Lancaster, CA facility today to learn more about our programs.
Sources:
- dea.gov– Methamphetamine
- pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov– Bupropion Abuse and Overdose
- pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov – The Emergence of the Old Drug Captagon as a New Illicit Drug: A Narrative Review
- ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/– Tramadol
