Scopolamine is a prescription drug used to treat nausea, vomiting, and motion sickness. Despite its potential benefits as an anti-nausea medication, scopolamine—also known as Devil’s Breath—can be dangerous when used recreationally or in doses higher than prescribed. High doses of the drug can incapacitate you, making you vulnerable to assault and increasing your risk of developing dependence or addiction.
Although Devil’s Breath has become a popular party drug, the side effects are anything but fun. If you believe that you or someone you care about has developed a scopolamine addiction, you must get professional help as soon as possible. Scopolamine abuse can lead to a fatal overdose, but you can prevent this by reaching out to Promises Brazos Valley at 979.426.0086 to enroll in our inpatient drug rehab.
What Is Scopolamine?
Scopolamine is a medication used to treat motion sickness and postoperative nausea and vomiting. It can also be used before surgery to decrease saliva, making the throat less likely to become inflamed during anesthesia. Scopolamine is usually only recommended for people with severe nausea or at risk of complications. It is delivered as a transdermal patch placed behind the ear several hours before the anti-nausea effects are needed and can remain in place for several days afterward.
Scopolamine is also available in powdered form, called Devil’s Breath. This form is often used recreationally at parties, bars, or clubs for its hallucinogenic effects. In high doses, it is a potent central nervous system (CNS) depressant that can render a person unconscious for 24 hours or more. Some people mix Devil’s Breath into another person’s food or beverages to take advantage of them later, similar to using Rohypnol. And in some cases, the drug has been used to facilitate robberies and other crimes.
Dangers of Devil’s Breath Addiction
Devil’s Breath, or powdered scopolamine, has been used in social situations and parties because it helps people feel calm, happy, and relaxed. While these effects may be appealing, they will only last for a short time after ingestion of the drug. The pleasurable effects of Devil’s Breath usually only last a few hours, then you may start to experience nausea or vomiting. Beyond feeling sick to your stomach afterward, Devil’s Breath has much more severe risks:
- You can experience hallucinations, drowsiness, dizziness, and blurred vision in large doses.
- Devil’s Breath can cause violent behavior, aggression, and loss of inhibitions.
- It can lead to memory loss, so you may not recollect aggressive behavior afterward.
- You can lose consciousness when under the influence of scopolamine, making you vulnerable to physical or sexual assault.
- Taking too much Devil’s Breath can significantly slow your breathing and lead to a fatal overdose.
Once you develop a Devil’s Breath addiction, it can be hard to stop using this powerful hallucinogen. Ending scopolamine abuse before you or a loved one is addicted is crucial to protect yourself from the above dangers.
How to Know If Someone Is Overdosing on Scopolamine
Ingesting too much scopolamine can be deadly and cause serious harm, requiring immediate medical attention. If you notice someone appears confused, drowsy, dizzy, and has difficulty walking or loses consciousness, they may be overdosing on Devil’s Breath or another CNS depressant. Calling 911 right away can potentially save their life.
Find Help for Scopolamine Addiction at Promises Brazos Valley
Scopolamine is a dangerous drug, despite its reputation as a party drug. Not only can it play a role in criminal behavior, but it can lead to substance abuse problems. Protect yourself from its harmful side effects by getting the support you need to end scopolamine abuse. Contact Promises Brazos Valley today at 979.426.0086 to schedule an intake assessment and discuss your treatment options.