Cocaine increases dopamine levels in the brain, causing users to get "high." (Photo : Reuters)
Flakka is the new designer drug hitting Florida that officials claim to have a stronger potency than bath salts or even crystal meth.
Within the past few weeks in the state of Floriday, the new Flakka drug made a man attempt to break down a police station door, a man die from being impaled on a fence and a naked man hallucinating from a rooftop.
Flakka is a very versatile drug and can be taken in a variety of ways. It can be swallowed, injected, smoked and snorted.
Epidemiologist Jim Hall from the Center for Applied Research on Substance Use and Health Disparities at Nova Southeastern University told CBS that there is a rise in the number of "excited delirium" cases.
"This is where the body goes into hyperthermia, generally a temperature of 105 degrees," said Hall.
Flakka makes the individual go into a psychotic state. Hall said that the drug takers often rip their clothes off, running down the streets. The dangerous thing is that the drug also gives adrenaline-like strength. Up to five officers are needed to restrain one individual.
Hall added that individuals who took Flakka might die if they do not receive the soonest medical attention.
The new drug in Florida is mostly made from the synthetic version of cathinone called alpha-PVP, the same chemical used in producing bath salts, which became dangerously popular in 2012, according to Time.
"On a scale of one to 10, Flakka is a 12," said Lt. Dan Zsido from the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office.
Zsido said that they currently do not know where or how Flakka is being made, or even who is behind the drug.
