Scopolamine is often referred to as “Devil’s Breath” due to its powerful side effects. While it is sometimes prescribed for motion sickness and other medical conditions, scopolamine can also be abused. Call 717.969.9126 to speak with someone from Recovery Ranch PA’s team of caring and compassionate professionals about scopolamine abuse and addiction and our drug detox services.
What Is Scopolamine?
Scopolamine has been used for centuries. It is derived from plants in the nightshade family, such as jimson weed or henbane, and was traditionally used for its sedative effects. In recent years, scopolamine has gained notoriety because of its potential for abuse and hallucinogenic properties when taken in large doses. As a result, scopolamine has become increasingly popular among recreational drug users and those seeking an altered state of consciousness.
It has also been used as a party drug due to scopolamine’s ability to induce a sense of pleasure and euphoria temporarily. In addition, scopolamine can cause hallucinations, intense sedation, loss of coordination, confusion, dizziness, amnesia, and other side effects. Scopolamine is also sometimes used as a date rape drug—like Rohypnol and gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB)—because it can cause a person to become so confused, disoriented, and easily manipulated that they may not remember what has happened. This way of using it may also be the origin of its nickname, “Devil’s Breath.”
How Does Scopolamine Abuse Develop?
The most common way that people become addicted to scopolamine is by taking it recreationally after being introduced by friends or acquaintances who are already using the drug. People may take it out of curiosity or to alleviate stress and depression. Over time, they may develop a tolerance and need more and more of the drug to experience its effects. This can lead them down a dangerous path toward scopolamine addiction.
What Are the Signs of Devil’s Breath Addiction?
Some signs of addiction include the following:
- Changes in behavior, such as increased aggression or paranoia
- Physical changes, such as weight loss or insomnia
- Psychological changes, such as anxiety or depression
Other signs include withdrawal symptoms when not taking the drug—such as sweating, nausea, and vomiting—financial problems due to spending money on drugs, and legal issues related to obtaining or using the drugs illegally. People struggling with scopolamine addiction may also neglect their home, work, or school responsibilities to use the drug instead.
Why Is Substance Abuse Treatment Necessary to Overcome Addiction?
Substance abuse treatment is necessary because it provides individuals with the tools they need to overcome their addiction and stay sober long-term. Treatment centers offer therapy sessions that help individuals understand why they became addicted in the first place and how they can move forward without turning back to drugs like scopolamine. They also provide group sessions so individuals can share their experiences with others who understand what they’re going through and offer support along their journey toward sobriety. Additionally, many treatment centers provide medication-assisted treatment (MAT), which can help reduce cravings for drugs like scopolamine to prevent relapse from occurring down the line.
Finally, substance abuse treatment plans typically start with detoxification under the supervision of medical professionals. This is the ideal way to overcome addiction and minimize withdrawal symptoms, as it can be dangerous to detox without help.
Find Devil’s Breath Addiction Treatment in Pennsylvania at Recovery Ranch PA
Scopolamine abuse can have severe health consequences if left untreated. If you think you or a loved one may be struggling with scopolamine abuse or addiction, seek professional help immediately. Contact Recovery Ranch PA today at 717.969.9126 to learn more about scopolamine and our addiction treatment programs and services, including medical alcohol and drug detox.
