How Are Benzofuran Drugs Abused?

New Psychoactive Substance

Benzofurans have been recognized by researchers as new psychoactive substances (NPS). Researchers have observed a significant increase in the production of NPS, also referred to as designer drugs, in recent years.

Many NPS are derived from compounds of older drug types, such as phenylethylamine, which is the case for benzofurans. NPS offer people new ways to experience hallucinogenic highs, but the use of these drugs can only be explained as experimental, at best.

New psychoactive substances are risky to use because there are no modes for controlling the production or guaranteeing quality and accuracy of ingredients. No formal testing has been conducted of NPS in animals or humans, so little is known about the short-term and long-term effects of use.

Adverse reactions are often seen in people who used benzofurans that were laced with other chemicals from other drugs. Oftentimes, people who use NPS believe they are buying one drug but are actually sold something completely different. Likewise, people buying a specific NPS could be buying a product that is mixed with many other toxic chemicals. As these chemicals mix together, they are likely to produce more severe and dangerous side effects than when used alone.

The effects of benzofurans include:

Benzofuran as a Recreational Drug

Recognized by the street names of benzofury, white pearl, 6-APDB, 5-APDB, 6-APB, 5-APB, bromo-dragonFLY and 2-CB-FLY, benzofurans are known to produce hallucinogenic effects. They are not one of the more commonly used recreational drugs, but information has been collected throughout Europe and the United States on benzofuran and the risks associated with use.

Benzofurans are related to other drugs that are also derived from phenethylamine materials, such as MDMA (ecstasy) and MDA. Benzofurans are typically sold as a white or brown powder or in tablet or capsule form. The substance is generally swallowed or snorted.

Since benzofurans do not have the exact chemical structure of ecstasy and MDA, manufacturers and sellers often try to market them as legal drugs under various names. However, identified forms of benzofurans are illegal to sell and use.

The limited data collected on benzofurans suggests that potential risks are similar to those associated with the use of ecstasy, MDA, and speed and may include:

A Dangerous Drug

Like many new psychoactive substances, little is known about the short-term and long-term effects of benzofurans, but a growing body of literature warns against dangerous complications caused by the drug. And because there is no regulation of benzofuran production, manufacturers are able to mix whatever chemicals they want into the synthetic drug.

Addiction to Benzofurans

Since so little is known about benzofuran use, researchers and substance misuse treatment professionals often turn to information that has already been gathered about related substances, such as MDMA. Addiction to MDMA has not been definitively confirmed, though addictive properties have been recognized. Many people who use MDMA report symptoms of addiction that include cravings, tolerance, and withdrawal symptoms.

Stimulant use disorders encompass the addiction to drugs like amphetamines, methamphetamines, and cocaine. A stimulant use disorder can be recognized by a pattern of chronic, compulsive use despite negative consequence. Some of the signs and symptoms of a stimulant use disorder include the development of tolerance to the substance, having strong cravings for the substance, and experiencing withdrawal symptoms, which may include:

Withdrawal symptoms are likely to begin about 12 hours after last use, peak within a few days, and mostly subside within a week to 10 days. Of course, factors such as duration of drug use, amount of drug use, and personal health all impact how severely withdrawal symptoms are felt and how long it takes for them to go away.

Treatment Options

Because recent studies have found that the clinical effects of benzofurans are comparable to those of drugs like MDMA, existing treatment guidelines can be applied to benzofuran treatment. Treatment may begin with detox, which allows the body to rid itself of the substance. If necessary, it is possible to enter a treatment program that offers medically assisted detox. While there are no medications approved for the treatment of benzofuran addiction, associated withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety and insomnia may be helped with medication. Medically assisted detox helps to safely manage withdrawal symptoms and is typically the first step in a comprehensive treatment plan for addiction.

Treatment may take place in an inpatient or outpatient setting and include individual and group counseling, psychoeducation, and therapy. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) reports that the most effective forms of treatment for MDMA involve behavioral interventions.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) has been proven useful to help people understand the causes of their drug use, recognize triggers for use, and develop positive coping strategies and life skills to avoid drug use after treatment.

Through a combination of individual and group therapy, individuals work on recognizing their triggers for drug use, evaluate personal motivations for staying sober, build problem-solving and healthy coping skills, and practice communication skills to support healthy relationships. The main goal of drug treatment programs is to promote substance abstinence and healthy living after treatment, which allows individuals to become integrated and contributing members of their communities.

Find Drug Rehab Centers Near You

If you or someone you love struggle with benzofuran use or addiction, American Addiction Centers (AAC), which operates substance use treatment centers throughout the country, can help. Reach out to learn more about AAC’s evidence-based programs, speak to a knowledgeable admissions navigator about your treatment options, and begin your road to recovery.