Recreational drugs come in many shapes and forms, and it is critical for people to be familiar with one called sassafras. This is a nickname for a recreational drug known as methylenedioxyamphetamine, which is typically shortened to MDA. Because it is a stimulant and hallucinogen, it is remarkably similar to MDMA (or molly). Sassafras drugs, made from safrole and sassafras oil, has a variety of potential side effects and long-term complications. It can even be carcinogenic, which is why it comes with a host of warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
It is critical for everyone to learn more about the effects of sassafras (also called sass) and why this controlled substance can be so dangerous.
An Overview Of The Sassafras Plant and Tree
Sassafras is a synthetic drug that is typically produced as a capsule or pill, although it can be seen as a powder as well. This synthetic drug comes from safrole, which can be found in sassafras oil from the sassafras tree. The oil itself comes from Sassafras albidum, which is the sassafras plant. Hundreds of years ago, many people used this plant as a way to treat a variety of health issues, such as GI problems, coughs, and infections.
Until the 1960s, safrole was used to make sassafras tea. It was even used as a flavoring agent for root beer. Sadly, teams of researchers discovered that this substance led to a variety of potential side effects, including liver damage and cancer. That was why the FDA decided to ban the use of safrole, but people have continued to make and use MDA and MDMA since that time.
What Does Sassafras Do?
If you decide to take sassafras, it can cause a variety of effects throughout the body. First, it can have a significant impact on the body’s neurotransmitters, including norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin. These neurotransmitters can have a significant impact on your behavior and mood, and many people start to feel the effects about a half hour to an hour after ingesting it.
These effects can be both physical and emotional. For example, most people say that it brings a sense of euphoria and excitement, and it can reduce someone’s inhibitions while providing them with a significant energy boost.
On the other hand, some of the mental and emotional side effects can be unpleasant. For example, some people indicate that it makes their anxiety worse, while other people start to hallucinate. They might start to see and hear things that aren’t actually there.
Sassafras can also have a significant impact on your body’s physical health as well. Some of the most common side effects include:
- You might feel your heart rate go up. Your heart might feel like it is pounding in your chest.
- Your body temperature may begin to rise, and you might even run a fever.
- You could have dangerously high blood pressure.
- You might start to sweat profusely.
- You might feel your jaw start to clench, and you might even start grinding your teeth.
- You might start to feel nauseous, and you could start vomiting.
Overall, the effects of sassafras will last for approximately 12 hours; however, the length of time you experience these effects, and their overall severity, will depend on how much you have taken and what your tolerance level is.
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What Happens When You Come Back Down?
When the drug wears off, you may experience some unpleasant effects. Many people get depressed when sassafras leaves their system, and you might feel a bit tired as well. These effects will generally wear off in a few hours, but there are some people who may experience them for a few days. The crash can also lead to other side effects as well, such as vomiting and diarrhea.
Can You Overdose On Sassafras?
Sassafras is an illegal drug, and like numerous other illicit drugs, you can overdose on it. You are far more likely to overdose on sassafras if you decide to mix it with other substances, as it can make it hard for you to figure out exactly how much you have taken.
There are several possible symptoms you might notice if you overdose on sassafras. Some of the most common signs and symptoms include:
- Your pupils will be extremely large.
- You may start to have trouble breathing.
- Your heart might feel like it is turning over in your chest.
- You might start to get confused and drowsy.
- You may begin vomiting, and you might not be able to stop.
As the symptoms get worse, you might start to develop seizures as well. Then, you could lose consciousness, which is a sign that you have overdosed on sassafras. An overdose on this drug can be fatal, so if you suspect someone has overdosed on sassafras, you need to call 911 right away.
This drug can also be incredibly dangerous because it is relatively easy to mix with other substances. For example, someone who takes sassafras that has been laced with fentanyl could experience other symptoms as well, such as respiratory arrest. This happens when someone stops breathing. Because it can be difficult to figure out what sassafras has been mixed with, it can also be hard to predict what the symptoms might be.
Long-Term Effects Of Sassafras
There are some long-term effects of sassafras that people might experience as well. For example, as your body temperature begins to rise, you could start to damage some of your internal organs. This drug could cause someone to develop kidney failure, and individuals who take sassafras continuously could experience liver damage as well.
Furthermore, the original reason why the FDA decided to ban sassafras was due to cancer. The more sassafras someone takes, the greater their chances of developing cancer. Right now, research is still ongoing to figure out whether sassafras is addictive, but the more someone takes this drug, the more likely it is that they will develop a tolerance, which means that they will have to take more of it to achieve the same results.
For all of these reasons, it is critical for someone to avoid taking sassafras. The use of sassafras is dangerous, particularly if you have other health conditions.
If you or someone you know has been taking sassafras, it is important to reach out and ask for help.
Sassafras Abuse Treatment at Riverside Recovery of Tampa
There are multiple treatment options if you or someone you know has been taking sassafras, and you need to work with experts who can customize your treatment plan to meet your needs.
At Riverside Recovery, we have a variety of programs that have been specifically designed to help people who are struggling with drug abuse and addiction. We offer individualized therapy, support groups, and wellness activities that can help people improve their overall health and well-being.
We have programs available to help people who have been struggling with sassafras as well. If you would like to learn more about how we can help you, give us a call today to speak to a member of our admissions team.