A relatively new designer drug is becoming popular in many circles. Benzofurans, also known by users as benzo fury, benzofury or 6-APB, is a psychoactive drug. It’s similar to MDMA or ecstasy as it brings on feelings of euphoria. While it may be trendy as one of the latest new psychoactive substances, it carries significant risks.

What Is “Benzo Fury” and How Does It Work?

Benzo fury is a synthetic drug made up of a group of substances mixed together, usually 6-APB and other chemically similar drugs. The result is a substance that produces similar results to MDMA or ecstasy. Benzo fury usually comes in brown or white powder form and is either ingested as a pill or snorted as a powder.

This psychoactive substance stimulates the release of serotonin and dopamine, giving the users a sense of happiness and increased energy. The effects of benzo fury are usually felt within 30-60 minutes of taking the drug, and the peak of the drug’s effects hit within 3 to 4 hours. Coming off benzo fury is similar to MDMA and ecstasy — you may feel momentarily sad due to the sudden drop in serotonin. This usually lasts between 6 and 48 hours after taking the drug.

A Quick History of Benzo Fury

In recent years, there’s been an increase in the production of new psychoactive substances (NPS), sometimes called designer drugs. These NPS are usually created by altering the compounds of existing drug types. For example, benzofurans are created from phenylethylamine.

People experiment and develop NPS in the hopes of creating a new drug that offers users exceptional highs. The danger with all types of NPS, including benzo fury, is that no one knows what the risks are for short-term or prolonged use. There’s been no formal testing on animals or humans.

Benzo fury turned into a sort of benzo rage around 2013. The drug is technically a research chemical, which made it a legal high in many countries at the time. It was popular with people who went to clubs and raves.

In the UK, it was sold as a legal alternative to ecstasy but had a warning label that stated it was “not for human consumption.” However, in 2013, after benzo fury and another legal drug, NBOMe, were linked to some hospital admissions and a few deaths, the UK government made the drugs illegal.

The UK isn’t the only country to do so. Benzo fury is prohibited in Finland, France, Germany and Italy. It may or may not be illegal in the United States and Canada, depending on various factors.

The Risks and Dangers of Synthetic Benzodiazepines

Some of the immediate, short-term risks of using benzodiazepines are:

  • Increased heart rate
  • High blood pressure
  • Hallucinations
  • Psychosis
  • Paranoia
  • Anxiety
  • Overdose
  • Death

While there isn’t a lot of research on long-term use, it’s known that benzo fury comes with the risk of heart attack, addiction and mental health issues from the psychosis episodes.

Recognizing Symptoms of Use and Overdose

There isn’t a lot of information and research on the effects of benzodiazepines and addiction. Still, this drug is known to be addictive and follows the same patterns as other substances. People start by using it lightly and just for fun. However, with repeated use, you need more to get the same effects as before. Over time, you start to notice withdrawal symptoms if you don’t regularly have it, which can send you spiraling into addiction.

Some of the warning signs that you may be addicted to benzo fury are:

  • Sudden mood changes
  • Dramatic changes in weight
  • Loss of interest in hobbies and friends
  • Changes in physical appearance and hygiene
  • Isolation
  • Problems at work or school
  • Experiencing withdrawals if you go too long without the drug
  • Having to use more and more for the same effect
  • Not being able to stop using, even when you want to
  • Spending an excessive amount of time thinking about the drug
  • Making risky decisions to get more of the drug
  • Trying to hide your benzo fury use, especially the frequency and quantity, from family and loved ones
  • Relationship problems
  • Using other, harder drugs if benzo fury isn’t available to you
  • Hanging out with new people who use benzo fury as much as you

Even if you’re using benzo fury recreationally, know that it can quickly become a serious problem. You could get addicted and risk serious health consequences, such as a heart attack or overdose. And if you don’t get addicted to benzo fury, it might be the gateway drug that sends you down a path of abusing other, harder substances.

And there’s no denying that recreational drug use can lead to addiction. A 2020 study found that 1 in 4 people who’ve tried illicit drugs end up having a drug disorder at some point in their lives.

How to Seek Help for Synthetic Drug Addiction

Seeking professional treatment at a rehabilitation center is the best way to tackle synthetic drug addiction. This offers:

  • Safe detox. When you go through withdrawal in a rehab facility, you can be monitored 24-7. If there’s a medical emergency, help is always on hand.
  • Medical detox. Many rehabilitation centers offer medical detox to help ease some of the unpleasant withdrawal side effects.
  • Professional help. When you’re in a rehab clinic, you’ll have the expertise and experience of all the medical staff who’ve successfully ushered hundreds of others into sobriety.
  • Therapy. Recovery is more than just getting the drugs out of your system. You need to learn what led you down the path of substance abuse and discover coping mechanisms so you don’t repeat your past mistakes. Rehabilitation programs typically include therapy for a comprehensive approach to recovery.
  • Community. Patients in rehab often have a chance to form connections with others going through similar struggles. These relationships can become critical support systems where individuals hold each other accountable in recovery.

Addiction Support at Sunlight Recovery

Recovery starts with seeking help. There’s no reason you have to try to do this alone. Let the experts lend a helping hand so you can return to feeling like your old self. Sunlight Recovery is a fully equipped mental health and substance abuse treatment center in South Florida. We offer everything you need for addiction recovery, from residential treatment to outpatient programs. Let our team of compassionate, experienced and licensed staff help you live up to your full potential. Contact us today for more information on what we can do for you.