Benzo Fury (also known as White Pearl) is a street name that can refer to a number of chemical compounds—most often 5-APB or 6-APB—of Benzofuran. Benzofuran is of the amphetamine and phenylethylamine classes, and as such, is a stimulant. Benzo Fury is not to be confused with benzodiazepines, which are depressants and typically induce opposite effects.
Benzo Fury usually contains 6–APB, which is not currently classified as a controlled substance at the federal level in the United States. However, it may be considered an analog of amphetamine, which would make its distribution or use prosecutable under the Federal Analog Act.
Despite this, Benzo Fury is sometimes abused by club-goers and others for the Ecstasy-like, stimulating effects and euphoria it produces. Benzo Fury is commonly found in tablet or powder form and can be consumed orally or snorted.
Research into the possible effects of Benzo Fury has been limited due to its somewhat limited availability when compared with more mainstream substances. However, it has been associated with several unpleasant and dangerous side effects and has even been involved in a number of deaths.
Symptoms of Abuse or Addiction
Like ecstasy and some other stimulants, Benzo Fury is not known to be chemically addictive, and the development of an addiction is believed to be primarily psychological in nature. The desired effects, which peak at around 2-3 hours but can last for up to twelve, includes feelings of empathy, heightened sensations, significantly increased energy levels, and mild hallucinatory effects. Adverse effects may include the following:
- High blood pressure
- Increased body temperature
- Sweating
- Accelerated heart rate
- Nausea and vomiting
- Headache
- Chest pains
- Anxiety and panic
- Paranoia
- Confusion
- Impaired decision-making
- Dehydration and thirst
- Clenching/grinding of teeth
- Nonsensical chatter
When the effects of Benzo Fury begin to subside, the user may experience a “comedown” characterized by fatigue, lethargy, and possibly depression.
Although the possible long-term consequences of Benzo Fury abuse are not fully known, its use has been associated with severe harm to an individual’s physical and mental health. These may include the following:
- Liver or kidney damage
- Cardiac arrest
- Stroke
- Cardiovascular problems
- Dental damage
- Cognitive impairment
- Memory loss
- Poor concentration
Troublingly, both paranoia and psychosis have also been associated with the long-term use of benzofuran. Users may experience episodes of profound confusion and agitation, possibly even weeks or even months after the last dose. Hallucinations, which the potential to prompting acts of aggression or self-harm, have also been reported. The abuse of benzofuran has also been associated with clinical depression, both as a result of the drug’s direct effects and as a symptom of withdrawal.
Benzo Fury Overdose
The development of psychosis is among the most common reasons why people who have overdosed on Benzo Fury are hospitalized. A person in this condition may experience paranoid delusions, extreme agitation, and the inability to differentiate reality from fantasy. Physical self-harm has also been reported.
Benzo Fury gained popularity in the United Kingdom before the United States, and several deaths involving this drug have been reported. This drug has been classified in the U.K. as a class B substance since 2014, making it illegal to use, possess, or distribute. Around this time, Benzo Fury began gaining popularity in the U.S., and overdoses began to occur. For example, a 20-year-old male student at the Univerity of Calfornia died at a music festival in 2014 after consuming alcohol excessively all day, followed up by the use of Benzo Fury.
Withdrawal and Detox
Treatment for addiction usually begins with a period of detox. Benzofuran abuse may cause a variety of withdrawal symptoms, including the following:
- Extreme anxiety
- Depression
- Insomnia
- Irritability
- Paranoia
- Psychosis
A medically-assisted detox is always recommended to ensure the safety of a person undergoing withdrawal from Benzo Fury. During this process, a highly-qualified medical team will be available to make sure that the person goes through withdrawal as safely and as comfortably as possible. Patients can be consistently monitored, and complications can be addressed if they arise. In many cases, medications can be administered to reduce many of the worst symptoms of withdrawal.
Getting Treatment for Addiction
Recovery By The Sea is a specialized addiction treatment center that offers comprehensive programs and services that are highly beneficial for the process of recovery. All of our patients receive individualized care and are provided with all the tools and support they need to experience a long-lasting recovery.
If you need help with recovery from a drug or alcohol addiction, contact us today! We are dedicated to ensuring each person we treat receives the very best care available and can go on to live the fulfilling lives they deserve!
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