The Dangerous Trend of Wasping and Wasp Dope Use
A startling new trend has started to surface, starting in rural Kentucky, and now spreading to the Southwest, that is causing more people than ever to fall victim to substance abuse. Wasping is a serious phenomenon with dangerous symptoms you should know about if you suspect a loved one is using.
But why do people abuse wasp spray in the first place?
The simple answer is that it is easy to obtain, as wasp dope (also called shock dope) is made from insecticides containing pyrethroids and a car battery. It creates a high that mimics that of methamphetamine, making it cheap and accessible.
Unfortunately, the side effects of wasp dope include itching, burning, paralysis, uncontrolled body movements, seizures, and death.
Purpose Healing Center is here to help anyone struggling with addiction with a full continuum of care and customized treatment plans. We can help you turn away from wasping or methamphetamine use and stop these dangerous habits in their tracks.
Keep reading to learn more about how this drug is affecting people across the country, and how we can assist if it has become an issue for you or a loved one in your life.
Why Shock Dope and Insecticide Abuse is Emerging
A new public health concern is surfacing in rural areas, but there will soon be case reports across the globe for the phenomenon known as wasp dope or shock dope. Bug spray, specifically the type used for managing wasps and hornets, can be used to make a crystalline substance by electrifying the spray.
In particular, people who are using these sprays are looking for those that contain ingredients known as pyrethroids.
This wasp dope has several names on the street: shock dope, KD, Katie, hot shots, and even Zombie.
But why is substance use with these pyrethroids so prevalent in modern times?
Wasp dope users who reported abusing the drug claim that they receive a methamphetamine-like rush. In some cases, wasp dope is also mixed with other substances (usually methamphetamine). This only serves to enhance the high that many people experience.
Creating Wasp Dope is A Dangerous Process
Like all substance abuse, methamphetamine use is extremely dangerous. All parents beware of young adults who are interested in your insecticides. It is extremely dangerous to transform wasp spray into other forms. Not only does it lead to addiction, but it can have serious consequences–even death.
The reason that it is often referred to as shock dope is because of the risk of electrocution. Users who want a high similar to meth and related drugs will use a car battery, a can of insecticides, and a window screen or some type of fine wire.
We don’t want to get too specific for obvious reasons, but the battery and jumper cables are used. Then, it involves directly spraying wasp spray until it forms a crystal-like material. These ‘hot shots’ can be used in a wide variety of ways, whether snorting, smoking, or injecting.
What are the Signs of Wasp Dope Use in a Loved One?
If you suspect that a loved one is using wasp dope, there are more symptoms to look for this form of abuse than there may be with other substances like marijuana. The risk of serious side effects is much greater with hot shots. Even death is a possibility if used in high doses.
However, you can expect to see some of these symptoms in wasp dope users:
- Burning, itching, and other bodily sensations that are out of the norm
- Irregular movements, body contortions, and loss of coordination
- Paralysis
- Severe headaches
- Nausea
- Tremors
- Facial flushing or swelling
Among those who abuse the substance, you might also see more serious side effects such as seizures. This is why it is important to seek medical help for someone who has used wasp dope. Toxicity is a very serious issue that requires medical attention.
Those with lung issues are at greater risk of experiencing death from shock dope. And while some users may be savvy enough to create the crystalline byproduct, others may try using wasp spray as an inhalant drug and suffer even more dangerous consequences as a result.
Receiving Help for Wasp Dope Use at Purpose Healing Centers
Learning to live life without pyrethroids can be a steep hill to climb. You will need support from a team of experienced clinicians who can help you get to the root cause of substance use. Purpose Healing Center offers the help you need to get sober at two convenient locations in Phoenix and Scottsdale.
We offer an initial medical detox where you receive around-the-clock supervision by a team of medical professionals for withdrawal symptoms and the dangerous side effects of shock dope. From here, we offer a full continuum of care from residential treatment to intensive outpatient care.
Purpose Healing Center also accepts many forms of AHCCCS and Medicaid. Most insurances are in-network and may cover up to 100 percent of your treatment.
Get Help for Wasp Spray Abuse at Purpose Healing Center Today
When you need help for wasp spray abuse, marijuana, meth, or any other substances, Purpose Healing Center is here to assist you. Our team is available to answer your questions about our programs so that you can rest easy. We can even verify your insurance benefits in a quick, confidential phone call.
Reach out to us today to reserve your spot in a treatment program and receive a full continuum of care!
480-579-3319