Mephedrone & Methylone
Mephedrone is also known as ‘drone,’ ‘miaow’ or ‘bubbles.’ Coming from a class of drugs known as ‘cathinones,’ it is a stimulant with psychoactive properties.
Mephedrone’s rising popularity, along with increasing media attention, has made it the most talked about drug over the last few months. Its recent prevalence could be associated with the decrease in purity and availability of other recreational drugs such as MDMA (ecstasy) and cocaine. Its effects have been noted as similar to both of these drugs, combining induced feelings of happiness with an ability to stay awake and dance or be sociable.
Like other white powder substances, mephedrone is usually ingested in ‘bombs’ (small hand made packages often made with tobacco rolling paper) or snorted like cocaine. Snorting mephedrone can be very damaging to the inside of the nose and if notes and straws are shared there is a risk of contacting blood-borne viruses like hepatitis.
Many reports of mephedrone use have involved compulsive re-dosing or ‘boosting’ as the user attempts to keep topped up and put off the associated ‘come down’ - often presented as feelings of anxiety and sleeplessness. Such patterns of compulsive use have quietened initial claims that mephedrone was a non-addictive alternative to other recreational euphoric stimulants.
Mephedrone was classified as a Class B drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 in April 2010. Production, possession and supply are illegal under UK law. Possession offences can result in up to 5 years' imprisonment and a fine, and supply offences up to 14 years' imprisonment and a fine.
Please see our UK Law section for more information.
Although was it was only recently made illegal, mephedrone is a powerful drug. As with other relatively new and under-researched substances such as methedrone and methylone, information on exact physiological and psychological short and long-term effects, along with any harm reduction advice, can tend to be anecdotal and speculative.
If you have ever taken Mephedrone, the Independent Scientific Committee on Drugs would like you to take this Survey. It is completely anonymous and no personal data is collected.
Free, confidential information and advice is available by calling the Release Drugs Helpline on
