Nutmeg: The Household High

by Bridget on February 13, 2012

Teens are known for their impulsiveness, thoughts o invincibility, and general asinine behavior. It is a fact of life that teens will do stupid, outrageous things. However, some behaviors are more troublesome than others. When their behaviors are bordering on hazardous and dangerous then there is a problem. Young adults that struggle with substance abuse problems are putting themselves in hazardous situations. A new trend is out among the young people, the nutmeg high. Teens are ingesting this household spice in order to obtain a high, it is very risky behavior. Any teen engaging in such acts should seek help at a residential rehabilitation center that features drug counseling and therapy to get their life back on track.

Nutmeg

Nutmeg is commonly found in foods such as cookies or egg nog. Recipes tend to call for a pinch of nutmeg, as a little goes a long way. Nutmeg does however contain a psychoactive compound. Myristicin if taken in large amounts can induce hallucinations and other ‘high’ like effects. This has lead to its abuse among young adults seeking alternative ways to get high. However, this is very dangerous and can lead to long lasting damage.

Psychoactive Components

Myristicin is an organic compound found in nutmeg. It contains psychoactive properties which can lead to hallucinations and other effects. It is a naturally occurring compound that can also be found in natural insecticides. It is known as a neurotoxin and has neurotoxic effects on humans, which means it affects the brain. The FDA only regulated nutmeg as a food, because that is its purpose. An overdose of nutmeg which is four or more teaspoons can create a flu-like high and has very hazardous side effects.

Effects

A nutmeg high has many side effects. These side effects include, vomiting, dizziness, cotton mouth, paranoia, problems urinating, and an awful hangover. Other reactions include a warming sensation running through the limbs. The high from nutmeg has been compared to the symptoms of the flu. Those wishing to seek a flu-like high will have to wait five to six hours after ingestion for any symptoms to occur. This has lead to nutmeg poisoning in some cases.

Nutmeg Poisoning

Nutmeg Poisoning is a very dangerous effect for recreational nutmeg use. If poisoning occurs medical attention must be sought out immediately. The effects of large amounts of nutmeg can last several days. Symptoms of nutmeg poisoning include, vomiting, tachycardia, collapse, headaches, hallucinations, and irrational behavior. The only way to determine if nutmeg poisoning has occurred is to check the levels of myristicin through a blood test.

Today, parents have to keep alcohol, whip cream cans, and many other household substances away from their teens. Nutmeg is just another substance added to the list. Teens assume that because it is a commonly found item, that it is not dangerous to attempt a high. They are sadly mistaken. Any teen that seeks a high or seeks intoxication should check themselves into a residential rehabilitation center. There they will receive the drug counseling and rehabilitation they so desperately need.

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