We have helped people through addiction to all types of drugs here at Suncoast Rehabilitation Center. One party drug, which is promoted as a “safe” alternative to ecstasy or Molly is BZP – also called “herbal ecstasy.”
Ironically, BZP is a completely manmade drug. So, its name: “herbal ecstasy,” is simply a marketing name created by some drug dealer in the past. You will never find BZP in nature.
What is BZP?
The term “BZP” is short for an ingredient derived from a chemical called piperazine. This chemical has been put into all sorts of drugs. It’s most commonly found in pet deworming medications. The long version of “BZP” is benzylpiperazine.
Originally, BZP was created by a company called Burroughs Wellcome. It was tested as an antidepressant, but because of the effects it had on the human body, that antidepressant never got off the ground. It was found to have a similar effect as amphetamines. Some of the effects of BZP are:
- Changes in appetite
- Insomnia
- Feeling feverish
- Heavy sweating
- Stomach pain and nausea
- Headaches
- Tremors
- Mood swings, confusion and irritability
- Unusual thoughts and behavior
- Increased heart rate and blood pressure
- Seizures
Usually, BZP is mixed with other drugs and sold as “natural.” Some of the other drugs mixed in with BZP are other forms of piperazine, ecstasy, amphetamines, ketamine, and cocaine.
Since BZP works on the body in a similar way to amphetamines, it is likely addictive. There isn’t a lot of information on the drug by itself, because it’s so often combined with other drugs – and because it’s only meant for use in animals. But, BZP changes the function and structure of the brain in a way that has caused other drugs like antidepressants to be addictive.
If you are currently addicted to a party drug, street drug, or prescription medication, we can help you. Call Narconon Suncoast at 1-877-850-7355. Our rehabilitation program is completely drug-free and our success is measured in our ever-growing number of graduates who now lead new lives free from drugs.
Refs: Erowid.org, Pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, Sciencedirect.com, Emcdda.europa.eu
