Drugs Addiction

Background:

BZP is a synthetic stimulant drug with the chemical name 1-benzylpiperazine. It was originally used as a worming treatment for animals. PEP pills contain a blend of BZP and other less potent chemicals from the piperazine family. It has gained a reputation, and some controversy, as a safe alternative to speed, methamphetamine and ecstasy.

BZP is banned in some countries, including the USA and parts of Australia. In New Zealand, the drug laws have been amended to recognise BZP as a 'low-risk substance'.

The effects:

• Loss of appetite, increased heart rate, tingling skin and flushing are often experienced as the effects of the drug kick in;
• 50-200 mg doses can lead to a sense of euphoria and increased alertness;
• Sense of taste, sound and colour may be enhanced;
• Such effects can last between four to eight hours, depending on the amount taken, the user's mood, metabolism and environment.

The risks:

• Users report an inability to sleep for as long as 10 hours after the effects have subsided;
• Can leave users with symptoms similar to a hangover, such as headache, fatigue, reduced appetite and nausea;
• Possibility of slight memory loss;
• Tolerance develops. This means the user increasingly needs more to get the same effect;
• Medical experts have warned that taking BZP can overstimulate the brain, causing anxiety and convulsions in some cases.

The law:

In the UK, any product containing piperazine - a component of BZP - must be classified as a prescription-only medicine. This also means a license is required for manufacture and supply. Selling it as a party drug or advertising it as such is illegal. At present, a loophole in the law allows BZP to be sold as a soil fertiliser. The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) says the net is closing on UK piperazine distributors.

If you're planning to take this drug:

BZP is often talked about as a 'safe' drug. However, criticism has been voiced at the fact that rigorous clinical and animal trials have not been undertaken. In effect, this means it is not possible to say the drug is entirely safe.