Monkey Dust - a new ghost is on the loose

For some years now, one substance has been attracting more attention from users, experts and medical institutions: Monkey Dust. Emergency services are reporting more and more interventions in connection with this drug - in Germany, particularly in Berlin and Göttingen - although monkey dust represents a comparatively small proportion of the total number of drugs consumed. Public interest has also been growing since 2023, which is reflected in an increase in internet searches.

But what exactly is Monkey Dust, how and where is it consumed, and why are even experts, who have long favoured personal responsibility on the part of users, explicitly warning against a drug for the first time? The answers to these questions are complex - but one Study by Charité Berlin and the prevention project Sidekicks, in which Monkey Dust users were asked about their consumer behaviour, now provides important information.

What is Monkey Dust?

It is not always clear among both experts and users what exactly is meant by “monkey dust”. It is a collective term for a whole range of substances from the class of synthetic cathinones, i.e. artificially produced stimulating substances, chemically related to the khat plant. These include in particular MDPV or MDPHP. Sometimes they are also called “pyros” (pyrovalerones). Other variants are α-PHP or α-PiHP, which circulate as “Alpha” or “Flex”.

Monkey Dust has a strong stimulant effect and can trigger intense euphoria, increased energy, disinhibition and increased libido. It can also be understood as a smokable, stronger and riskier variant of mephedrone and 3-MMC - similar to how crystal meth is a smokable, stronger and riskier variant of speed. It is a crystalline powder or fine powder that varies in colour from whitish to brown. Some forms are reported to smell like semen.

It is important to emphasise here that the rate of misdeclaration and contamination of monkey dust is high. Without toxicological analysis, it is often unclear whether what is sold as Monkey Dust is actually synthetic cathinones or other psychoactive substances. Due to different dosages and duration of effect, confusion is particularly dangerous.

In what contexts is Monkey Dust consumed?

Monkey Dust is most commonly consumed - at least in Berlin - at so-called “chills”, i.e. group sex parties. It thus joins the ranks of the well-known chemsex drugs GHB/GBL, ketamine, mephedrone and crystal meth. Frequent users also mention clubs and festivals as places of consumption.

However, a remarkable proportion of the users surveyed by Charité (women, heterosexuals) do not fit the chemsex pattern. This is consistent with reports on the consumption of synthetic cathinones in milieus with homelessness and social precarity, such as the „Flex” scene in Göttingen.

How is Monkey Dust consumed?

Monkey Dust is usually smoked, but can also be sniffed, swallowed, inserted rectally or injected intravenously. However, the “freebase” version of MDPHP is not water-soluble and sticks to the mucous membranes, making it unsuitable for nasal or rectal consumption. When sniffing, it should be noted that Monkey Dust, despite its chemical relationship to mephedrone, must be dosed much lower, as it is significantly stronger.

The users surveyed in the study reported consumption levels of up to 2000 mg per session, with a mean value of 488 mg. These figures far exceed the usual dosages given by Sidekicks (5-10 mg when smoking, 10-20 mg when sniffing, 20-40 mg when swallowing). A reliable dosage is often not possible, as Monkey Dust can be present in very different concentrations and degrees of purity.

Depending on the form taken, the duration of effect is 2 to 8 hours. When smoking, however, after the initial high of 30 to 40 minutes there is a strong urge to top up. If you then top up immediately, the stimulating effect adds up, often resulting in very long sessions. In the study, users reported the duration of a typical session to be up to 72 hours, with an average of around 20 hours. Such a long session can increase the risk of unpleasant side effects. After-effects such as insomnia and increased heart rate can last for 6 to 12 hours.

How does Monkey Dust feel?

Typical effects of Monkey Dust are stimulation, desire for sex and disinhibition, but also motivation, alertness, sociability and self-confidence. Rather negative effects include a suppressed feeling of hunger and thirst, hallucinations and a strong urge to crave more.

In the study, users cited both the reinforcement of positive feelings and the suppression of negative feelings as motives. Monkey Dust triggers a euphoric state, increases sexual performance and intensifies the feelings during sex. Users report that they become “super horny” through consumption and that sex becomes more “animalistic”. Users with frequent use also stated that consumption makes them forget problems, anxiety and depression, and some also use Monkey Dust as self-medication for ADHD.

What are the side effects and long-term effects of Monkey Dust?

Common side effects of Monkey Dust include palpitations, high blood pressure, dry mouth, jaw cramps, muscle twitching, nausea, headaches, sweating, anxiety, increased aggression and erectile dysfunction. Overdoses can lead to life-threatening overheating and psychotic states. Sidekicks recommends seeking medical help immediately in the event of acute psychotic disorders.

Typical side effects when coming down are paranoia and delusions, feelings of guilt and anxiety as well as concentration and memory problems. Physical symptoms include insomnia, headaches, aching limbs and muscle cramps.

As the duration or frequency of use increases, long-term consequences such as psychosis, exhaustion, cardiovascular problems, a weakened immune system, severe weight loss, depression and social withdrawal become increasingly likely.

The study participants cited paranoia, panic or anxiety attacks, an unpleasant social environment, weeks of persistent sensory disturbances, severe weight loss, loss of reality, sexual encounters with people they did not like and sexualised violence as negative consequences.

What other substances is Monkey Dust consumed with?

Around half of the study participants stated that they usually combined smokable synthetic cathinones with other substances. GHB/GBL was most frequently used simultaneously, followed by 4-/3-MMC, crystal meth and (crack) cocaine. The main reasons given for mixed use were: Increase in sexual desire, intensification of intoxication as well as weakening of the effect, e.g. „GHB to counteract the nervous side effects”.

Sidekicks warns that mixed consumption places greater strain on the body and mind. The effects of the individual substances can be intensified, weakened or delayed. If Upper Monkey Dust is taken together with a downer (GHB/GBL or alcohol), the effects mask each other - this leads to excessive consumption. If Monkey Dust is mixed with another upper (4-/3-MMC, crystal meth, speed or cocaine), the cardiovascular system is heavily strained, which can lead to overheating and circulatory collapse.

How do I practise safer use and safer sex?

Only around a third of respondents stated that they used safer-use strategies when consuming monkey dust, such as „hygiene“, „using personal utensils“, „measuring the dosage“ or „buying from very trustworthy people“. Although this indicates a certain level of risk awareness, it also shows that the majority do not take such measures.

Sidekicks recommends the following safer-use strategies before consumption Drugchecking or the KnowDrugs-app as well as raising awareness of one's own pre-existing conditions (cardiovascular, metabolic, psychotic or schizophrenic) and strategies for dealing with cravings. When it comes to consumption itself, it is recommended to only test a small amount at first and to measure the dose precisely. If anxiety or paranoia occur, use should be stopped immediately. Overheating should be avoided by taking regular breaks during sex, getting fresh air and drinking enough. Longer breaks of at least 4 to 6 weeks are recommended after use. The use of substances to get high is not recommended, as they harbour a high potential for addiction.

The effects of Monkey Dust lead to longer and more intense sex. Safer sex practices are often forgotten and the risk of infection with HIV and other sexually transmitted infections increases. It is therefore recommended to clarify in advance which sex practices are wanted and which are not, and to have sufficient safer sex utensils ready. You should only consume so much that you can still clearly say what you want and what you don't want - and also recognise when others are setting boundaries. As always, regular testing for sexually transmitted infections is also recommended.

What are the interactions with HIV therapy?

There are still no clear findings on interactions between Monkey Dust and HIV medications. There are indications that certain drugs such as ritonavir could increase MDPV concentrations.

It is therefore recommended that drugs and HIV medication are always taken at different times, which can minimise possible interactions. In addition, drugs should always be taken in lower doses when taking medication at the same time. Especially during longer sessions, it is easy to forget to take medication altogether - so it is best to always have a reserve of medication with you and to always take it at the right time.

How problematic is the consumption of Monkey Dust?

In the study, 60 % of respondents with frequent use and just under 38 % with occasional use showed indications of probable problematic use. 75 % of respondents with frequent use and just under 14 % with occasional use reached a diagnostic threshold indicating probable substance dependence.

Around a third of those surveyed reported a very strong urge to come back for more (“sometimes after just ten minutes”), frequent loss of control and always or often consuming more than intended during a typical session. In contrast, around half reported only a slight or no urge to use and a third only a slight or no loss of control. This suggests that the compulsive, high-risk patterns of use reported anecdotally may not be universal.

Nevertheless, it is important to recognise risks at an early stage. The mental and physical health indicators observed in the study indicate a possible increased vulnerability in people who consume Monkey Dust. A third reported currently suffering from a mental disorder and more than a quarter tested positive for clinically relevant symptoms of depression or anxiety. These rates are higher than those of the general population.

What are the motives and strategies for reducing or quitting?

Over a third of the study participants have tried to reduce their consumption or stop altogether because they are worried about their own physical and mental health. Many feel deterred by experiences of paranoia as well as risky and transgressive behaviour: „I have seen friends become shadows of themselves within a few months.“

The following strategies were mentioned: Avoiding consumption contexts (such as deleting dating apps from mobile phones, moving away from Berlin), complete abstinence, seeking therapy or counselling services and participating in self-help groups.

Anyone who wants to talk about their consumption or is looking for support, who feels they are consuming too much or is worried about friends and acquaintances, can find help at various counselling centres: Gay counselling, Man-O-Meter, Vista , Emergency drug service, organised by Sonar Party drug consultation hours or the consultation hour for party drug-associated diseases of the Charité.

Anyone interested in the path to complete abstinence can contact non-binding self-help groups such as Narcotics Anonymous or Crystal Meth Anonymous visit. This is where those affected share their experiences and help each other to lead a fulfilling life without drugs. More and more Monkey Dust users who have used in chemsex contexts are finding other sufferers at CMA in particular.

Sources:

https://sidekicks.berlin/monkeydust

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12954-026-01428-8

FAQ: Monkey Dust - effects, risks and consumption

What exactly is Monkey Dust, how does the drug work and why are experts increasingly warning against it? The most important questions and answers at a glance.

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