What is methallylescaline? Methallylescaline is a synthetic analog of mescaline. It is a 5-HT receptor agonist. 
 
What was found? Analysis indicates that Reddit discussion on methallylescaline has been increasing since late 2023. 
 
How is it being discussed? Methallylescaline is discussed primarily in the context of its psychedelic effects, which are frequently compared to those of mescaline. Reddit users particularly note many strong visual effects. Several posts and comments mention nausea, vomiting, and an uncomfortable "body load" (a collection of effects that can include a sense of unease, shortness of breath, and a feeling of overstimulation) as negative side effects. Discussions often warn of methallylescaline's steep dose-response curve, where small dosage changes can dramatically alter the experience. Some users experiment with polysubstance use where methallylescaline is combined with other substances like etizolam.

Drug Terms: MAL, methallylescaline

Methodological Note: Data was collected and analyzed by the NDEWS Web Monitoring Team, led by Dr. Elan Barenholtz and NIDA T32 predoctoral fellow Daniel Van Zant of the Machine Perception and Cognitive Robotics (MPCR) Lab at Florida Atlantic University. Metrics are based on post counts derived from algorithmic monitoring of ~80 drug-oriented Subreddits. No personally identifiable or post-specific information is incorporated into this monitoring process. Due to modifications in our data collection protocols, the NDEWS Web Monitoring Team is currently unable to collect data for substances that generate high volumes of posts (e.g. xylazine or psilocybin). This temporary restriction, which is anticipated to persist until early June, reflects recent revisions to Reddit's Terms of Service on data gathering. For more methodological details, see our publication.

A study recently published in JAMA Network Open compared the effectiveness of the standard procedure with the rapid procedure for XR-naltrexone initiation. The results showed that starting people with opioid use disorder on extended-release injectable naltrexone within five to seven days of seeking treatment is more effective than the standard treatment method of starting within 10 to 15 days but requires closer medical supervision. The authors note that this rapid treatment protocol could make XR-naltrexone more viable as a treatment option for opioid use disorder. Read the study here. Read the news release here.

A study recently published in The American Journal of Psychiatry presented a detailed portrait of the latest overdose trends and synthesized the literature to describe where, how, and why racial and ethnic inequalities in drug overdose death rates are worsening. The authors traced each wave of the overdose crisis; in 2022, overdoses declined for White individuals and rose for all other groups. They noted that the shift from legal market (prescription) opioids to illicit market opioids such as heroin and fentanyl, has been associated with a disproportionate rise in deaths among Black and Native communities. They also found that distinct age patterns also exist between racial/ethnic groups with older Black and African Americans, and younger Native Americans, as the most affected groups. These trends have occurred in almost every state in the US. Read the study here.

A study recently published in the International Journal of Drug Policy used medical examiner data to characterize demographic, geographic, and specific drug aspects of polysubstance drug-related deaths. The results showed that nearly two-thirds of drug-related deaths involved polysubstance use. After adjusting for year and jurisdiction, female, American Indian and Alaska Native, and White individuals had the most elevated odds of polysubstance drug-related deaths. Drug-related deaths involving benzodiazepines or opioids, whether pharmaceutical or illicit, and other pharmaceutical drugs were most likely to have polysubstance involvement. Read the study here.

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