This week's NDEWS Hotspot Alerts report includes 34 counties with higher-than-expected drug-related 911 dispatch counts over the previous 7-day period. Read more here. Click here to read more about NDEWS Hotspot Alerts.

What is 3-MMC? 3-MMC, also known as Metaphedrone, is a synthetic stimulant cathinone similar in structure and effects to 4-MMC (Mephedrone). It typically comes in the form of a white powder. 3-MMC has both stimulant and euphoric effects. 3-MMC has "stronger amphetamine-like stimulant properties" when compared to 4-MMC according to at least one pharmacological study.

What was found? 3-MMC has had a consistent upward trend since mid-April. It saw a sharp spike in early May and is currently at peak activity for 2024.

How is it being discussed? Commenters most frequently reported 3-MMC's use as a "party drug". 3-MMC was compared to other stimulants like cocaine and MDMA. Online discussions of 3-MMC often focus on its effects and comparisons to other stimulants. Reddit users report that 3-MMC has higher stimulant effects with less empathogenic effects as compared to 4-MMC. A unique aspect of 3-MMC discussions is the focus on its odor with both the drug, and the body odor it causes being described as unpleasant. Many Reddit users report severe negative after-effects including anxiety, depression, vomiting, and lack of sleep with commenters reporting that these after-effects are more pervasive with frequent use. Redosing before the effects have worn off is reported as a frequent issue. Commenters caution each other to take 3-MMC in small amounts and avoid 3-MMC in polysubstance use.

Drug Terms: 3-MMC, Metaphedrone, 3-MC

Last week’s MMWR examined characteristics of adults evaluated for substance use treatment who reported illegally manufactured fentanyl or heroin use and who also responded to questions about xylazine use. The results showed that among adults in substance use treatment who reported past 30-day illicitly manufactured fentanyl or heroin as their primary lifetime substance use problem, those also reporting xylazine use reported more past nonfatal overdoses.  A higher percentage of persons who reported xylazine use also reported other recent substance use and polysubstance use than did persons without xylazine use. Read the report here.

A study recently published in Addiction analyzed novel designer benzodiazepine-related deaths in San Francisco over 4 years. The results showed there was a sudden surge in bromazolam-related deaths, with 44 fatalities documented in 2023. Bromazolam fatalities frequently involved co-ingestion with opioids, primarily fentanyl, and stimulants such as methamphetamine and cocaine. Read the study here.

Last week, Harm Reduction Ohio published an article reporting on the recent drop in overdose deaths in Ohio. NDEWS was alerted to this article by a reporter in Cincinnati who was seeking additional interpretation. According to the article, Ohio State Crime Lab data shows fentanyl was found in 20.2% of all drugs between May and June 2024, down from 26.6% of all drugs between May and June 2023. Read the article here. 

🔸 Scripps News
New Study Shows the Rising Prevalence of Fentanyl Pills

🔸The New York Post
Mystery 'Pink Cocaine' Allegedly Enjoyed by Diddy Sees Bump Across NYC's Drug Scene

🔸The Washington Post
Psychedelic Mushroom Edibles Promise Health Benefits. Be Wary, experts say.

Webinar 11 - Challenges in Investigation of Drug-Related Deaths in Small/Rural Jurisdictions

When: July 16, 2024 from 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. ET

Presenters:
- Dr. Tom Gilson, Chief Medical Examiner of Cuyahoga County, Ohio
- Dr. John Lucas, Office of the Chief Medical Examiner San Diego, California
- Dan Anderson, NMS Labs in Horsham, Pennsylvania
- Dr. Jennie Duval, Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, New Hampshire

Register here.

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