3-MMC has only been on the market for a relatively short time. 3-MMC powder has been available in the Netherlands since 2012 and gained considerable popularity as a party drug in the years that followed, colloquially also known as poes. Because 3-MMC use has only recently become widespread, little is yet known about its long-term risks.
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3-MMC, derived from 4-MMC, is highly addictive. Detoxing from it can therefore be very intense. Although 4-MMC has existed since 1929, it did not emerge as a drug until around 2000. When 4-MMC became illegal in many countries, the related, legal 3-MMC, which has similar effects, emerged.
Due to its rapidly increasing use and the health risks, the Dutch government placed 3-MMC on List II of the Opium Act, making its production, sale and possession criminal offences as of 28 October 2021.
The effects of 3-MMC are similar to those of ecstasy and cocaine. During use, people experience happiness, energy, alertness, increased confidence and a heightened libido. The effects last three to seven hours, often followed by a severe hangover the next day.
Despite the seemingly positive effects of initial use, prolonged use has negative physical and psychological consequences. These can include heart palpitations, cerebral haemorrhages, hallucinations and depression.
Although 3-MMC has existed for a relatively short time, its rapidly addictive nature is similar to that of GHB. Many users experience a strong urge to take more while using it.
Stopping 3-MMC is not easy and is accompanied by side effects such as physical and mental fatigue, sleep disturbances, headaches, abdominal pain and a sore throat. Other symptoms, including aggressive feelings, suicidal thoughts and damage to veins, may also occur.
Because of the many side effects, professional help is recommended when stopping 3-MMC.
I had just gone to bed when I was completely overwhelmed. My entire family and Peggy-Sue were standing in my home. They told me, “Things cannot go on like this; you have to do something about it.” The intervention, based on the Johnson Model, was completely unexpected, so it had a huge impact. I was given two choices: either I entered treatment, or I continued drinking and my family distanced themselves from me. It frightened me terribly, but I accepted the help straight away. My addiction had spiralled out of control, so deep down I knew I needed help. Although I felt a great deal of resistance at first, I ultimately persevered. Peggy-Sue helped me realise that recovery is a good thing. She taught me not to underestimate my addiction and, above all, not to trivialise it. I have my family back and, even more importantly, myself.
Together, we consider appropriate help: outpatient treatment, residential treatment, detox, intervention or family support. The pathway is tailored to the situation and its urgency.
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