14 February 2024 , 10:17
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A dad-of-seven living in a tent in the middle of a Stoke-on-Trent park says his monkey dust addiction caused him to 'lose everything'.
The user - named only as Paul - is one of the many so-called 'dust-heads' suffering the devastating impacts of the monkey dust epidemic sweeping Stoke-on-Trent - which has become known as the UK's capital for the drug.
Monkey dust is a powerful crystal-like powder which gives a similar euphoric effect felt from cocaine and ectasy. It is said to make users resemble zombies and is known for being incredibly cheap, costing as little as £2 a hit. Paul, who did not share his last name, was filmed as part of a BBC documentary - Three's Drugs Map of Britain - living in a tent.
He spoke about how he was introduced to the drug seven years ago. He said: "I was out trying to score speed but my speed dealer wasn't in so somebody gave me a pipe of dust. That night I must have gone around to every dust dealer in Stoke-on-Trent."
After becoming hooked on the drug, Paul lost his house of 18 years and his family. He added: "I could see it going but, I dunno, there was nothing I could do about it. It can happen off just one pipe. You can have one pipe and that's it you're ****** for the rest of your life. It made me lose everything."
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Later in the episode, Paul has a house and says he has cut down on monkey dust, with the intention to stop it altogether in order to see his children. He said: "There's no better reason than that is there?" But the documentary stated that a few months later, he had been evicted.
Paul intended to stop the use of monkey dust altogether in order to see his children (BBC)Monkey dust dealer and user Steve, who is homeless and living in woods off the A50, said: "I've got no formal income. It's day to day living. Stoke is ****** because of dust. I hate this drug man. I hate it. It's ruining my life."
In the streets, monkey dust is referred to as 'magic', 'bath salts' and 'zombie dust' - although it's technical name is '3, 4 methylenedioxypyrovalerone'. The drug is taken by being smoked or snorted, and gives users a long-lasting, intense high, which can last up to 12 hours, according to UK Addiction Treatment Centres (UKAT).
But, it also brings with it a range of negative side effects, from hallucinations and paranoia, to extreme aggression and senseless behaviour.
A UKAT spokesperson said: "Monkey dust addiction can be extremely damaging both physically and mentally. It carries a high risk of lethal overdose (effects can occur with as little as 3mg-5mg), can lead to heart problems and kidney damage, cause extreme paranoia and agitation and in some cases has been known to induce hallucinations and psychosis.
"The effects of monkey dust addiction are not limited to physical health either as users may find their relationships, finances, education or career suffer as a result of their dependency. Legal issues are also a huge concern both due to monkey dust drug classification as a Class B substance and the high incident rate of crime linked to monkey dust abuse."