AH-7921 Symptoms and Warning Signs

New psychoactive substances, once referred to as legal highs, are continuing to negatively affect the lives of countless individuals across the UK. Substances that were originally created for a variety of purposes but not for human consumption were regularly abused by those wanting to get a ‘legal’ high. In addition to substances such as plant food and bath salts, synthetic drugs were also created to satisfy the growing market for those substances that were not included on the banned substances list. One such drug is known as AH-7921.

AH-7921 is a synthetic opioid drug that was created as a designer drug and an alternative to illegal opioids such as heroin, morphine, and methadone. In fact, AH-7921 is said to have around eighty percent of the potency of morphine, making it an extremely powerful drug and one that is also highly addictive. It is typically administered in the following ways:

  • Sublingual application
  • Nasal insufflation
  • Orally or rectally when taken in tablet, capsule, or powder form
  • Intravenous injection

Since January 2015, AH-7921 has become illegal in the UK, at which time it was added to the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. However, despite it now being an illegal substance, there are many people still struggling with a crippling addiction to AH-7921. In fact, as with almost every other former legal high, the sale of AH-7921 has moved underground.

Although it may be more difficult to get hold of than before, there are still many people who continue to take it and are consequently dealing with the negative side effects on a daily basis. Do you consider yourself one of them?

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Other Names for AH-7921

  • Doxylam
  • 3,4-dichloro-N-{[1-(dimethylamino)cyclohexyl]methyl}benzamide
  • 1-(3,4-dichlorobenzamidomethyl) cyclohexyldimethylamine

Recognising the Common Warning Signs of AH-7921 Abuse

Opioid drugs are commonly abused, and AH-7921, in particular, has a high potential for abuse. Taking this drug for recreational purposes can cause immediate side effects, including:

  • confusion
  • euphoria
  • drowsiness
  • slow breathing
  • constipation
  • intermittent loss of consciousness
  • constricted pupils

You may have started taking AH-7921 as an alternative to another opioid and found that the effects were startlingly similar. However, although it is possible to develop an addiction to AH-7921 quite quickly, it can be difficult to accept that your use of the drug has become a problem.

If you are hiding your use of AH-7921 from the people you love and are becoming increasingly isolated from family members and friends, you will probably need help getting better. If you are taking more of the drug than you used to take to achieve the feelings you desire, once again, is likely that you have a problem.

Increasing your consumption of a drug is one of the first signs of abuse. Moreover, if you continue to take the drug despite it having a negative effect on your quality of life, it is time to do something about it and seek out help from both the people who care about you and professionals.

The Dangers of AH-7921 Abuse

Abuse of any mood-altering chemical is dangerous for your health, but opioid drugs are particularly harmful. The short-term implications are many, but there are also long-term consequences associated with abuse of AH-7921.

As it is a synthetic drug, there is no guarantee that it will always contain the “correct” ingredients. Since manufacturing, selling, and buying of the drug is illegal, there is no way of knowing what you are actually getting – there is no regulation. In fact, it can be quite common for one dosage to be much stronger than the next, thus dramatically increasing the risk of overdose.

If you have been used to another opioid drug such as heroin or morphine and then begin taking AH-7921, you could end up taking a dose that is far too potent.

Poly-drug use is common among those who abuse opioid drugs. Combining AH-7921 with alcohol or another mood-altering substance can increase the side effects, which could be devastating for health.

In addition to the risks to health, abuse of AH-7921 can lead to other problems such as the breakdown of once-stable relationships and financial issues. And don’t forget, abuse of mood-altering substances can quickly lead to addiction. If this happens, you would become consumed with your need for the drug, and nothing else would matter. The people you love, and activities you once enjoyed, will all take second place as drugs become the most important thing in your life.

This change in behaviour is going to have a negative impact on your relationships with others; perhaps it has already begun?If you let yourself become consumed by AH-7921, you may have little time for anything else. You may be neglecting other important responsibilities, and your family and friends may not understand you well.

You might begin struggling financially as the problem worsens. You and your family could find yourselves struggling in a way that brings added stress and tension to already affected relationships. If you want help, if you think you cannot fix them alone, there is help.

Recognising an AH-7921 Addiction

One of the earliest warning signs of addiction is an increased tolerance to the drug you are taking. If you feel that AH-7921 is not having the desired effects, you might feel a strong temptation to take more of it. Chasing the feelings you desire could leave you increasing your dosage, which will then increase your risk for addiction.

You may also notice that you are beginning to experience withdrawal symptoms when the effects of the drug wear off. These symptoms can include anxiety, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, and sweating. You will have quickly realised that these symptoms vanish when you take the drug again, and it is this that leads to a cycle of abuse that can be difficult to break free from.

If you have been worried that your use of AH-7921 has been spiralling out of control, you may have already tried to quit or cut back. If you have been unsuccessful, it is likely because you have developed a physical dependence on the drug. If you are addicted, you will find it almost impossible to break free without professional help. Resisting the urge to use is not easy and even if you want to quit, you may find yourself going back for more.

AH-7921 and the Brain

As a synthetic opioid, AH-7921 works by affecting the opioid receptors in the brain and the spinal cord. The drug was first developed as a pain reliever but was never mass-produced for commercial use. In addition to being a pain reliever, AH-7921 affects the areas of the brain that are responsible for controlling emotion.

As with other opioid drugs, AH-7921 works by attaching itself to the opioid receptors and ‘activating’ them. In doing so, they inhibit pain signals within the body. However, they also cause symptoms such as mental confusion, drowsiness, and respiratory depression.

When abused, AH-7921 produces intense feelings of euphoria due to the release of feel-good chemicals within the brain. The reward centre of the brain is also affected, which can result in continued abuse.

Regular abuse of AH-7921 can lead to certain parts of the brain structure being altered. When this happens, it can cause compulsive drug-seeking behaviour, even when the result is negative consequences and an inability to enjoy normal everyday life.

Learn the Immediate Side Effects of AH-7921 Abuse

AH-7921 causes immediate side effects that users usually find pleasurable. Trying to recreate the pleasurable feelings though is often be the catalyst for subsequent addiction, but the negative effects are often neglected. Below are a few of the immediate side effects of AH-7921:

  • Euphoria
  • A feeling of warmth and contentment
  • Alertness
  • Relaxation
  • Slow breathing
  • Confusion
  • High blood pressure
  • Nausea
  • Depression
  • Tremors
  • Hypothermia
  • Seizures
  • Numbness or muscle spasms

Learn the Long-Term AH-7921 Abuse Side Effects

Long-term abuse of AH-7921 can lead to a devastating addiction that results in severe withdrawal symptoms should you try to quit or cut back.

Chronic use of the drug can also result in many other health problems, including:

  • liver damage
  • brain damage
  • heart irregularities
  • constipation
  • respiratory problems
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Intervention for an AH-7921 Addiction

It is important to be aware that an addiction to AH-7921 will not go away by itself. Therefore, if you are concerned about someone you love, you will need to act. It can be difficult to address the issue of substance abuse because addiction is often seen as a taboo subject, but you must try nonetheless.

Many people secretly hope that by doing nothing, the issue will somehow resolve itself; the reality is that addiction needs treatment. What’s more, denial is commonly associated with addiction and even when you do pluck up the courage to broach the subject with a loved one, it is likely that he or she will strongly refute any suggestion of drug abuse or addiction.

As the family member or friend of someone with a drug problem, you are in a tricky situation; do you address the issue head-on and risk damaging your relationship with this person, or do you do nothing and watch as the illness progresses to its inevitable conclusion?

As difficult as it may be, addressing the issue is the best solution. You may find that your loved one is already aware of the problem and is also hoping it will go away. Even if you are met with angry denials though, your words might be enough to plant a seed of thought and could eventually propel him or her onto the road of recovery.

Detox and Withdrawal from AH-7921

Fortunately, AH-7921 addiction does not have to be a permanent problem. Help is available and the first step on the road to sobriety is a detox. A detox is necessary to break the cycle of abuse. It begins when you quit AH-7921 for good.

Once your body realises that the usual supply of the drug is not forthcoming, it will begin the process of healing itself by eliminating any remaining traces of chemicals and toxins. Withdrawal from AH-7921 can result in a range of symptoms that can range from mild, moderate, or severe in intensity. The severity of the symptoms will depend on how severe your addiction is and if you have any underlying medical health issues.

Treatment and Next Steps

Once you have completed a detox and your mind and body are clear of mood-altering chemicals, you can begin the process of rehabilitation. Rehab programmes are designed to help you overcome the issues that caused the addictive behaviour. You may already know the reason you started abusing AH-7921, or it may be the case that the cause of your illness is buried deep within your subconscious mind. If so, counsellors and therapists have a range of techniques at their disposal to help you get to the root of your problem.

Once you know the reason, or reasons, for your behaviour, you can work on addressing it and changing your thoughts and beliefs if necessary. Whether you choose to recover in an inpatient or outpatient facility, the aim will be the same; to help you overcome your addiction permanently.

Rehab programmes include a range of treatments designed to work best for you. Your bespoke plan of care is likely to include a combination of psychotherapeutic treatments such as individual counselling and group therapy as well as holistic treatments that include meditation and fitness therapy.


Questions about Treatment

Can therapy help my family?

Your family members have probably been negatively affected by your abuse of AH-7921 and as such, they too will need help overcoming the illness. Family therapy is typically offered by rehab providers who are aware of the impact that addiction can have on all members of the family.

Family therapy can help your loved ones to deal with the impact that addiction has had on them, but it can also be useful in helping you recover the relationships you once had, bringing the family back together.

What type of treatment programme is best for me?

Treatment for addiction takes place in outpatient or inpatient clinics but the programme you choose depends on your situation and what your personal preference is. If you are keen to get started on a programme of recovery straight away and if you would like for it to be done as quickly as possible, then a residential facility will be the best option for you. Inpatient programmes usually last for between four and twelve weeks and the concentrated programme and distraction-free environment provides the best chance of full recovery in the shortest amount of time.

Nevertheless, you may be unable to be away from home for an extended period due to family or work commitments. If you are happy for your recovery to take longer, then you can have regular treatment in an outpatient facility while still getting on with daily life.

Do I have to go private?

Many people who need help for addiction wonder about whether they have to pay for treatment. In the UK, you have a choice: NHS programmes are available, and these are free, as are many programmes provided by charity organisations. However, you should be aware that most NHS and charity-run programmes are outpatient based and have long waiting lists.

If you prefer the idea of a residential programme and want to get started immediately, you may have to consider paying for treatment in a private clinic. Both treatments focus on you and your wellbeing, but sometimes the urgency is h4er, and the waiting for a free rehab may prove to be too long.

What’s in it for me?

You may be wondering why you would want to give up the substance that you have been relying on to make you feel better and what’s really in it for you? The reality is that the AH-7921 is not helping you; in fact, it is highly likely that it is the root of your problems.

Overcoming your addiction will improve your life dramatically. When you are not consuming this mood-altering substance, you will be free to make good decisions and you will be able to repair your relationships with those you love. You will also be able to get your financial situation back on track.

Will I be able to use my phone?

Whether you have access to your phone will depend on the type of programme you choose and the treatment provider. Most residential clinics have a strict no technology policy in place that is designed for your own protection. Having access to your phone could allow you access to the internet and people who can endanger your therapy if you wished to go down that route. Nevertheless, just because you may not be able to use your phone does not mean you cannot use the clinic’s telephone to contact your family.

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Call our admissions line 24 hours a day to get help.