👋 Let’s talk honestly for a moment.
There’s a growing storm we need to address — quietly brewing in the backbenches of our classrooms, college hostels, and local hangout spots.
Mephedrone. Also known as MD, Meow Meow, or simply, “mad drug” by students.
I’ve met teenagers — smart, ambitious kids — who never thought they’d touch a drug. But in Nagpur, they got pulled in.
Peer pressure. Curiosity. Parties. Then suddenly, they’re not experimenting anymore — they’re stuck.
🚨 Why Are So Many Students Getting Addicted?
It often starts out harmless.
“Just once, at a party, sir… I didn’t know it would feel that good.”
That’s a line I’ve heard more times than I care to count.
MD is easily available in certain circles in Nagpur — especially through social media dealers and at college gatherings.
Youngsters often take it thinking it’s just like alcohol or weed. But it hits differently.
It’s addictive. Dangerous. And worst of all?
It’s cheap.
🧪 What Exactly Is Mephedrone?
- Mephedrone is a synthetic stimulant, chemically related to cathinones (similar to what’s found in the khat plant).
- It’s a white or off-white powder that can be snorted, swallowed, smoked, or injected.
- It goes by street names like: MD, Meow Meow, Drone, White Magic.
It gives a high that mimics ecstasy or cocaine — euphoria, excitement, and increased energy.
But what comes up… must come down.
⚠️ Common Symptoms of MD Addiction
Physical Signs:
- Excessive sweating
- Jaw clenching and teeth grinding
- Racing heart and high blood pressure
- Insomnia
- Weight loss
Psychological Effects:
- Euphoria and overconfidence
- Anxiety, panic attacks
- Paranoia or suspicious thoughts
- Hallucinations
- Suicidal thoughts during withdrawal
Behavioral Red Flags:
- Sudden change in friends
- Secretive behavior
- Money disappearing or stealing from home
- Skipping school or college
- Lying, irritability, aggression
🧠 How MD Affects the Brain (Pathogenesis)
Let me explain this simply.
MD floods the brain with dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine — feel-good chemicals. That’s why users feel euphoric and energized.
But it also causes neurotoxicity.
Over time, the brain becomes dependent on the drug to feel anything at all. This leads to depression, anxiety, emotional flatness, and of course, cravings.
🔬 Etiology: Why Do Students Try It?
- Peer Influence – “Everyone else was doing it, so I tried.”
- Desire for Fun or Escape – Escaping academic stress or boredom.
- Availability & Accessibility – Easily sold via messaging apps.
- Lack of Awareness – Many students don’t know how addictive it is.
📊 Epidemiology: The Nagpur Angle
This isn’t happening “somewhere out there.” It’s here. In our city.
🔹 Just a few recent headlines:
- May 30, 2025 – Nagpur police seized 42 grams of MD from drug traffickers smuggling it from Mumbai to Bhandara. (Times of India)
- April 2025 – Rave party busted near Kamptee Road. 8 arrested, including 3 students, caught with MD and alcohol. (TOI News)
- Early 2024 – Nearly half a kilo of MD seized in a flat in central Nagpur, suspected links to international networks. (PTI News)
This isn’t a one-off. It’s becoming a pattern.
🕰️ A Bit of History
Mephedrone was first synthesized in 1929, but forgotten for decades.
It resurfaced in the early 2000s in Europe and spread fast due to online sales.
By 2010, it was labeled a dangerous substance in many countries, including India.
🧑⚕️ From My Clinic: A Story That Stays With Me
A 17-year-old boy from a reputed Nagpur school came in with anxiety and trembling.
His parents thought he had an “exam fear problem.”
He had been snorting MD for three months straight.
He started with friends, but when they stopped… he couldn’t.
Addiction doesn’t care how old you are, how rich your family is, or what college you go to.
It hits quietly… and hard.
🚨 What Can You Do?
If you’re a student:
- Talk to someone. Don’t let shame stop you.
- It’s not too late. You can come out of this.
If you’re a parent:
- Watch for changes.
- Stay open and calm.
- Don’t wait for a crisis. Seek help early.
📞 Call for Help
Mind & Mood Clinic, Nagpur
Dr. Rameez Shaikh, MD (Psychiatrist & Counsellor)
📱 +91-8208823738
Let’s talk before the addiction talks louder.
⚠️ Disclaimer
This blog is intended for educational and awareness purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional psychiatric or medical advice. If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, please consult a licensed mental health professional.
Dr. Rameez Shaikh (MBBS, MD, MIPS) is a consultant Psychiatrist, Sexologist & Psychotherapist in Nagpur and works at Mind & Mood Clinic. He believes that science-based treatment, encompassing spiritual, physical, and mental health, will provide you with the long-lasting knowledge and tool to find happiness and wholeness again.
Dr. Rameez Shaikh, a dedicated psychiatrist , is a beacon of compassion and understanding in the realm of mental health. With a genuine passion for helping others, he combines his extensive knowledge and empathetic approach to create a supportive space for his patients.
