From dust till dawn: patterns, motives, and risks of using smokable synthetic cathinones

TL;DR

This study explores the use of smokable synthetic cathinones in Germany, revealing patterns, motives, and risks among users, including mental health issues and the need for targeted support.

Contribution

The study provides the first systematic user-centered insights into smokable synthetic cathinone use in Germany.

Findings

Users often fit chemsex profiles but non-chemsex populations were also identified.

Frequent users reported high rates of problematic use and mental health issues like depression and anxiety.

Adverse effects such as psychosis and panic attacks were common, especially among frequent users.

Abstract

Synthetic cathinones that are primarily smoked—such as pyrovalerone-type compounds, including MDPV, MDPHP, α-PHP, and α-PHiP, often referred to as “Monkey Dust”—have raised growing concern in clinical and harm reduction contexts due to their association with severe adverse psychological and behavioral effects. To date, detailed empirical user-level data on patterns of use and related aspects are absent. To address this gap, the present study aims to integrate first-hand perspectives and key characteristics of individuals using smokable synthetic cathinones to examine patterns of use and experiences associated with these substances.

As part of a large cross-sectional online survey on synthetic cathinone use in general, this study investigated the use of smokable synthetic cathinones in Germany (March–May 2025). A sample of 107 participants who reported use within the past 12 months was analyzed in detail. Quantitative measures—combined with content analysis of open-text responses—captured sociodemographics, patterns, settings, and motives of use, mental and physical health, adverse effects, reduction efforts, and support needs.

The majority of individuals who used smokable synthetic cathinones matched typical chemsex profiles (male, homosexual, urban, highly educated), yet non-chemsex use populations were also identified. One quarter reported using at least once a week and had high rates of problematic or dependent use indicators. One third reported a current mental disorder and symptoms of depression and anxiety were common. Frequently reported adverse effects included psychotic symptoms, anxiety, and panic attacks—consistent with the clinical profiles (e.g., sympathomimetic characteristics) typical of smokable synthetic cathinones—and were particularly prevalent among those reporting frequent use. Around one third reported applying safer use strategies, and nearly half had initiated reduction or cessation efforts.

This study provides the first systematic user-centered insights into the use of smokable synthetic cathinones, revealing heterogeneous populations with varying use patterns and risks. The findings highlight the need for targeted prevention and support strategies that address both chemsex-related and other emerging use profiles and settings.

The study was prospectively preregistered with the German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS; drks.de/search/en/trial/DRKS00035946) in February 2025.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12954-026-01428-8.

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