Danger Zone One

The following is an excerpt from Addiction & Prevention Journal, a bi-monthly publication dedicated to exploring the habits that lead to drug addiction and their prevention. [Article originally published one year ago.]

SYDUST: NEON NIGHTMARES

Sydust is an illegal drug that radically alters the senses and can cause extreme hallucinations. Available in a blue powder, Sydust can be ingested, placed on the tongue where it is absorbed, or inhaled through the nose. It may also be absorbed through the skin, but the effects via this method are somewhat diminished (though can still produce hallucinations).

Classified as a mind-altering drug, Sydust affects the user’s central nervous system and can alter mood, behavior, and one’s perception of the world around them. Distortion of one or more senses is common, along with a blending of the senses, known as synesthesia. Users have reported “hearing” colors and “seeing” sounds. A danger of Sydust is that its effects are unpredictable, with users not able to anticipate if they will have a good or bad “trip”.

After taking Sydust, the effects will generally begin within 10 minutes and may last anywhere between 4 to 10 hours.

Sydust users commonly experience altered vision, sensitivity to light, seeing distorted objects/faces, changes related to touch (shaking, pressure, lightheadedness), an altered sense of time, rapid mood shifts (peacefulness, dreaminess, varied states of awareness, despair, anxiety, confusion), and shifting perceptions (perceived insightfullness, sense of “transcendence”, and/or terrifying/harmful thoughts).

Many users have also reported vivid “neon-colored” hallucinations. Some have described the experience as satisfying, enlightening, or stimulating, while others have found it to be unpleasant, frightening, and potentially life-threatening. Those who have had particularly horrific experiences on the drug have either self-harmed or inflicted bodily harm on others while under its influence. These incidents are known as “Neon Nightmares” and, unfortunately, have become common as higher-concentrated variations of the drug reach the streets. Dealers are continually “upgrading” their product with the promise that even those who have built-up a tolerance to Sydust will achieve a “guaranteed” high.

Short-term side effects of Sydust may include increased heart rate, high blood pressure, irregular breathing, fluctuations in body temperature, sleeplessness, loss of appetite, tremors, and sweating.

Long-term side effects are much more severe, particularly since Sydust is extremely addictive. These include anxiety, depression, dementia, schizophrenia, and long-lasting psychosis. One of the most concerning side effects for habitual users is persisting hallucinations, even years after they stop using the drug. In one documented case, a user had quit Sydust nine years prior—then randomly began experiencing hallucinations on a weekly—sometimes daily—basis nearly a decade later. For some this occurs only during times of increased stress—but others have reported recurring hallucinogenic “flashbacks” to be unprovoked, frequent, and having dramatic negative repercussions on their everyday lives.

Danger Zone One. Story by Midnight. Art by Salaiix.