Alcohol & A-PVP
Alcohol, primarily ethanol enhances the effect of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) at GABA_A receptors. GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter, meaning it reduces neuronal excitability throughout the nervous system. By enhancing GABA's effects, alcohol produces sedative and anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) effects, leading to feelings of relaxation and drowsiness.
Alcohol also inhibits the function of glutamate at NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) receptors. Glutamate is an excitatory neurotransmitter, and its inhibition results in reduced neuronal activity. This contributes to the cognitive impairments and memory loss often associated with alcohol intoxication.
At the same time alcohol increases the release of dopamine in the brain's reward pathway (particularly in the nucleus accumbens), which contributes to the pleasurable effects of drinking. This increase in dopamine is one reason why alcohol can be addictive. Besides alcohol also affects serotonin levels and receptors, which can influence mood and emotion, contributing to its mood-altering effects.
A-PVP (alpha-Pyrrolidinopentiophenone) is a synthetic stimulant from the cathinone class, often referred to as a "bath salt" or "flakka" on the street. It has significant psychoactive and physiological effects.
A-PVP acts primarily by inhibiting the reuptake of dopamine and norepinephrine. It binds to and blocks the dopamine transporter (DAT) and the norepinephrine transporter (NET). This results in increased levels of these neurotransmitters in the synaptic cleft, leading to heightened stimulation. By inhibiting the norepinephrine transporter, A-PVP also increases the levels of norepinephrine. This contributes to its stimulating effects, including increased heart rate and blood pressure.
While A-PVP has a much stronger effect on dopamine and norepinephrine transporters, it also has a minor effect on serotonin transporters (SERT), potentially contributing to mood changes.
Prolonged use can result in severe psychiatric disorders, including persistent psychosis and anxiety disorders.
Combining alcohol and A-PVP can lead to severe and unpredictable effects due to the interaction between a depressant (alcohol) and a potent stimulant (A-PVP).
- Cardiovascular Stress: Both alcohol and A-PVP individually increase heart rate and blood pressure. Together, these effects can be amplified, leading to significant cardiovascular stress, increasing the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular events.
- Psychological and Behavioral Effects: A-PVP is known to cause excited delirium, characterized by agitation, hallucinations, paranoia, and violent behavior. Alcohol can exacerbate these effects, making users more aggressive and unpredictable. Combining the stimulant properties of A-PVP with the depressant effects of alcohol can lead to severe psychotic episodes, including hallucinations and delusions. This combination increases the risk of enduring psychological damage and acute mental health crises.
- Neurological Impact: Seizures:
- Both substances can lower the seizure threshold, and their combined use increases the likelihood of seizures, which can be life-threatening if not managed promptly.
- Cognitive Impairment: Alcohol impairs cognitive functions such as judgment and coordination, while A-PVP can cause extreme mental stimulation and paranoia. The combined effect can lead to significant cognitive impairment, increasing the risk of accidents and risky behaviors.
- Physiological Effects:
- Dehydration and Hyperthermia: A-PVP causes increased perspiration and dehydration, and alcohol further contributes to dehydration. This combination can lead to severe hyperthermia (elevated body temperature), which can be fatal if not treated immediately.
- Organ Damage: Chronic use of both substances can cause significant damage to vital organs, including the liver (from alcohol) and the kidneys (from A-PVP-induced muscle breakdown or rhabdomyolysis).
- Severe Withdrawal Symptoms: Withdrawal from either substance can be challenging, but combined withdrawal can be more severe, involving intense cravings, anxiety, depression, and physical discomfort.
All things considered, we recommend avoiding this combination under any conditions.
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