The surge in popularity of party drug 3-MMC, commonly known as 'meow meow', is causing concern among experts as it gains traction in both Dutch and Belgian nightlife scenes.
This potent drug's increasing prevalence is prompting worries about addiction and health risks, leading authorities and experts to call for action.
Recent data from the Trimbos Institute's Great Nightlife Survey reveals a tripling of 3-MMC presence in Dutch nightlife over three years. More than a third of the 7,000 respondents admitted to trying it at least once in the past year, making it the third most commonly used nightlife drug after ecstasy and cannabis.
In Belgium, while data on 3-MMC prevalence remains scarce, incidents such as the recent discovery of two kilograms of the drug by traffic police in Antwerp underscore its growing presence.
The appeal of 3-MMC lies in its stimulating and euphoric effects, making it popular among partygoers seeking an energetic high. However, its addictive nature poses significant risks, with users potentially developing a strong craving leading to addiction and adverse consequences in their personal and professional lives.
Several experts in Belgium have voiced concerns about the increasing availability of such substances in nightlife, warning of the serious threat they pose to young people's well-being and emphasising the need for greater awareness of the risks associated with these party drugs.
3-MMC, falling under the category of synthetic cathinones, has been gaining popularity across Europe for several years. Short-term consequences of its use include aggression, palpitations, anxiety, hallucinations, and kidney failure, with the World Health organisation (WHO) particularly warning of unknown long-term effects in a 2022 report on the drug.
The fight back
Addressing the 3-MMC rise faces challenges due to its legal status. While Belgium has banned 3-MMC, users have been able to get the drug from Dutch webshops. The Netherlands' more flexible legislation allows manufacturers to tweak the drug's chemical composition to circumvent bans. Although 3-MMC was banned in the Netherlands at the end of 2021, webshops have offered similar drugs with slightly different compositions to evade legislation, most of which are also prohibited in Belgium.
Belgian experts stress the need for comprehensive research to understand the extent of 3-MMC use and develop targeted prevention strategies, including understanding the demographics of users to tailor interventions effectively.
As the 3-MMC epidemic continues, collaborative efforts between authorities, healthcare professionals, and community organizations are urgently needed to curb its spread and safeguard public health. Failure to address this growing crisis could have far-reaching consequences for individuals and society as a whole.
