Chemical Highs: Flakka and the Rise of Synthetic Drugs

Produced in cooperation with Florida-based JC's Recovery House and the Broward County Sheriff's Office, this program focuses on the synthetic drug known as “Flakka.” Described by a user as “kinda like crack on steroids, almost,” Flakka (aka “gravel”) originated in China, mimics the effects of other hard drugs, and can be smoked, snorted, shot, or swallowed. The addictive properties of Flakka combined with its relative ease to manufacture and very cheap price make the drug a nightmare for law enforcement and health workers—including JC's director Ray Rapaglia and Dr. Michael Estereicher, who deal with related violence, seizures, and other detrimental effects. The program includes diagrams that illustrate the potential damage to the brain and body, as well as news footage, startling YouTube clips of people on Flakka, comments from past users, and—unfortunately—lame dramatic vignettes of actors shivering, grabbing their hair, and doing fake drug deals. Still, this is an eye-opening look at a scary drug. Recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (J. Williams-Wood)