Toxicologists are warning against the danger of the human body overheating, or hyperthermia, as a result of taking drugs. Today’s hot temperatures are increasing the danger. Recently, a young Flemish woman died after taking drugs at a music festival. How quickly can the use of synthetic drugs lead to hyperthermia and how dangerous is it?
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Experts warn of dangers of designer drugs after young woman dies from hyperthermia
Colin Clapson
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The young woman died of hyperthermia, which was caused by the use of drugs combined with the heat at a festival.
‘It often happens unexpectedly,’ officials at the public prosecutor's office explain. ‘What makes the situation especially hazardous is the fact that symptoms - such as headaches, nausea, confusion, restlessness or loss of consciousness - are not noticed until late in the day, both by the victim and by bystanders. By the time medical help is sought, the body is often already under severe pressure, which can lead to organ failure or death.’
Drugs can induce a fever
‘Traditionally, people have always classified drugs into 2 types,’ explains Philippe Jorens, toxicologist at Antwerp university UAntwerpen. ‘Drugs that suppress certain functions of the body and drugs that exactly excite or stimulate those functions. Inducing fever is one of the classic consequences of the latter, of drugs like amphetamines, LSD and cocaine that create excitement.’
‘But if the body is too hot for too long, it can have an effect on the organs. We are not made to have an internal body temperature of 42 degrees.’
‘30 years ago, when drugs were more easily used at a festival, you were always told to drink plenty of water. In that way you keep your fluids properly regulated. If you don't do that, or drink alcohol, for example - which dehydrates your body even more - it can lead to organ failure.’
An additional problem for emergency workers at a festival is that it is not always clear which drugs have been taken. Recently, new synthetic drugs - designer drugs - have come into circulation. ‘The word designer drug says it all: these drugs or medications are made, designed, sometimes in origin by pharmaceutical companies, sometimes in obscure back rooms by handy amateurs or chemists.’
‘The contents of bags of drugs often resemble known classic drugs and they also mimic the effects of, say, XTC or cocaine. But they have a different synthetic substance and are therefore also a slightly different drug. Because the side effects of these designer drugs are still so unclear, they have been banned in Belgium since 2017.’
‘Unfortunately, you can buy anything on the internet, so designer drugs are also in circulation in the country. They are often more potent and therefore more dangerous. That does make it especially difficult for emergency workers to assess symptoms.’
Is getting drugs tested, a good idea?
At certain festivals, you can have your drugs tested at the entrance to know what substances are in them. Is that a solution? ‘Not necessarily. Even if then you know that you are taking a pure form of XTC, a drug we have been familiar with for some time, the effects on your body are not always predictable. Testing can create a false sense of security.’
‘Besides, even ’safe’ XTC can cause hyperthermia. It is still a fever-inducing drug, don't forget that. Especially in combination with heat at a festival, it's dangerous.’
‘You never know what you are taking’
How many people have already died in Belgium of hyperthermia after taking drugs is not clear. ‘We don't have the specific figures. Deaths after drug use is more likely in traffic or after an overdose.’
People are not sufficiently aware of the dangers posed by drugs, the toxicologist believes. ‘There are many people who continue to lead a normal life after taking drugs. But drugs keep changing composition. You are never 100 per cent sure what is in it. One day your reaction might be fine, but a week later you might have a bad trip."
‘So the message remains very simple: stay off drugs.’