Nutmegs, the “dried seed kernels of a tall evergreen tree” (nejm.org) may seem like a quick and easy alternative to taking drugs, but you’re risking your very life if you do. Used as early as the Middle Ages as a spice, the first time it was used as poison was in the 1500s. So, you’re taking poison if you eat too much of this nut. The potential euphoric effects are not worth the potential mental or physical illness that follows. If you’re addicted to the seemingly harmless nutmeg, we here at Chapter Rehab can help you get rid of these harmful nuts.
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What Occurs After Taking Too Much Nutmeg?
Although there have been few reports of nutmeg high or intoxication and even fewer studies on nutmeg’s effect on the human body, these cases trace back to the early 1900s. Some specialists theorize that during the metabolization of nutmeg, amphetamines can be formed from the nutmeg oils. The compound myristicin is the source of the psychoactive side effects as well as much of this nut’s toxic effects. After taking over five grams of nutmegs, you should have symptoms occurring between one to three hours. Thankfully, nutmeg usually wears off within 24 hours of ingestion, but can extend several days. It has even been shown that nutmeg poisoning has caused “up to six months psychosis in prison inmates” (Addiction Blog), so this can be a very dangerous drug if abused. So what is a ‘nutmeg high?’
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Will Nutmeg Get Me High?
Although nutmeg is cheap and it’s a fairly easy to get high on nutmeg, the risk to your body and mental health isn’t worth it. And honestly, too much of anything will cause a different effect than you intend. Turning a simple spice into a potential to get high may mean that you have an addictive personality. This type of personality may lead you to take risks and act impulsively, which may lead to abusing drugs and other substances. Doctors recommend not taking nutmeg to get you high or trying to figure out ‘how much nutmeg to get high‘, and the evidence seems to back that up.
Signs of Nutmeg Intoxication
According to the American Journal of Emergency Medicine (Nutmeg Intoxication), if the household spice nutmeg is taken in great quantity, it can induce any number of the following symptoms.
- Anxiety
- Abdominal pain
- Giddiness
- Hallucinations
- Chest Pain
- Deliriousness
- Difficulty breathing
- Hyperactivity
- Dizziness
- Sense of impending doom
- Psychosis
Nutmeg Intoxication Treatments
When you know it’s time for you or a close friend to get help, there are several options to consider. And no matter which rehab center you choose, they will start with pre-hospital care, especially in the case of hallucinogens from nutmeg. During pre-hospital care, they will monitor your heart and mental status and will even talk you down when aggression or agitation occurs. Doctors may put you on pharmacologic restraints, such as benzodiazepines, or benzos. Benzos work very well for aggressive patients because they work quickly. A trip to an emergency room or rehab center can start you down a more positive path. But if you do continue to show agitation or instability, your doctors may manage this through a multi-disciplinary approach.
Although nutmeg intoxication isn’t a commonly seen issue, anyone considering abusing nutmeg should seek help. The process to get through your addiction can be an easier one by contacting us here at Chapters to go over your options. If you or a family has gotten into a dangerous situation with abusing nutmeg, contact us at Chapters, the top Orange County Drug and Alcohol Rehab!
Want more information about how Chapters Capistrano can help? Feel free to call 949-276-2886 and one of our addiction specialists will help get the information and help you need.
