NBOMe is a family of synthetic or designer hallucinogens that is considered a New Psychoactive Substance (NPS). It was synthesized in the early 2000s and became available in 2010. NBOMe was designed to mimic the effects of LSD, methamphetamine, and mescaline which is a drug made from the cactus plant.
Slang terms for NBOMes include:
- 25I
- 25C
- 25B
- N-bomb
- Solaris
- BOM-CI or Cimbi-5
- Dime
- Legal acid
- GNOME
- New Nexus
- Smiles
You may come across people debating 25c vs 25b vs 25i. There are several forms of NBOMe, but the three most popular are 25I-NBOMe (25I or 25i), 25C-NBOMe (25C), and 25B-NBOMe (25B). The strongest and most commonly abused version is 25I.
Before we get into the effects of N-bomb, let’s take a look quick look at the history of designer hallucinogenic drugs.
Brief History of Synthetic Hallucinogens
Synthetic hallucinogens are chemically produced psychoactive substances that have varying degrees of stimulant or psychedelic effects. The most common are known as 2C and NBOMe drugs. The 2C family of hallucinogens was first synthesized in the 1970s by American chemist Alexander Shulgin. In comparison to MDMA and LSD, these drugs were seen as a safer alternative.
Originally, synthetic hallucinogens were intended to be used in psychotherapy. One of them, 2C-B, was expected to be beneficial because the effects only lasted an hour. However, it produced negative gastrointestinal effects and no emotional openness. Therefore, it was never used in practice.
No synthetic hallucinogens are currently used in therapeutic settings. However, NBOMe drugs have been used in neurochemistry and health research.
Before 2013, it was legal to sell N-bomb hallucinogens online or deliver them in the mail. They were sought after because they were stronger and more affordable than other hallucinogens and also legal. However, in 2013, the Drug Enforcement Agency temporarily classified N-bomb as a schedule 1 drug.
This classification was extended for another year in 2015 and in 2016, NBOMes were permanently categorized as schedule 1 drugs. These are substances that have no acceptable medical use and a high potential for abuse. However, despite their classification, NBOMes remain in demand among people who want cheap hallucinogens.
Short-Term Effects of NBOMe
NBOMe affects both the mind and body. Mental effects include:
- Confusion and disorientation
- Paranoia
- Visual and auditory hallucinations
- Aggression
- Agitation
- Insomnia
Meanwhile, users may experience physical effects such as:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Shaking
- Difficulty breathing
- Muscle spasms
- Seizures
- Loss of consciousness
- Very high fever
- Dangerously high blood pressure
- Heart attack
- Respiratory failure
- Kidney failure
NBOMe is one of the most dangerous hallucinogens. In extremely small doses, it creates an effect that’s similar to LSD and the effects can last for 12 hours or longer. For context, a 750 microgram dose is considered average to high. This is just about six grains of table salt. People who use NBOMe say the effects and after-effects are worse than those of LSD and the drug mimics the effects of methamphetamine. Furthermore, NBOMe is toxic. People who are handling it need to wear gloves, glasses, and a mask with a filter. Otherwise, they can easily suffer a fatal overdose.
Long-Term Effects of NBOMe
Since NBOMe is relatively new, not all the long-term side effects are known. However, it is known that some people go through severe, persistent anxiety or depression for months or years after using NBOMe. They experience hallucinations in the form of flashes of color, trailing colors, and distorted visual images. Some people also die as a result of the physical side effects of NBOMe use.
Methods of Administration for NBOMe
NBOMe is usually in the form of liquid, powder, or soaked blotter paper doses. This family of drugs doesn’t produce any effects when swallowed. Therefore, most people simply place it under the tongue where it can be easily absorbed. However, individuals can also vape, inhale through the nose, inject, or smoke N-bomb. In addition, some people insert it rectally.
NBOMe has a bitter, metallic taste and some manufacturers add flavors to the liquid or blotter papers to make it more palatable. Regardless of how NBOMe is used, it’s dangerous and it’s easy for an individual to overdose.
NBOMe vs LSD vs MDMA
N-bomb drugs result in a high that’s quite similar to that produced by other hallucinogens. According to one 2014 study, respondents likened the potency of the effects and the urge to take more of the substance to LSD and mushrooms. The latter are hallucinogens that have a low risk of addiction.
However, the research showed that using NBOMe drugs resulted in more negative effects during use and a greater likelihood of harm after use than mushrooms or LSD. In this way, N-bomb was similar to ketamine – a disassociative anesthetic with some hallucinogenic effects. Ketamine can cause a fatal overdose.
Can You Overdose on NBOMe?
Given how potent N-bomb drugs are, overdose is a very real threat. People who use hallucinogens often worry that they’ll experience a bad trip. This means they’ll experience extreme fear, paranoia, panic, or hallucinations. However, they should also be concerned about the risk of overdosing.
Signs and symptoms of overdose include:
- Agitation
- Delirium
- Rapid breathing
- High blood pressure
- Rapid heartbeat
- Fever
- Dilated pupils
- Seizure
If you notice these symptoms in someone, you need to call 911 right away.
The only way to avoid an N-bomb overdose is to not use the drug. These drugs are simply too strong even in minuscule amounts to tell when you’re taking a safe dose.
Common Withdrawal Effects from Nbome
When individuals develop tolerance and psychological addiction to NBOMe, they may experience withdrawal symptoms when they reduce their usage or stop using the drug altogether. Synthetic drugs often have highly unpredictable and dangerous withdrawal symptoms. The nature and severity of the symptoms will vary depending on the batch of N-bomb the person took.
However, the potential physical withdrawal symptoms include:
- Dizziness
- Blurry vision
- Chills
- Chest pain
- Headaches
- Constipation
- High blood pressure
- Tremors
- Seizures
- Excessive sweating
- Bleeding on the brain
- Limb numbness
- Kidney failure
- Coma
- Muscle spasms
Meanwhile, the withdrawal psychological symptoms can include:
- Difficulty thinking and communicating
- Paranoia and panic
- Aggression
- Visual and auditory hallucinations
- Confusion and disorientation
The Importance of Medically Supervised NBOMe Detox
If you or someone you love wants to stop taking NBOME, you should consult a professional. Since there’s not a lot of research into NBOMe withdrawal, it’s hard to predict how long the withdrawal will take. However, withdrawing from synthetic drugs can last for weeks and it can be very uncomfortable and dangerous.
Without medically supervised detox, the symptoms can be severe and relapse is more likely to occur. When you have round-the-clock professional care, you’ll have access to assistance if a medical complication arises. Medically supervised detox is the safest way to get sober.
Treating NBOMe Addiction
Detox is only the beginning of recovering from an NBOMe addiction. While it addresses the physical aspects of NBOMe dependence, it doesn’t deal with the psychological challenges that many people experience.
Therefore, going to rehab is an important step in the process. By participating in therapy, individuals get to the core of their addiction and learn how to remain drug-free in the long term.
Most people need at least 90 days of rehab to address the issues they face. While each treatment facility and rehab program is different, rehab typically includes:
- Education about addiction and recovery
- Relapse prevention
- Individual, group, family therapy
- Relapse prevention
- Specialized therapies
Recovery is Possible for NBOMe Addiction
Despite the dangers associated with synthetic hallucinogenics like NBONes, people can recover from their addictions before their lives are ruined. Rehab programs take several different forms including residential and outpatient. Talking to an addiction treatment specialist can help you to determine which type of rehab is right for you. However, we’ll discuss some of the basic differences below.
Residential Treatment
In residential treatment, patients live at the rehab center while they undergo treatment. The environment is highly structured and daily activities include individual and group counseling sessions.
Depending on the facility, other specialized treatments may be offered. Residential treatment is ideal for people who need intensive care and don’t have home environments that are conducive to recovery.
Outpatient Treatment
With outpatient care, individuals continue to reside at home or in a sober living facility but they attend group therapy sessions for several weeks. Participants are also required to complete homework outside of group sessions. This allows them to maintain familial and career responsibilities while receiving treatment.
After you complete rehab, your treatment team may recommend that you undergo some form of aftercare. Many people need additional support after they leave structured programs so that they can avoid relapse.
Get Help from The Experts at The Discovery House
Abuse of NBOMe can have a significantly negative impact on your life. In the most severe cases, it can even lead to death. If you’re struggling with the abuse of NBOMes or other synthetic drugs, there is help available. Contact The Discovery House to learn about the treatment options we offer and start your journey towards recovery.