Tusi, the drug that triumphs among young people: what dangers does it have?

Synthetic drugs, also called designer drugs, are psychostimulant substances, usually derived from amphetamines, that are used for recreational purposes. Among them, the Nexus, also colloquially called Tusi among those who consume it, has been “the queen of the track” for a couple of years.

There is a tendency to think that it is a substance that does not generate addiction and that it has no health risks, but this is not entirely true.

What exactly is Tusi and where did it come from? What risks does its consumption have? Why do many young people prefer this drug to other better known ones? It’s time to clear up doubts.

What is tusi? Let’s know your story

Tusi is a pink powder derived from amphetamines whose effects are between MDMA and LSD. It is called 4-bromo-2,5-dimethoxyphenylethylamine or 2C-B. In English it is usually called by its acronym, two-cb (tusibi or tucibi), hence the abbreviation of “tusi”. It is also called Nexus, Venus, Eros, pink cocaine, “pink panther” or, directly, the “drug of high society” (due to the very high price per gram).

It is usually presented in the form of pink powder, to be snorted, or in pill form, to be taken orally. It takes about 15 minutes to take effect – it lasts between 4 and 8 hours. Consumers describe sensations of euphoria, empathy, talkativeness, good vibes, well-being, aphrodisiac effects (especially in women), hypersensitivity… But are all the effects really so positive? It’s hard to believe…

The problem is that, sometimes found mixed with ketamine, methylsalicylate, amphetamine, MDMA or ecstasy and other diluents. Experts say that really when you take a synthetic drug, since it is chemically synthesized, you don’t know what you are consuming.

Some believe that it is a new drug, but the reality is that we can go back to 1974 to know its origin. It was synthesized by the chemist Alexander Shulgin, father of almost all synthetic drugs. and “tester” of all of them. It became popular in the 80s and disappeared with the economic crisis. A drug at a price of €100 per gram does not have much place in a crisis situation and more affordable drugs are usually resorted to.

Mechanisms of action of 2C-B

Research has found that tusi acts as an inhibitor of the norepinephrine and serotonin transporters NET and SERT, respectively, but with less potency than amphetamines. It has also been shown that, like other hallucinogenic phenethylamines, it also acts as an agonist at several serotonin receptors, and as an antagonist at only one of the serotonin receptors.

What are the dangers of consuming tusi?

First of all, let’s remember that this drug has hallucinogenic effects, which means that it has the ability to alter sensory-perceptive experience, causing hallucinationsthese being mainly of an auditory and visual type.

This can cause, like other psychedelic drugs, anxiety crisis derived from the emotional intensity of experiencing hallucinations.

Within the context of perceptual alterations, also perceptual illusions can occursuch as seeing flashes or chiribites, changes in the size of objects or even the perception that objects are melting.

Other symptoms may also be experienced outside the perceptual plane:

Depersonalization and derealization.Disorientation.Extreme fatigue. Depression.Psychotic episodes.Seizures. Dizziness. Restlessness and distress, and difficulty sleeping. Increased body awareness.Increased blood pressure, tachycardia and arrhythmia.Mydriasis or pupil dilation: which causes blurred vision. Coma.

It is true that More research is needed to determine the addictive potential of this drug and its lethality.since in the case of overdose deaths, none have been due to overdose of pure 2C-B.

The problem, as we have mentioned, is that In many cases it is adulterated with other substances, much more addictive and dangerous. in terms of ability to end a person’s life through overdose.

Worrying consumption figures

After its use spread throughout South America, it made the leap to Europe. In Spain, his name was often heard in areas famous for their nightlife, such as Mallorca or Ibiza, or even Madrid, and at electronic music festivals (especially Acid style ones). Unfortunately, its consumption is becoming more popular and widespread.

It is important to remember that there is no harmless or non-harmful drug; that all, in the short or long term, have negative consequences to health. And not only for health, but for people who live with an addicted person, having to suffer watching a loved one “go to waste”, in many cases, without being able to do anything.

Perhaps the first step to significantly reduce the consumption of this substance – since a very high price does not reduce it because it can be bought on the black market – is take the effects of this substance seriously. Informing young people and promoting education talks about substances can be the first step in preventing consumption, especially in adolescents and young people.

Worrying practices

The inclusion of drugs in the world of leisure brings several dangers. When it comes to those that alter perception and senses, an additional danger is added, which is the practice of taking them before or during sex due to the effects it has on the sensations inherent to this act. This practice is known as chemsex and has important consequences on the body.

How to prevent consumption among young people?

To prevent consumption and its consequences, The best action is to raise awareness among adolescents, where the role of the family plays an important role.. Most families make the mistake of shifting the problem to their children or to those who suffer from addiction.

Nevertheless, The problem is a system in which everyone has contributed in some way to its appearance.. Therefore, everyone “should take responsibility.” Prevention is the best way and much more comfortable than intervening.

The best prevention starts from home, consists of establishing assertive and effective communication, improving interpersonal relationships, reviewing the parenting system, it must be balanced and inclusive. It must generate responsibilities for all family members, there must be rules, but also trust. Many times they also overprotect themselves and this ends up being counterproductive.

Addiction is usually a symptom that the entire family system has been weakened. and appears through a visible link. This response must be addressed as an opportunity to improve, with openness, humility, with the ability to recognize what each person deserves to improve the situation. That said, it is important to emphasize that children do not get lost on the street, but at home.

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