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By staff reporter 
20m ago
Cape Town – Tygerberg Hospital has warned parents to be vigilant as more Cape Town youth participate in the ‘nutmeg challenge’.
The Poisons Information Center at Tygerberg Hospital said it has come to their attention that a dangerous new trend has been circulating on social media, which has been identified as the nutmeg challenge.
Young people are challenged to mix ground nutmeg and water and then drink it to get high.
In a statement released Thursday, the hospital said there is the will of some young people to experiment; if they find out something, to prove it.
“There is a tendency for some young people to try to see how it works. They say, “Someone told me that if you do this, then you can get high,” and sometimes it can be dangerous. “
Tygerberg Hospital Poison Information Center Director Carine Marks said: “Ingesting or inhaling large amounts of nutmeg, more than two tablespoons, can lead to hallucinations and delusions and feelings of extreme heaviness in the arms and legs. having severe anxiety and a feeling of dread.May cause psychotic episodes including delusions and hallucinations.
“Repeated use of nutmeg to get high can also lead to chronic psychosis, characterized by problems with thinking and emotions. Patients with deep depression or agitation, or persistent hallucinations or vomiting should be admitted, because symptoms can last more than 24 hours, “said Marks.
Experts believe that nutmeg makes it a reference substance for children looking to experiment with drugs, because it is easily accessible. Only a few tablespoons can be fatal. The challenge is not just informing children about the substances, but what the side effects are. Make sure they understand those consequences and what that can do to their lives and develop a sense of healthy habits during this period of closure.
Cape Argus
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