Here’s everything you need to know about Quaaludes, including what they are, why they are so addictive, and how you or a loved one can find help for drug addiction today.

What Are Quaaludes?

Use of this highly addictive drug was perhaps most popular in the ’60s and ’70s when it was widely manufactured in the United States as methaqualone. During this time, you could commonly identify methaqualone by the number 714 stamped onto its pills.

While most known by methaqualone or its brand names Quaalude or Sopor, there are also different slang terms that you might also know this drug by, including 714, disco biscuits, and wagon wheels.

Quaaludes initially underwent development as a sedative and hypnotic drug. Its deep relaxation effects, as we’ll discuss later on, started to work within 30 minutes, making it fast-acting. Doctors commonly prescribed sedatives like Quaaludes to patients who needed a muscle relaxant or sleep aid. 

The chemical makeup of Quaaludes made it work as a central nervous system depressant meant to calm the mind and body. But experts soon noticed a problem when patients began to use this hypnotic drug outside of how it was prescribed. And when that happened, patients were often unable to stop use entirely, leading to serious health concerns and even death.

Soon after Quaaludes were manufactured in the United States, Congress halted all production of Quaaludes. Quaaludes are now categorized as a Schedule I drug by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Put simply, schedule I drugs are considered the most likely to be abused and harmful to your health. 

Even though Quaaludes are entirely illegal in the United States in modern times, people find ways to get access to this drug by bringing it into America after it is made in different countries. As this drug is produced illegally and unsafely, there is a chance that it could have additional central nervous system depressant drugs mixed within it, like fentanyl or other sleep aids. This only makes the drug more potent, dangerous, and highly addictive. 

Quaalude Use Today

While Quaaludes may not enjoy the popularity they once had, they are far from a memory. In popular media and movies, such as The Wolf of Wall Street, you have probably seen characters show the sedative effects of taking Quaaludes. Slow speech, uncontrollable body movements, and cognitive impairment are some of its classic symptoms.

This isn’t just true in movies, of course. While Quaaludes remain dangerous and illegal, that has not stopped Americans from acquiring the drug. In 2015, Bill Cosby admitted to receiving prescription Quaaludes, even though the United States has a ban on the production and distribution of these drugs.

While under the influence of Quaaludes, users often cannot think clearly enough to make informed decisions. This also leads to erratic behavior, vehicular accidents, and other major issues. Quaaludes can also cause issues like anxiety, depression, and worsening mental illness alongside addiction.

Unfortunately, addiction to Quaaludes can be extremely challenging to address. Not only will you or your loved one need to safely detox from Quaaludes under medical supervision to avoid further health issues, but intense treatment is also usually required to ensure a successful recovery.

Luckily, treatment for Quaalude addiction is possible with the right resources to support you. 

Quaalude Addiction Treatments

Your treatment plan should be created for your specific experiences with Quaaludes and other addictive substances. At an addiction center, you will be assessed by addiction and mental health professionals to document your history, current complications, and any co-occurring mental health needs.

Then, your program will be tailored to exactly what you need to find peace in recovery. There are many different treatment options that your addiction center will provide, such as:

• Individual therapy sessions
• Group therapy and family counseling
• Recreational activities
• Faith-based services
• Nutrition education
• Relapse prevention
• Dual diagnosis treatment

With all of these services and a team of trained mental health professionals by your side, you can regain control over your addiction to this hypnotic drug once and for all.

For Help with Addiction, Reach Out Today

At the Blackberry Center in St. Cloud, Florida, we are all too familiar with the dangers of Quaaludes and other forms of drug addiction. And we are prepared to help.

To get more information, give our admissions specialists a call at 888-512-9802 or complete our confidential contact form as the first step toward recovery. We are ready to answer your questions and help you or your loved one down a healthier, happier path.