“Caviar bumps” is a slang term describing the nasal administration of a very small, potent dose of a powdered drug. This practice is most frequently associated with illicit substances like MDMA (Molly or ecstasy) or ketamine. The term highlights the perception of a small, high-quality dose taken in a quick, controlled manner. This method of consumption is often employed in social or nightlife settings.
Defining the Substance and Method
The term “bump” refers to a small portion of powdered substance, significantly less than a full line, inhaled through the nose. The “caviar” descriptor relates to the perceived high potency or the small, crystalline appearance of the drug before it is ground into a fine powder. Users often choose the “bump” method intending to achieve a milder or more controlled effect than a larger dose would produce.
This practice involves dipping a finger, a small scoop, or a dedicated utensil into the powdered substance and quickly inhaling the small amount. The goal is to obtain a rapid onset of effects because the drug bypasses the digestive system and enters the bloodstream quickly through the nasal membranes. While users view this controlled dosing as minimizing risks, the rapidity of the drug’s effect and the unknown nature of its true composition significantly complicate this idea of controlled use.
Chemical Composition and Purity Concerns
The substances most commonly associated with “caviar bumps” are the dissociative anesthetic ketamine and the stimulant-empathogen MDMA. MDMA, often called “Molly,” can have highly variable purity, ranging from pure MDMA to crushed tablets with a much lower percentage of the active compound. Ketamine is also often encountered as a powder and is similarly subject to adulteration.
The primary health risk with any illicit powdered substance is the high probability of adulteration with other compounds. Dealers frequently mix drugs with cheaper, more dangerous substances to increase profits. Common adulterants in MDMA samples include synthetic cathinones, such as eutylone, or other powerful stimulants like amphetamines. More concerning is the risk of contamination with highly potent synthetic opioids, particularly fentanyl, which can be lethal in minuscule amounts. This makes the chemical makeup of any “caviar bump” dangerously unpredictable.
Acute Health Effects and Risks
The immediate physiological consequences depend entirely on the substance’s actual chemical composition and its purity. If the substance is MDMA, acute effects include a rapid increase in heart rate, elevated blood pressure, and a dangerous rise in body temperature, known as hyperthermia. These stimulant effects, combined with the often-dehydrating environment of social gatherings, can lead to cardiovascular distress or fatal heatstroke.
If the substance is ketamine, users may experience dissociation and impaired motor function, which increases the risk of accidents. The combination of MDMA and ketamine, sometimes called “kitty flipping,” presents a heightened danger, as the stimulant and dissociative effects clash, leading to an increased risk of severe outcomes like hyperthermia and rapid heart rhythms. Furthermore, the nasal administration itself can cause irritation, nosebleeds, and, with repeated use, long-term damage to the nasal tissues, including potential perforation of the septum.