The term “KD drug” is street slang for an illicit substance. This name does not refer to a single, officially classified drug but is a catch-all for an unpredictable concoction. The ambiguity of street drug terminology presents a significant risk to individuals, as the actual substance being consumed is often unknown.
Defining KD Drugs
The slang term “KD” primarily refers to a smokable substance, like marijuana or tobacco, that has been laced with an external chemical agent. The most common additive is bug spray. This creates a mixture where users are inhaling pesticides. The active ingredients in many insect killers are pyrethroids, chemicals designed to paralyze insects by overwhelming their nervous systems.
These laced products are sold under names like “KD,” “Katie,” or “Zombie”. The practice involves spraying the insecticide directly onto a plant-based material, which is then dried and smoked. In some variations, the bug spray is heated to form crystals that can be inhaled or dissolved and injected.
The Intended and Unintended Effects
Users of KD drugs seek an intense, short-lived high, often described as a “zombie-like” state lasting about 45 minutes. This state is characterized by detachment and impaired motor function. First responders describe users as being near-catatonic, with slow movements, drooling, and a loss of physical control.
Psychological effects include confusion and an inability to communicate. Some individuals may engage in bizarre behavior, such as eating grass or dirt, completely unaware of their actions. The high takes effect almost immediately, leaving little time to react before the incapacitating effects take hold.
Identifying the Dangers and Overdose Risks
The unpredictable composition and dosage of KD drugs pose significant health risks. Inhaling pyrethroids, the neurotoxic chemicals in some bug sprays, can overstimulate the human nervous system. This can lead to physical reactions including muscle spasms, convulsions, and seizures.
The risk of overdose is high and requires immediate medical attention. Signs include becoming unresponsive, struggling to breathe, elevated blood pressure, and sweating. This distress can progress to respiratory failure or a coma, with some cases requiring mechanical ventilation.
Clarifying the Kawasaki Disease Confusion
It is important to distinguish the street drug “KD” from Kawasaki Disease, an unrelated medical condition that shares the same abbreviation. Kawasaki Disease is a rare illness that affects children under five. It involves inflammation of blood vessels throughout the body, including the coronary arteries. The condition is not contagious and its exact cause is unknown.
Symptoms of Kawasaki Disease include a high fever, a rash, swollen hands and feet, red eyes, and swollen lymph nodes. Treatment is administered by medical professionals and involves medication to reduce inflammation and prevent heart damage. This medical condition has no connection to the illicit street drug.