A monkey emoji in a dating profile seems harmless. But in the gay dating scene, it now often stands for Monkey Dust - a barely researched, highly potent substance that appears primarily in the context of chemsex.
In a very personal text Jeff Mannes in the magazine VICTORY COLUMN, how he is confronted with it for the first time on a date. The encounter begins in a familiar way: chat, attraction, sex.
But then something changes. A strange smell, an uneasy feeling - and the realisation that his counterpart has been secretly consuming Monkey Dust. The break is not the consumption itself, but the silence about it.
What follows is not a sermon on morality, but a reflection on boundaries, responsibility and a lack of knowledge. Months later, the author learns that the man has died. Too young. Too suddenly. Monkey Dust is said to have played a role in the death - but it has not been conclusively clarified.
What is Monkey Dust? Effects, risks and lack of research
Monkey Dust is not a clearly defined substance. It is usually a very strong synthetic cathinone that works quickly and can get out of control just as quickly. People report intense pleasure, euphoria and disinhibition - but also anxiety, paranoia, loss of control and waking phases lasting for days. There are hardly any scientifically proven findings. This is precisely what makes the substance so treacherous.
The text shows: Monkey Dust is talked about a lot in the queer community - but often behind closed doors. Out of fear of stigma. Out of insecurity. Out of a lack of education. But exactly the opposite is needed: honest conversations, knowledge, transparency and solidarity. Not to condemn - but to make risks visible and minimise damage.
You can read the full original article by Jeff Mannes in SIEGESSÄULE:
Monkeydust: Of monkey emojis in dating profiles
If there is no clarification, Monkey Dust becomes unpredictable
What makes Monkey Dust particularly dangerous is not only its powerful effect, but above all the lack of knowledge about it. Counselling centres such as Sidekicks.Berlin report that the substance can quickly lead to a loss of control - over quantity, duration and personal limits. People tell of intense periods of wakefulness, anxiety, paranoia and massive mental crises. At the same time, there is little certainty about what happens in the body in the long term. Reliable studies are still almost completely lacking.
In addition, there is a further risk Drug checking in Berlin Monkey Dust has been detected in samples sold as other substances. This means that people can consume a drug without realising it. This makes unwanted effects, overdoses and dangerous interactions more likely.
Despite this, Monkey Dust is often only spoken about quietly in the queer community. For fear of stigmatisation, out of insecurity or because experiences are difficult to categorise. Projects such as Sidekicks.Berlin or Checkpoint BLN therefore rely on education rather than condemnation. An accepting, non-moralising attitude is crucial - without ignoring the real risks.
Honest dialogue, transparent information and supportive solidarity can protect lives. Because as long as knowledge is lacking and consumption remains invisible, monkey dust remains a substance that is difficult to assess - and that is precisely what makes it so dangerous.
Monkey Dust: Frequently asked questions and answers
Monkey Dust is increasingly appearing in the context of chemsex, but has hardly been researched and is difficult to assess. Here you will find answers to frequently asked questions about effects, risks and why education is so important.
Monkey Dust is not a clearly defined substance. It is usually a very strong synthetic cathinone that acts quickly and is associated with high risk. Composition and dosage can vary greatly.
The substance often has an unpredictable effect. People report loss of control, anxiety, paranoia, insomnia lasting several days and psychological crises. Reliable scientific findings are still largely lacking.
Monkey Dust is sometimes consumed as part of chemsex to increase desire, disinhibition or stamina. It becomes particularly risky when consumption is not openly communicated or several substances are combined.
Lack of knowledge about the effects, dosage and risks increases the risk of overdoses and serious side effects. In addition, Monkey Dust was sometimes found in samples that were sold as other substances - consumption can therefore also happen unintentionally.
Open dialogue, honest agreements and sound information are key. An accepting, non-judgemental attitude helps to make risks visible and support people at an early stage.
