The Rise of Zombie Vapes: Understanding the New Drug Trend in Asia

Intriguingly dubbed "zombie vapes," e-cigarettes infused with the sedative etomidate have taken East and Southeast Asia by storm. These devices, commonly sourced from clandestine markets via platforms like Telegram and WeChat, provide a brief euphoric high that prompts comparisons to dissociative substances such as nitrous oxide and ketamine. Yet, the aftermath of higher doses often manifests in bizarre, erratic body movements, giving rise to the moniker. As more users seek out these experiences, we have to examine what this means for public health and safety.

The Origins of Etomidate Use

Etomidate was initially synthesized in 1964 for therapeutic purposes, notably as an anesthetic. However, its journey into recreational use is a stark example of how drug culture innovates in response to regulation. The substance gained traction in China around 2021, drawn into the orbit of recreational users eager for new experiences amidst tightening drug laws. This shift underscores a broader pattern where users turn to novel psychoactive substances in an attempt to bypass stringent controls. Unlike other substances that act primarily as hallucinogens, etomidate operates on GABA receptors, leading to slowed central nervous system activity. While it can alleviate anxiety, it doesn’t replicate the hallucinogenic effects or neuroplastic benefits commonly associated with ketamine, putting users at risk for potential adverse effects. Experts are raising alarms over its rising accessibility in regions where drug enforcement has escalated, drawing attention to a crucial conflict in public health policy.

Global Spread and Response

Despite its limited visibility in Europe and the United States so far, zombie vapes are booming in countries like Japan and Singapore. The phenomenon is taking off rapidly, with alarming reports and virulent videos flooding social media that depict users displaying erratic movements reminiscent of insects in distress; one former user describes these actions starkly. In light of this surge, governments are moving swiftly to outlaw etomidate, imposing strict penalties on users and suppliers alike. This reaction seems to lead to an unintended consequence: the emergence of analog drugs like metomidate and isopropoxate, which can occupy the void left by the now-banned substance. Authorities are caught in a feedback loop that complicates their ability to manage the situation effectively.

“Users exhibit erratic movements that one former addict described as being like ‘a [bug] writhing after being sprayed with insecticide.’”

A Shift in Drug Culture

The surge in zombie vapes mirrors a larger shift within contemporary drug culture, steering away from traditional hallucinogens such as LSD and psilocybin. This troubling trend favors diluted experiences and fleeting highs. Historical reference points include Sasha Shulgin, a late chemist known for developing an array of psychoactive substances embraced by diverse musical and cultural movements. Today, however, the current trajectory seems devoid of such rich, community-driven frameworks. It raises questions about the motivations behind substance use as new generations gravitate toward ease of access rather than seeking transformative experiences.

Today’s drug distributors are operating within a market environment that rebrands hospital medications for consumer appeal. As many nations clamp down on substances like spice and propofol, the clandestine production of drugs like etomidate has flourished, often under questionable conditions. This industrial-scale endeavor leads to drugs being produced at low costs, primarily designed to bypass regulatory measures. Such dynamics leave consumers vulnerable, often resulting in hazardous alternatives where safety takes a back seat to quantity. (And this is the part most people overlook.)

Concerns over these so-called zombie vapes highlight deeper issues within public health and safety systems, as the trend showcases a disconnection between recreational users and the increasingly hazardous substances they choose to consume. This disconnect poses a significant risk, given that many users are unaware of the potential dangers associated with these new forms of consumption. With regulatory bodies on high alert, the future of these substances remains precarious. There’s an urgent need for comprehensive discussions around drug policies, their effectiveness, and how they must evolve to address new challenges in the landscape of substance use.

Implications for Future Drug Policy

What this means for you—if you're working in this space or even just observing it—is a call for dialogue. As substances like etomidate slip through the regulatory cracks, it underscores the necessity of adapting approaches to drug policy. There's a significant challenge in balancing public health protection with the rights and freedoms of individuals to explore substances. The rapid emergence of substitute drugs points to an ongoing cycle of rebound, suggesting that the current methods may be inadequate in addressing user behavior and market dynamics effectively.

The challenges presented by zombie vapes serve as a lens to reconsider the broader implications for drug culture and public health strategies worldwide. As the fight against illicit substance use intensifies, a more informed and compassionate approach toward addiction and substance use might pave the way for improved outcomes. It’s time for more than just punitive measures; we need to foster environments that educate users about the risks and potential for harm associated with these emerging trends.

Michelle Lhooq is the author of RAVE NEW WORLD, a newsletter on drugs and nightlife. Follow her on Instagram @michellelhooq