One of the more unusual and disturbing symptoms of social dysfunction in Pakistan in recent years is the practice of a strange and harmful form of drug use – where scorpions are smoked for their psychoactive effects.
Scorpion consumption as a drug is not a mainstream practice in most parts of the world, but it exists in pockets of South Asia, including India and Pakistan, as well as in some parts of Africa and the Middle East. In these regions, the practice is often rooted in centuries-old local traditions and beliefs. People involved in this form of substance use typically belong to poor communities where conventional drugs may either be unaffordable or unavailable.
The use of scorpions as a drug involves various methods, the most common being inhaling the smoke of a burning scorpion or ingesting parts of the animal. Users light the scorpion on fire, or dry it in the sun before smoking its remains. Others will crush the scorpion and mix it with hashish or tobacco to enhance its effects.
The venom of the scorpion is highly potent and contains neurotoxins, which when introduced into the human body, trigger a series of physiological reactions. For some users, the initial sting or ingestion induces extreme pain, but this is soon followed by a hallucinogenic high that can last several hours. This experience is often described as intensely euphoric and disorienting, although it is accompanied by dangerous side effects.
The psychoactive effects of scorpion venom are created by the scorpion’s neurotoxins that target the nervous system. These toxins disrupt normal neural activity by affecting ion channels, leading to excessive firing of neurons. This causes a temporary state of hyperactivity in the brain, resulting in intense hallucinations, altered perceptions, and a dream-like state. Users report experiencing vivid and sometimes terrifying visions, along with a heightened sense of awareness or detachment from reality. The intensity of these experiences is what draws individuals to the practice, despite the obvious dangers.
However, the risks associated with scorpion drug use are profound. The immediate effects include extreme pain, nausea, vomiting, heart palpitations, and difficulty breathing. Over time, habitual use can lead to severe health complications, such as chronic pain, cardiovascular problems, mental health disorders, and even death. Neurological damage is another significant risk, as prolonged exposure to scorpion venom can impair cognitive functions, leading to memory loss, difficulty concentrating, and permanent brain damage. The repeated stimulation of neural pathways by scorpion toxins can also result in addiction, with users developing a dependency on the drug despite its harmful consequences.
The use of scorpions as a narcotic has a deep cultural aspect to it, as it is often passed down through generations and seen as a cheaper alternative to more expensive substances
Many users develop anxiety, depression, and paranoia, while some experience psychotic episodes. The hallucinations induced by scorpion venom are often accompanied by intense fear and confusion, which can contribute to a downward spiral in mental health. Users may struggle to differentiate between reality and hallucination, leading to social isolation and a breakdown in personal relationships.
In Pakistan, the consumption of scorpions as a drug is particularly notable, especially in poorer communities where access to more conventional drugs might be limited. Reporting suggests that this practice is especially prevalent in parts of rural Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province.
The use of scorpions as a narcotic has a deep cultural aspect to it, as it is often passed down through generations and seen as a cheaper alternative to more expensive and harder-to-obtain substances like heroin or synthetic drugs. In some rural areas, it is even believed that scorpion venom has medicinal properties or spiritual significance, leading to its use in traditional healing practices.
The rise of scorpion drug use in Pakistan can be traced back to several socio-economic factors. Widespread poverty, unemployment, and lack of access to education and healthcare services create an environment where drug use becomes an escape for many people. In rural areas, where awareness about the dangers of drug use is limited, scorpions are often readily available, making them a convenient source of intoxication. Additionally, Pakistan's geographical location, bordering regions known for the production and trafficking of narcotics, has exacerbated the country’s drug problem, with scorpion use emerging as part of a larger trend of substance abuse.
While the sale and use of conventional drugs like heroin and opium are illegal and subject to strict penalties, the use of scorpions falls outside the scope of most drug enforcement policies. This allows the practice to continue largely unchecked, particularly in rural areas where law enforcement presence is minimal. As a result, there is little to no support for individuals suffering from scorpion addiction, and the problem persists in the shadows of Pakistan’s broader drug crisis.
The clandestine nature of scorpion use means that data on the prevalence of the practice is scarce, making it difficult for authorities to assess the full extent of the problem. Moreover, the stigma surrounding drug use in Pakistan further complicates efforts to address the issue, as individuals struggling with addiction are often reluctant to seek help for fear of social ostracism or legal repercussions. This creates a vicious cycle in which scorpion users are trapped, with few resources available to help them break free from their addiction.
Raising awareness about the dangers of scorpion venom, particularly in rural communities, is crucial to reducing the number of new users. Educational campaigns aimed at dispelling myths about the supposed medicinal properties of scorpion venom, and highlighting the long-term health risks, could help to reduce demand for the drug. Additionally, providing better access to rehabilitation services and mental health care for those struggling with addiction could help to break the cycle of dependency.
Without concerted efforts to address these underlying issues, the problem of scorpion drug use is likely to persist, with devastating consequences for people caught in this harmful and disturbing practice.