Benzo Fury Addiction | Signs, Symptoms and Effects

The name Benzo-Fury may sound edgy and exciting, but the reality is far more sinister. Marketed as a legal high until it was banned in the UK in 2013, Benzo-Fury has been the cause of heartache for individuals and families across the country. Even though it is no longer legal, sadly, the drug has not disappeared, and neither has the devastation it brings to those addicted. If you are battling Benzo-Fury addiction, this page will help you understand what’s at stake and how to get the support you need.

Benzo Fury Tablets out of bottle

What is Benzo-Fury?

Benzo-fury is a synthetic “party drug” that creates similar effects to amphetamines and ecstasy. Its name comes from benzofuran, a key chemical in its makeup that is responsible for the powerful Benzo-Fury effects. Marketed as a “legal high” when it first hit the scene, Benzo-Fury quickly became popular in clubs and festivals, offering users a burst of energy, euphoria and heightened senses.
But all this high comes with a dark side. Benzo-Fury can cause unpredictable and dangerous side effects, including severe anxiety, heart issues and even seizures. It is also infamous for its harsh comedowns, leaving users feeling drained and frightened, while over time, regular Benzo-Fury use can lead to a devastating addiction.
Benzo-Fury comes in a few different forms, but it is most commonly found in pills and powder forms. It is never possible to know exactly what else is in these substances. There may be other drugs like MDMA or ketamine mixed in or other potentially dangerous ingredients.

Benzo-Fury in the UK

Sadly, the United Kingdom’s decade-long relationship with Benzo-Fury has been tragic. The drug first appeared in earnest around 2009
Between 2011 and 2012, the UK recorded ten deaths linked to Benzo-Fury, which, along with reports of its adverse health effects, led to its classification as a Class B substance. This made Benzo-Fury’s production, distribution and possession illegal.
Despite its ban, however, Benzo-Fury’s presence persisted, and it is still available through various nefarious channels today.

What is Benzo-Fury addiction?

Benzo-Fury addiction happens when recreational or “minor” use spirals into something you can no longer control. At first glance, Benzo-Fury can seem like an exciting drug, particularly before it was banned. However, while even today, it is often sold as “legal” and “safe”, neither of those things is actually true.

Benzo-Fury abuse often starts out as an occasional thing, perhaps on weekends or whenever you have a big night out. Unfortunately, it is not long before tolerance kicks in, forcing you to use more Benzo-Fury to get the same effects. Dependence follows, leaving you unable to function without Benzo-Fury and cravings and withdrawal symptoms causing a relapse every time you try to stop.

Eventually, it is not just your body that is hooked; it’s your mind, too. Benzo-Fury can quickly become a go-to for managing stress, providing an emotional pick-me-up or masking life’s challenges. When you are both physically and psychologically dependent, you are fully trapped in Benzo-Fury addiction.

How to spot Benzo-Fury addiction symptoms

All forms of legal high addiction can fly under the radar because they are not as widely recognised as other drug problems. If you’re starting to wonder if something’s wrong, either for yourself or someone else, spotting the telltale Benzo-Fury addiction symptoms is the first step to getting help:

  • You wake up thinking about Benzo-Fury and go to bed the same way
  • You have completely lost control over your Benzo-Fury use
  • You feel anxious, tired or angry when you don’t take Benzo-Fury
  • Friends and family are worried, but you are pushing them away
  • Your Benzo-Fury use is putting you in a financial black hole
  • Benzo-Fury has left little room for hobbies, dating or friendships
  • You are avoiding certain people to keep your Benzo-Fury abuse hidden

If these Benzo-Fury addiction symptoms reflect your experiences, it may be time to look at treatment options.

Benzo Fury Woman Encountering Breathing Problems

What causes Benzo-Fury addiction?

The science behind Benzo-Fury lies in its ability to stimulate neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine. This chemical surge creates a euphoric buzz, heightened energy levels and an intense sense of well-being, all of which can cause repeat use and dependence.

However, some people are more vulnerable to Benzo-Fury addiction than others because of a mix of factors that go beyond just the drug itself. Genetics can stack the deck, so if addiction runs in your family, you might be wired to develop tolerance and dependence more quickly.

Mental health struggles are another big one. If you are using Benzo-Fury to deal with anxiety, depression or stress, it is easy to slide from casual use into addiction.

Your environment also plays a huge role. If Benzo-Fury is readily available or you’re surrounded by people who use it, the chances of starting and then getting hooked go way up.

Lastly, age and personality traits come into play. Young people are more susceptible to drugs like Benzo-Fury, while risk-takers or impulsive personalities are naturally drawn to trying new things, even when they’re dangerous.

Why are Benzo-Fury abuse and addiction so dangerous?

Benzo-Fury addiction and abuse are life-altering in the worst imaginable ways. Here are some of the biggest dangers everyone should be aware of:

Mental health impacts
Benzo-Fury addiction can take a serious toll on your mind. Users often experience paranoia, anxiety and depression, which can spiral into long-term mental health struggles. For those already dealing with these issues, Benzo-Fury makes everything worse, sometimes leading to suicidal thoughts or complete emotional numbness.
Physical health issues
Physically, Benzo-Fury puts immense strain on your body. It increases your heart rate and blood pressure, risking palpitations, strokes and even heart failure. Over time, regular use can damage your nervous system, leading to tremors or long-lasting heart problems that are hard to reverse.
Personal and social problems
Benzo-Fury addiction can destroy your relationships, isolate you from loved ones and make work or school feel impossible to manage. Hobbies and passions often fall by the wayside, leaving you with nothing else in your life except more Benzo-Fury abuse. From a legal standpoint, there are also hefty prison sentences for possession (5 years) and supply (14 years) due to Benzo-Fury’s Class-B status.
Benzo-Fury overdose
One of the most dangerous risks of Benzo-Fury is overdose. Because the drug is synthetic and unregulated, you never truly know what’s in it or how potent it is. Symptoms of Benzo-Fury overdose can include seizures, chest pain and extreme agitation. If left untreated, overdose can lead to permanent damage or even death.

How is Benzo-Fury addiction treated?

Effective Benzo-Fury addiction treatment starts with detox, where your body begins the hard work of letting go. This stage can be tough, with withdrawal symptoms ranging from fatigue to intense anxiety, but our team at Recovery Lighthouse will create a tailored plan to support you through this.

Rehab comes next, addressing the reasons behind your addiction. Through therapy, you will explore the challenges and triggers that led you to Benzo-Fury, learning new skills and strategies to face life’s ups and downs without substances. This comprehensive approach to legal high addiction treatment gives you the chance to rebuild yourself from the ground up.

After rehab, our aftercare programme bridges the gap to your new life.  With free weekly group therapy and access to a welcoming Alumni network, you will have ongoing support to keep you motivated and focused.

Ready to defeat Benzo-Fury addiction?

When Benzo-Fury starts controlling your life, it’s time to take back the reins. Recovery Lighthouse offers a proven path to sobriety with a dedicated team ready to guide you every step of the way. Don’t wait another day – reach out now and discover how we can help you leave Benzo-Fury addiction behind.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Benzo-Fury known by any other names?
Yes, Benzo-Fury is often called 6-APB, which refers to its chemical structure and it is also commonly referred to as a “legal high” despite its ban. Street names can vary but can include “White Pearl”, “Benzies”, “Furies” and “Benny F’s”. All of these names refer to a group of substances with similar effects which are collectively known as Benzo-Fury.
Can Benzo-Fury be fatal?
Yes, Benzo-Fury can be fatal, especially in high doses or when combined with other substances. Benzo-Fury abuse has been linked to a number of fatal overdoses in the UK, often due to heart issues, seizures or extreme overheating. Anyone who is considering using the drug should know that the unpredictability of Benzo-Fury effects mean that even a small amount can lead to serious health risks and even death.
Is it dangerous to mix Benzo-Fury and alcohol?
Yes, mixing Benzo-Fury and alcohol is extremely dangerous. Benzo-Fury is a stimulant and alcohol is a depressant so the combination puts immense strain on your heart and nervous system. It can also increase the risk of dehydration, blackouts, dangerous behaviours and even fatal overdose. Some of the recorded deaths which involved Benzo-Fury came from mixing the drug with alcohol and other substances.

(Click here to see works cited)

  • DrugWise. “Benzo Fury – DrugWise.” DrugWise, https://www.drugwise.org.uk/benzo-fury/. Accessed 3 December 2024.
  • FRANK. “Benzofuran Compound | Benzos | Effects and Risks.” FRANK, https://www.talktofrank.com/drug/benzofuran-compounds. Accessed 3 December 2024.
  • Roque Bravo, Rita et al. “Benzo fury: A new trend in the drug misuse scene.” Journal of applied toxicology : JAT vol. 39,8 (2019): 1083-1095. doi:10.1002/jat.3774. Accessed 3 December 2024.
  • Gimeno Clemente, Carla ; Chiappini, Stephania ; Claridge, Hugh et al. “The Unregulated Psychoactive Compound: ‘Benzo Fury’. Current Drug Abuse Reviews : vol. 6,4 (2013): 285. Accessed 3 December 2024.