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TikTok trends are at it again. This time, the “Nutmeg Challenge” has inspired teens to ingest large quantities of the spice to induce hallucinations. If you’re wondering, “can nutmeg get you high?” the answer is yes—and teens know it. Some schools have already confiscated jars of nutmeg in students’ backpacks and suspended the students involved.
Unfortunately, the spice can be very dangerous, and deaths have been reported from nutmeg poisoning. For parents, this is scary news. Here’s what you need to know about nutmeg intoxication, including symptoms, what causes a nutmeg trip, and what to do if your child is using dangerous substances.
Key Takeaways
- Nutmeg is a common household spice that teens are using to get high.
- Schools are confiscating jars of nutmeg in students’ backpacks and issuing suspensions.
- Consuming more than one teaspoon of ground nutmeg in one sitting can lead to hallucinations, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, agitation, and other adverse effects.
- Nutmeg poisoning impacts the central nervous system and in serious cases can cause seizures, coma, and death.
Is Nutmeg a Hallucinogenic Substance?
Nutmeg comes from the seed of a fruit tree called Myristica fragrans. Native to Indonesia, nutmeg has been used for its purported healing properties for centuries. It’s been thought to be an aphrodisiac, cure gastrointestinal issues, and even cure the plague.
In the 1960s, nutmeg arose with yet another purpose: as a cheap drug of choice to induce a high. The spice contains a compound called Myristicin which, in large doses, produces a hallucinogenic effect. According to the Encyclopedia of Toxicology, psychogenic effects can occur after ingesting just one seed, 5 grams, or 1-3 teaspoons of the ground spice. An eight-year-old died after ingesting two nutmeg seeds.
Consuming nutmeg in normal quantities is safe. Most recipes call for around one-quarter to one-half of one teaspoon of nutmeg. Consuming more than one teaspoon of ground nutmeg in one sitting can lead to hallucinations, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, agitation, and other adverse effects. This can mimic symptoms of other types of hallucinogens, such as ayahuasca and DMT.
The Dangerous Truth of Nutmeg Poisoning
Nutmeg poisoning impacts the central nervous system and in serious cases can cause seizures, coma, and even death. It also impacts the brain, the heart, and the digestive system. Nutmeg use can also lead to a multi-day hangover.
So what does nutmeg toxicity feel like? The following symptoms may occur as a result of nutmeg overdose.
Neurological effects:
- Euphoria or giddiness
- Tingling sensations
- Hallucinations
- Detachment from reality
- Fear of death
- Delirium
- Extreme sleepiness or stupor
- Seizures
- Coma
Other side effects:
- Headache
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Dizziness
- Confusion, slurred speech
- Chest pain
- Shaking or tremoring
- Anxiety or agitation
- Increased heart rate/palpitations
- Changes in blood pressure
- Organ failure
Treating a Nutmeg Overdose
f you think your child has had a nutmeg overdose, take them to your nearest ER immediately. If they have severe symptoms like vomiting, seizures, hallucinations, dizziness and confusion, or changes in heart rate or blood pressure, they need professional medical care and monitoring.
If they have less severe symptoms, keep an eye out and make sure the situation doesn’t get worse. Encourage them to drink water. Hydration can help alleviate some of the gastrointestinal symptoms and flush out the system. Stay as calm as possible to prevent them from feeling more agitated or confused. If you wonder whether they might need medical attention, don’t hesitate to take them to the ER.
How to Talk to Your Teen About a Nutmeg Trip
Teens use risky substances for a variety of reasons. These range from low self-esteem to pressures at school or home to coping with an underlying mental health condition. Factors like resilience, healthy friendships, and emotional regulation skills are known to decrease the likelihood that a teen will turn to risky substance use.
Maintaining open communication with your teen is another important factor in keeping them healthy and safe. Talking to teens can be challenging, especially if they’re defiant, distant, or rebellious. Here are some tips to talk to your teen about dangerous substance use, including nutmeg.
Practice Active Listening
Active listening looks like listening to what your child is saying, reflecting back what you’re hearing, and refraining from interrupting or butting in. This type of listening is known to foster closer, more trusting relationships.
Avoid Giving Unsolicited Advice
Most people want to be able to vent or share something difficult without being told what to do. This includes teens. If they think you’ll offer unsolicited advice, they’re less likely to trust you with difficult situations or emotions. If you aren’t sure whether they want guidance or just to be listened to, don’t be afraid to ask them.
Avoid Judgment or Criticism
If your teen is afraid of being judged or criticized, they likely won’t come to you to talk about a difficult topic. Show them you love them unconditionally by being curious and open rather than closed off or judgmental.
Set Boundaries
You can listen and show you care while still setting boundaries. You’re still the parent, and ultimately you’re in charge of your child’s well-being. An example of a boundary might be telling them you’ll always be there to help them if they get into trouble, but if they lie to you there will be consequences.
Teen Treatment for Substance Use at Newport Academy
At Newport Academy, we understand how frightening and overwhelming it can be to think your teen might be engaging in problematic substance use, including nutmeg use. If you’re worried about your teen, you don’t have to deal with it on your own.
We offer a wide array of tailored teen treatment programs, including residential and outpatient, for mental health and substance use disorders. All our treatment options address teen substance use as well as underlying mental health disorders, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, and more.
Newport’s comprehensive therapeutic approach promotes spiritual, relational, emotional, and physical healing. Each of our teen treatment programs include:
- Individual therapy. This includes evidence-based modalities such as cognitive behavior therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, EMDR, and trauma repair.
- Psychoeducation. Learning about mental illness, coping strategies, and treatment options serves to empower teens and their families. By better understanding their experiences and symptoms, teens can learn to play an active role in their recovery.
- Family therapy. Utilizing attachment-based methods, family therapy heals ruptured parent-child bonds and improves teen mental well-being.
- Group therapy. Peer and group support is invaluable for building healthy relationships and feeling less alone.
- Experiential therapy. Therapeutic modalities like adventure, equine, music, yoga, horticulture, fitness, and art can all help teens connect to themselves and their environments in new ways.
- Academic programming. Many teens who struggle with mental health also struggle with academics. School can be a tough setting for many kids, especially those struggling with things like bullying or neurodivergence. To counter this, our academic experts and tutors provide tailored instruction that focuses on cultivating your child’s strengths.
Get Started Today
Start your child’s healing journey today. Our teen recovery programs achieve industry-leading outcomes by treating the trauma, attachment wounds, anxiety, and depression that lead to substance misuse. And our comprehensive, integrated care is tailored to each teen’s specific needs. To learn more about teen treatment at Newport and see whether it’s right for your family, contact us today.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is one teaspoon of nutmeg too much?
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How much nutmeg is safe to consume?
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What is the hallucinogenic effect of nutmeg?
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What does nutmeg toxicity feel like?
Sources
SciencDirect
Encyclopedia of Toxicology, 2023