There has been a notable development in the case of YouTuber and Bigg Boss winner Elvish Yadav, who was recently detained on suspicion of utilizing snake venom as a recreational drug. This involves the exploitation of animals for psychoactive substances, whether from their body parts or secretions, which possess mind-altering properties when ingested in significant quantities. Let’s examine some of the animals that are misused for such purposes.
Snake Venom
Though unusual, addiction to unconventional and peculiar practices is not uncommon. The Indian subcontinent has witnessed a notable prevalence of snake venom addiction. A 2021 study published in the National Library of Medicine highlighted that snake venom addiction can be fatal, though it was discovered that some patients fully recovered without any treatment due to antibodies in the body from previous snakebites. Moreover, a 2022 paper from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Jodhpur, noted that snake venom has been utilized as a psychoactive substance in India, leading to mood alteration, nociception, lethargy, and blurred vision. It stressed the necessity for a thorough examination of the causes of their recreational effects. The psychotropic property of cobra venom also bears some resemblance to that of morphine.
Toads and Frogs
Amphibians such as toads and frogs produce high levels of amines like serotonin, histamine, and tyramine in their skin for chemical defense. Certain species of toads such as the Bufo alvarius and Bufo marinus have glands that secrete a milky-white venom, which was utilized as a ritual intoxicant by ancient peoples of Mesoamerica. However, consuming Bufo toad venom orally is not recommended as it can be ineffective and even fatal, as the venom evolved as a defense against predators. Many species of toads and frogs produce venoms and skin chemicals that are known to cause psychoactive effects when inhaled. Tryptamine bufotenin, found in some species of toads, induces hallucinogenic effects after consumption.
Hallucinogenic Fish
Fish such as clownfish, rabbitfish, sea bream, sea chub, surgeonfish, goatfish, mullet, and groupers, found in various regions, have been found to induce hallucinations, both auditory and visual, reminiscent of those induced by lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD).
This condition, known as ichthyoallyeinotoxism, is caused by the consumption of certain toxic fish. Another fish, Sarpa salpa, also known as ‘dream fish’ or ‘nightmare fish’, induces vivid hallucinations that can persist for several days.
Red Harvester Ants
Found in South and South Central California, red harvester ants are utilized for religious and medicinal practices by indigenous peoples and are known to cause hallucinogenic and mind-altering effects when consumed. The venom of these ants contains proteins, enzymes, histamines, formic acid, polypeptide kinins, and nicotinic cholinergic activity, which may induce hallucinations.
In conclusion, the utilization of psychoactive fauna for recreational drugs is a cause for concern due to significant health risks. It is imperative to address and raise awareness about the potential dangers associated with the ingestion of substances derived from animals.