The Craziest Drugs in History, Explained

Potent substances—ranging from repurposed animal tranquilizers to common kitchen spices—can cause severe, life-altering, or fatal physical and mental damage that far exceeds the effects of typical recreational drugs.

• Scopolamine — a plant-based powder that strips away free will, forcing victims to follow commands while remaining awake and functioning [00:10].

• Krokodil — a cheap heroin substitute that kills blood vessels and causes skin to rot, eventually leaving bones exposed [01:46].

• Bromo-DragonFLY — a long-lasting psychedelic that causes hallucinations for up to three days and severely restricts blood flow, leading to limb loss [03:06].

• Flakka — induces extreme body heat and delirium by removing the brain's natural safety limits on muscle exertion [04:45].

• Datura — a plant that produces true delirium, making it impossible for users to distinguish reality from hallucinations for days [05:41].

• Etorphine (M99) — an animal tranquilizer so potent that skin contact with the substance can be fatal to humans [07:22].

• DiPT — a chemical that distorts sound rather than sight, warping human voices and music into unrecognizable, demonic audio [08:37].

• DNP — an industrial substance that causes fatal overheating by forcing the body to convert its energy reserves directly into heat [10:15].

• Jenkem — the inhalation of gases from fermented human waste, often practiced in areas of extreme poverty to achieve a delirious high [11:40].

• Carfentanil — an opioid for large animals that is so powerful that a tiny grain can cause a fatal overdose [12:45].

• Adrenochrome — a chemical compound produced by the breakdown of adrenaline that is frequently mythologized in conspiracy theories despite having no proven recreational power [14:47].

• Nutmeg — a baking spice that acts as a deliriant in high doses, causing frightening hallucinations and a severe hangover that lasts for days [15:52].

• How does DNP interfere with the body's energy production?

• Why is Carfentanil considered more lethal than other opioids?