What is “flakka” and how is it used? Flakka is in the same class of chemical found in bath salts. It contains a compound known as alpha-PVP, similar in structure to MDPV. It is a synthetic drug that is structurally related to cathinone. The drug can be snorted, smoked, injected or even ingested. The United States Drug Enforcement Administration has classified alpha-PVP as a Schedule I drug since 2014.

Flakka comes in a crystalline rock form and it is often sold online and repackaged in capsules or made available for vaping in e-cigarettes. Because of this, it can be easily concealed and used in public without raising suspicion of law enforcement or friends and family.

What are its effects?
Alpha-PVP is a central nervous system stimulant. This drug is highly addictive, both physically and psychologically. Its effects can be as potent as crystal meth, bath salts or cocaine. Its use increases brain levels of dopamine, which results in alert and euphoric feelings often coupled with dangerous side effects of aggression and excited delirium. Acute psychotic reactions have been documented, and users have been known to rip off their clothes and exhibit adrenaline-like strength. Physiological effects may include hypertension, elevated heart rate and a hypermetabolic state that may lead to hyperthermia.

Flakka’s effects can last as few as three to four hours or possibly linger for several days. It is often taken while the user is already high on flakka—a practice known as snacking—or cut with other drugs such as heroin, cocaine or marijuana, often leading to additional serious health problems.

Street Names
Flakka is a part of the new trend in the drug supply industry of creating brand names to build popularity, much like the drug K2, also known as spice. Flakka is also popular elsewhere in the nation, especially Tennessee and Pennsylvania, often sold under the street name of “gravel” because it looks like grainy pebbles or salt.


Flakka is made from the chemical alpha-PVP, a synthetic version of the stimulant cathinone. Flakka is in the same class of chemicals used to make bath salts.


  • Anxiety and paranoia
  • Extreme aggression
  • Hallucinations
  • Rapid heart rate
  • Rapid body heat elevation to 105-106º
  • Death


According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, flakka cases are significantly increasing, from zero cases in 2010 to 85 cases in 2010, and more than 670 cases in 2014.


The chemical compound of flakka, also known as Gravel, is alpha-PVP, which can be detected in urine with specialized lab testing. The urine specimen must be wrapped in foil due to light sensitivity.


Cordant Health Solutions meets all of your drug testing needs. From the latest street drugs, to historically abused substances, our panels are constantly being updated and tweaked to meet the ever-changing types and ways in which drugs are abused.

Contact us to learn how you can start testing for flakka.