Recreational use of snake venom, an emerging trend in India - A case report and review of reports

Abstract

Adolescent substance abuse is at an all-time high these days. To get high, people have a pre-disposition to try new substances, and this experimenting leads them to try potentially lethal substances. Impulsive, novelty and adventure seekers are common characteristics of such users. We are reporting a case of snake venom abuse by snakebite in a patient with multiple substance use disorders. We discussed potential mechanisms of action, patient characteristics associated with snake venom abuse and management concerns.