In recent years, Thailand has become home to…
13 April 2025
Many people first heard of Mandrax in the movie “The Wolf of Wall Street”, where Leonardo Di Caprio plays a banker who is hooked on the drug. But is the reality of mandrax use how it is presented in the movie?
In this blog, we explore exactly what is mandrax, and also look at how mandrax use can ruin your life.
If you are addicted to mandrax and need help, contact us on +44 20 4530 5225.
Mandrax is the street name for methaqualone, a powerful sedative-hypnotic drug that was once used medically to treat insomnia and anxiety. Today, it is best known as a drug of abuse, especially in regions where it remains widely available on the black market.
When you take Mandrax, it slows down your brain activity and nervous system, producing feelings of relaxation, euphoria, and drowsiness. While these effects may feel soothing at first, the drug quickly becomes habit-forming. Many people who start using it to escape stress or emotional pain soon find themselves physically and psychologically dependent.
Mandrax is most commonly smoked, often mixed with cannabis in what’s referred to as a “white pipe.” This method of use delivers a rapid, intense high but also raises the risk of addiction, overdose, and long-term harm.
Originally developed in the 1950s, methaqualone was marketed as a less addictive alternative to barbiturates. For a time, it was prescribed under brand names like Quaalude and Mandrax. However, by the 1970s and 1980s, it became clear that the drug was being widely abused.
As reports of overdose, dependence, and illicit distribution grew, most countries classified Mandrax as a controlled substance with no accepted medical use. While it was phased out in much of the Western world, its production and trafficking continued illegally.
Today, Mandrax has nearly vanished from legal pharmacies, but it remains a significant public health issue in countries like South Africa, where underground labs continue to manufacture and sell it.
In South Africa, Mandrax abuse has become one of the most severe drug-related problems, particularly in low-income areas where access to education, mental health care, and economic opportunity is limited. It’s frequently used alongside cannabis, often in homemade pipes that amplify the effects of both substances.
If you’re living in a community where Mandrax is easily accessible, you may have seen firsthand how it affects individuals and families. Regular users experience changes in mood, physical health, behavior, and motivation. The drug creates a sense of detachment that can numb emotional pain, but it also disconnects you from reality, relationships, and self-worth.
Mandrax use isn’t confined to South Africa. It has also been reported in countries like India, Pakistan, and parts of Southeast Asia. Its spread continues to impact vulnerable populations, and its addictive nature makes it incredibly hard to quit without help.
The addictive potential of Mandrax lies in how it affects your brain. The drug increases the activity of GABA, a neurotransmitter that slows down nerve signals. This leads to a calming effect that can relieve anxiety, tension, and emotional discomfort.
But your brain quickly adapts. Over time, you need more of the drug to feel the same effects. You may find yourself using it just to feel “normal.” Soon, Mandrax becomes a regular part of your routine—not for pleasure, but to avoid discomfort.
Addiction also forms on a psychological level. If you’ve been using Mandrax to escape problems, avoid emotions, or cope with trauma, you may feel unable to face life without it. Even when you want to stop, the cravings can overpower your best intentions.
Quitting Mandrax without medical support can lead to serious withdrawal symptoms. Because the drug is a central nervous system depressant, your body reacts strongly when it’s suddenly removed.
Common withdrawal symptoms include:
These symptoms can be life-threatening. That’s why it’s never recommended to quit cold turkey at home. A medically supervised detox ensures that you can withdraw from Mandrax safely and with proper care.
If you’ve been using Mandrax heavily or for a long time, it’s essential to approach recovery with the right support systems in place.
Many people were first introduced to Mandrax through Martin Scorsese’s The Wolf of Wall Street. In the film, Leonardo DiCaprio plays Jordan Belfort, a stockbroker whose rise to financial power is fueled by greed, excess, and a staggering level of substance abuse. Quaaludes (the American word for Mandrax) feature prominently, portrayed as the drug of choice during Belfort’s wildest episodes of self-destruction.
One of the most memorable scenes involves Belfort taking an extremely potent dose of aged Quaaludes. What follows is a surreal, darkly comedic depiction of the drug’s effects. He collapses, slurs his speech, and crawls on the floor in a state of near-paralysis. While exaggerated for cinematic effect, the scene highlights the central nervous system depressant effects of Mandrax: impaired motor function, delayed reaction time, and a complete loss of control.
Although the film plays these moments for laughs, the underlying message is clear—Mandrax is not a harmless high. The euphoria it provides is short-lived, and what follows can be devastating: addiction, physical harm, and psychological collapse. Belfort’s chaotic downfall mirrors what many people experience in real life when caught in the grip of this drug.
If you or someone you love is struggling with Mandrax abuse, know that help is available, and recovery is possible. The first step is recognizing that you need support and that you don’t have to do this alone.
Here are the most effective Mandrax addiction treatment options:
The first stage of recovery from Mandrax use is often medical detox, where your body is safely weaned off the drug under professional supervision. Doctors and nurses monitor your symptoms, manage complications, and ensure that you stay as comfortable as possible during the process.
This stage is crucial for stabilizing your physical health before moving on to emotional and psychological healing.
For long-term success, many people benefit from residential rehab programs. Inpatient rehab provides a safe, structured environment away from triggers and temptations.
You’ll take part in daily therapy sessions, both one-on-one and in groups. You’ll also learn healthy coping strategies, improve your emotional regulation, and develop new habits that support lasting recovery. In addition to traditional therapies, holistic practices like yoga, meditation, and art therapy may also be included.
Long-term rehab is especially recommended if you’ve experienced multiple relapses or have a history of trauma, mental illness, or severe physical dependence.
If inpatient care isn’t an option, outpatient treatment allows you to receive professional help while continuing to live at home. This may include weekly counseling sessions, support groups, and check-ins with addiction specialists.
Note that outpatient treatment for mandrax is not recommended if you are heavily addicted to this drug.
Recovery doesn’t end when treatment does. Aftercare is essential for maintaining sobriety and building a life you feel good about. This can include sober living homes, ongoing therapy, 12-step meetings, or non-religious support groups.
Relapse prevention planning also helps you identify triggers, build coping skills, and stay accountable to your recovery goals.
Mandrax is a drug that can take hold of your life quickly, but it doesn’t have to define your future. If you’re struggling with Mandrax addiction, there is hope. With the right support, treatment, and environment, you can reclaim your health, your relationships, and your sense of purpose.
You deserve a life that’s not ruled by a substance. You deserve to feel calm, confident, and in control without having to escape.
At Rehab in Thailand, we provide personalized, compassionate care through detox, inpatient rehab, and long-term recovery support. Call us today at +44 20 4530 5225 to speak with an addiction specialist and take the first step toward healing.
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