Sisa (drug)

Sisa is a highly addictive and dangerous street drug primarily encountered in Greece. It is a form of methamphetamine, typically produced cheaply and crudely, often containing a mix of adulterants and toxic chemicals. These additives can include battery acid, engine oil, shampoo, and other household chemicals used in the manufacturing process. Due to its impure and dangerous composition, sisa poses significant health risks, far exceeding those associated with purer forms of methamphetamine.

The drug is typically smoked, but can also be injected. The effects are similar to those of methamphetamine, including euphoria, increased energy, and reduced appetite, but they are often accompanied by severe paranoia, hallucinations, and violent behavior.

Sisa use is associated with a range of devastating health consequences, including severe skin lesions, organ damage (liver, kidneys, heart), neurological damage, psychosis, and a greatly increased risk of premature death. The adulterants present in sisa contribute significantly to these health problems.

The availability and use of sisa has been linked to periods of economic hardship in Greece. Its low cost, compared to other drugs, makes it attractive to vulnerable populations. Addressing the sisa problem requires a multi-faceted approach involving drug prevention programs, treatment and rehabilitation services, and efforts to address the underlying socio-economic factors that contribute to its use.