Zen
From Nova
Zen is a recreational drug that is not often used in Alfegos, but is rumoured to be used very often in Mephras and other nations. it is a sedative drug, reknowned for its horrific effects due to overdoses.
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Chemical Properties
Zen, or 1,2-triacetyl-4,5-epoxy-13-methylmorphinan, is a synthetic drug originally derived from an extremely rare plant in Alfegos yet now produced from solvents in a lengthy, classified process. It is a solid at room temperature, and can be ingested orally.
Effects of Consumption
Once the active chemical, usually ingested in doses of 5 micrograms, crosses the blood-brain barrier it supresses the connections between many of the brain cells, only allowing the vital functions of the body and memory to continue. This typically lasts for up to 24 hours on a single dose, until the drug is broken down naturally by the body.
Side Effects
Apart from overdose, there are no side effects to taking the drug: a regular user can stop taking it and feel no change.
Overdose
The most horrific aspect of the drug is when it is taken in doses of greater than 12 micrograms. At this level, the drug permanently severes some of the connections within the brain, leading to a coma. Whent he person wakes up, what appears to be a different consciousness inhabits the body, with all its memories and some of its senses (such as sight) still intact.
More often though, the drug taken in an overdose causes complete servering of all connections in the brain, leaving a body in PVS.
Legality
In Alfegos the drug is a category A drug, while in many other Nova nations it is also illegal.
Trade The drug is taken widely in Alfegos, due to the fact that most people avoid an overdose unless they are commiting suicide or are uninformed of the risks (extremely rare). Annually, 20 kilograms of the drug is estimated to be produced (4 billion doses), of which about 5 tonnes (1 billion doses) is confiscated and burnt. The drug is estimated to annually make a profit to the AUM of about Æ2 billion.
Street Names and Cost
In Alfegos, the drug can be found under the names of:
- Zen
- Pure
- Ascension
- Serenity
- Nih'Loika (Shortened to Ni'lo)
A standard dose of 5 micrograms typically sells for Æ10.
