Rubicund
Rubicund is a condition that results from the use of various drugs developed from the Blood Trillium plant. While there is a short term high feeling, the initial minor side effects become much more pronounced with additional use.
Causes
This condition is usually caused as a side effect from the drugs called Crimson, Red Rock, Ruby, and the alcoholic drink that's called the Bloodshot, all of which are either derived from the rare Blood Trillium plant or have it as an ingredient.
Symptoms
Upon taking the drugs the person is overloaded with mental alertness, energy, excitement, confidence, and physical energy that lasts for about a half hour. During this time the skin becomes flushed, especially the cheeks and locations where the blood vessels are close to the skin's surface. A slight physical and psychological addiction begins at this time as well. Higher dosages and short term repeated use will increase all of the side effects. Chronic prolonged use causes the person to build up a tolerance to the drug, reducing the pleasurable state, but amplifying the addiction, lethargy, and flushed skin. With excessive daily use the skin stays in its flushed state and begins to constantly itch. Scratches, sores, and cuts are commonly found on heavy users.
Treatment
Several methods of treatment are available. The first would be to find a high level cleric to treat and pray over the afflicted individual. Others have tried going cold turkey with confinement and a sudden stoppage of the drug. This method is often effective but causes severe withdrawal symptoms and additional mental and emotional trauma as well. Perhaps the best method is a slow weening off process supervised by an experienced healer. As with most addictions, the person cannot 100% truly recover if they do not really want to or think that they do not have a problem.
Prognosis
The conditions will continue to worsen over time, with a great reduction and eventual loss of the pleasurable affect and an increase in the lethargy and redness. While not life threatening, this often leads to severe social issues. The afflicted often develop an extreme fear of leaving their homes and do not leave their beds except to find more drugs. This usually leads to job loss and isolation which promotes a sense of paranoia. They have little interest in proper nutrition, bathing, or socializing and are only driven by the need to find more drugs. The afflicted often turn to a life of crime as means to support their habit despite the perils involved.
Affected Groups
All groups of humanoids are subject to the effects.
Prevention
While there may be some magical items that might disguise the symptoms, the best way to prevent these side effects is to simply not use the drugs that cause them.
Cultural Reception
Different cultures view the condition differently. In places where there is rampant or accepted drug use, people may not really notice the afflicted or just see them as trying to get by the best that they can. In places where there is little drug use or it is looked down upon, the people may take pity on the afflicted, try to avoid contact with them, or perhaps even turn them in to the city militia.
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