Riyukuran Madness

Broadly speaking, "Riyukuran madness" is the Shadowkai term for a specific addiction phenomenon that sometimes befalls individuals who visit Riyukurae. Rather than a true diagnosis, it is simply used to refer, in a general sense, to extreme drug or alcohol dependency. Given the prevalence of mind-altering substances in kitsune society, it is not uncommon for members of other races to find the country a veritable siren song of illicit drugs and other sensual pleasures; because of this, those who visit the country and are either poorly-informed of the dangers or are already struggling with substance abuse and frequently "disappear" into Riyukurae under a haze of drugs, ill-spent funds, and either the inability or lack of desire to leave.
"Riyukuran madness" does not explicitly refer only to shadowkin who have fallen prey to this phenomenon, but the term is only really heard in Isophelair.

Treatment

Recently, shadowkin physicians have developed a series of drugs specifically used to counter certain causes of Riyukuran madness. That is, they have synthesized medicines that, while non-addictive, can be used to treat and wean the dependent off of certain kitsune substances. Much like methadone, these concoctions are near enough to 'trick' the body into believing it is still getting its fix, while slowly replacing that addiction and allowing the patient to get clean. Now, when a shadowkin returns from Riyukurae or is brought back to Isophelair by concerned family or loved ones, they can be safely treated during their recovery. Of course, this method must be paired with psychological treatments, and often other physical ones to break the true dependency at the heart of it all, but there is now much more hope for those who were once lost to the kitsune lands than in previous years.
Due to the goddess Ilune's restriction that only shadowkin healers can treat other shadowkin, this treatment is currently only available in Isophelair. While members of other races are not barred from utilizing the technology, only specialized non-shadowkin patients are being accepted at this time since the medicines have only recently shown results in the medical community. Whether or not they work as effectively for other fae races, or even humans, is presently unknown.

Type

Chemical Compound