Club drugs gained popularity in the parties, raves, clubs, concerts, and music festivals in Great Britain during the 1980s 1 People at these events take these drugs in order to enhance the experience. Club drugs are known for the feelings of euphoria and alertness that they cause. Despite the adverse side effects, club drugs are still popular among partygoers and are being used recreationally more often.
What Are the Different Kinds of Club Drugs?
At our drug and alcohol treatment center in Palm Beach, we have plenty of firsthand experience with different kinds of club drugs. Many users aren’t aware of how dangerous these drugs can be. Substance abuse involving club drugs can lead to problems like addiction, risky or dangerous behavior, overdose, and death.
LSD
LSD, also referred to as acid, is one of the most potent synthetic hallucinogens out there. In illegal laboratories across the United States LSD is produced in a crystal form and then often converted into a liquid to make distribution easier. It’s also sold on the streets in the form of gelatin squares and capsules. LSD is a common club drug because it releases serotonin, neurotransmitters in the brain that control mood and behavior.
The side effects of LSD are often unpredictable and include a variety of symptoms like:
- Hallucinations
- Dilated pupils
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Distorted vision
- Flashbacks of past “trips” or LSD experiences
- Seizures
- Increased blood sugar levels
- Insomnia
Individuals who develop a dependency on LSD often require professional help to get clean. At Behavioral Health of the Palm Beaches, we offer residential addiction treatment for safe and effective rehabilitation.
MDMA (Ecstasy)
MDMA, also known as ecstasy, is a synthetic drug that alters mood and perception of their surroundings. Like LSD, it produces feelings of euphoria and pressure, which is why many ravers prefer it. While it was originally popular in the nightclub scene, it has since become more and more common in recreational settings.
Ecstasy works by affecting chemicals in the brain like dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine. An increase or lack of these neurotransmitters can lead to side effects like:
- Increased energy
- Anxiety
- Increased blood pressure
- Increased heart rate
- Heart disease
- Constriction of the blood vessels
- Change in appetite
- Mood swings
Many users also mix ecstasy with substances like alcohol or marijuana. This can worsen symptoms and increase the risk of overdose.
Methamphetamine
Methamphetamine, or meth, is a highly addictive stimulant that targets the central nervous system. It’s also known as crystal meth because it’s usually sold in a crystallized form. It can be swallowed, snorted, injected, and smoked. It usually causes a quick high in its users, causing them to take repeated doses.
Some side effects of meth include:
- Rapid breathing
- Increased blood pressure
- Increased body temperature
- Increased heart rate
- Meth mouth (tooth decay)
- Meth Mites
- Memory loss
- Extreme weight loss
- Paranoia
- Anxiety
- Hallucinations
Meth increases energy and alertness, allowing users to dance for longer periods than if they weren’t high. Unfortunately, users will repeatedly use meth, even increasing their doses in order to sustain their symptoms. Because it’s so addictive, meth addiction treatment is usually required in order to quit.
Rohypnol
Rohypnol, also known as roofies, is a depressant and benzodiazepine commonly ingested by cocaine users to alleviate their side effects. 2 Because it’s a depressant and quickly dissolves in liquids, it’s also a common date rape drug.
Individuals who ingest Rohypnol may experience symptoms like:
- Lack of coordination
- Difficulty concentrating
- Muscle weakness
- Slurred speech
- Confusion
- Loss of consciousness
Like meth, Rohypnol is highly addictive; most users who continuously abuse it develop an addiction.
GHB
GHB, or gamma-hydroxybutyrate, is a depressant that targets the central nervous system. Like roofies, it’s also used as a date rape drug and a club drug. Because GHB directly affects brain function, it can lead to dependency and changes in the chemical makeup of the brain.
Symptoms of GHB include:
- Exhaustion
- Loss of consciousness
- Vomiting
- Headaches
- Hallucinations
- Lack of coordination
- Amnesia
Long-term use of GHB often results in addiction. As the user’s tolerance increases, so does the dosage they take. GHB is also frequently combined with alcohol and other sedatives in an attempt to intensify symptoms. This can lead to further health complications and even land you in the emergency room.
These different types of club drugs are extremely dangerous for a variety of reasons. Ravers and clubbers who take these are usually mixing them with alcohol and other drugs and will repeatedly take these drugs throughout the night. While these individuals are focused on how these drugs make them feel, they’re forgetting about the many life-threatening problems that can occur.
If you or a loved one is struggling with a drug or alcohol problem, do not wait until it’s too late. Call us today at 561-220-3981 for more information about our rehab center and various addiction treatment programs.
Sources:
- NCBI – Club drugs: review of the ‘rave’ with a note of concern for the Indian scenario
- DEA – Rohypnol
Related Reading:
Warning Signs of Molly Use and Addiction