Club Drugs
Club drugs are used by young adults at all-night dance parties such as "raves" or "trances," dance clubs, and bars. "Raves" are described as high energy, all night dance parties that feature hard pounding techno-music and flashing laser lights. These all night parties become dangerous when drugs are used by the "ravers." As raves became popular in the 1990's, the "rave attendees thought that the club drugs were just a part of the experience, necessary for a good "rave" experience. Yet, contrary to popular belief, no club drug is risk free; especially when the drugs are taken in conjunction with alcohol.
Another troubling issue is the relationship of club drugs to date rape. Date rape occurs when a person is coerced or forced to have sex. Date rape can occur between partners, dates, friends, or acquaintances. Club drugs are used for date rape, because the victim has no memory of the events that occur while the drug is in their system. The drugs also lower a person's inhibition both in a sexual and physically affectionate way and make it impossible for the victim to think clearly and make appropriate decisions. These factors make it easier for a predator to take advantage of a victim. "Date rape" drugs are usually slipped into a person's drink or food.
MDMA (Ecstasy), GHB, Rohypnol, ketamine, methamphetamine , and LSD are the popular club/party drugs. One reason for this their inexpensive price and the stamina and intoxicating highs these drugs produce. National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) supported research has shown that the use of club drugs can cause serious health problems and, in some cases, even death.
MDMA or "ecstasy ," the most popular club drug, acts like a stimulant, such as methamphetamine, or a hallucinogen, such as LSD. It is available as an aspirin-sized pill or capsule that can be easily hidden. MDMA can affect a person up to six hours, but there are reports that it can cause depression, sleep problems, and anxiety for days and even weeks after taken. This is a believed to occur because MDMA affects brain functioning. MDMA can produce several unwanted health effects, such as nausea, chills, sweating, involuntary teeth clenching, muscle cramping, and blurred vision. The symptoms of an overdose include high blood pressure, faintness, panic attacks, loss of consciousness, seizures, and death. Since peak levels of use in 2001, the prevalence of MDMA use has decreased by more than half. Other statistics show that over the past several years, high school students are showing more of a perceived risk of ecstasy.
GHB or "liquid ecstasy" acts as an intoxicant or sedative and is often used with alcohol as a "date rape" drug. It is available as a clear liquid, white powder, capsule, or pill. GHB effects begin 10 to 20 minutes after ingestion, and can last as long as four hours, depending on the dosage. Its overdose effects include loss of consciousness, impaired breathing, seizures, coma, and death.
Rohypnol or "roofies" acts as a sedative and can cause inability to remember events while under its influence. It is available as a white pill that dissolves easily in carbonated beverages and is a popular "date rape" drug. A dose of Rohypnol as small as one milligram can impair a person for eight to twelve hours. Its overdose effects include confusion and possibly death when used with alcohol.
Methamphetamine or "speed" is a stimulant that causes a false sense of confidence, excitation, irritability, anxiety, and panic. Other serious health conditions include memory loss, aggression psychotic behavior, and potential heart and brain damage. It is highly addictive and available as a pill, capsule, powder, or in chunks that can be ingested, snorted, injected or smoked. The drug stimulates the central nervous system and the effects can last from eight to twenty-four hours. A user feels an intense rush or "flash" that lasts a few minutes when smoking or ingesting methamphetamine; euphoria is felt if the drug is snorted or orally ingested. Overdose effects include agitation, extreme rise in body temperature, hallucinations, convulsions, and death. Methamphetamine damages brain cells, lungs, kidneys, and the liver. Methamphetamine abuse is linked to the spread of hepatitis and HIV/AIDS, especially among injection drug users who share needles and syringes.
LSD or "acid" is a hallucinogen that causes unpredictable abnormalities in sensory perceptions. Each user will experience different effects depending on their personality, mood, and expectations. It is available as a clear liquid, tablet, capsule, or on small pieces of blotter paper taken orally. Its overdose effects include flashbacks, psychosis, and possibly death. LSD can cause sensations that seem to "cross over," the user then feels like he/she is hearing colors, and seeing sounds. Users refer to their experiences with LSD as a "trip;" and to unwanted reactions from the drug as a "bad trip." A "bad trip" can cause reactions that do not begin to clear for 12 hours.
Ketamine or "Special K" is an animal anesthetic that is similar to the hallucinogen PCP. Although it has been approved as both a human and animal anesthetic since 1970; 90 percent of the legally sold ketamine is for veterinary use. It is available as a liquid or white powder that can cause dream-like states and hallucinations. It is usually injected, snorted, or smoked. Small amounts of ketamine result in impaired attention, learning ability, and memory. Its overdose effects include amnesia, delirium, impaired motor function, high blood pressure, depression, and death from respiratory problems.
Sources: Center for Substance Abuse Prevention; National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information (NCADI); Missouri Prevention; National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA); Office of National Drug Control Policy; U.S. Department of Justice.
Additional information about methamphetamine is available at www.missouriprevention.org and a printer friendly downloadable fact sheet is available at www.dmh.missouri.gov/ada/facts/methaphetamine.pdf
For more information,contact the
Missouri Department of Mental Health, Division of Alcohol and Drug Abuse
P.O. Box 687, 1706 East Elm
Jefferson City, MO 65102
573-751-4942
1-800-364-9687
