Club drug is a term used to describe a variety of drugs that are popular at nightclubs, raves, parties and concerts. Club drugs are widely popular among teenagers and young adults. They are often used to heighten the experience of a rave, concert, party or club. These drugs include Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), ketamine and Gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB). Club drugs commonly induce feelings of euphoria and out of body experiences, but they are addictive and dangerous.
Street Names
Popular terms for these drugs include Special K and Vitamin K (ketamine), ecstasy and E (MDMA) and scoop and Liquid X (GHB)
Effects
The effects of club drugs can be very unpredictable and dangerous. They are commonly abused because the user may experience what seems like an out of body or spiritual experience. Often times these drugs vary in potency and purity or they are mixed with harmful chemicals or additives. Each time an individual takes one of these drugs they are risking becoming addicted and dangerous side effects including coma, seizure, heart failure and fatal overdose.
Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)
Effects include increased energy, extreme mood lift, euphoria, enhanced sensory perception,and alertness. After the effects of MDMA wear off the user commonly experiences irritability, anxiety, fatigue, nausea, sweating, muscle cramping, chills, depression and the inability to focus or concentrate. MDMA use can result in inability to control body temperature, heart failure and death.
Ketamine
This drug is a dissociative anesthetic used in human and veterinary medicine, but it is commonly used for recreational use as well. When used recreationally the effects may include increased energy, hallucinations, out of body experiences, euphoria and disorientation. High doses of ketamine can cause amnesia and delirium. Ketamine can also be potentially fatal if used with the consumption of alcohol.
Gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB)
This drug is a central nervous system depressant. It has been nicknamed the “date rape drug” because GHB is colorless and odorless and it causes side effects like unconsciousness and amnesia. These qualities link GHB to many incidents of non consensual sex and reports of date rape. The effects of GHB include enhanced sensuality, increased sociability, dizziness, amnesia, unconsciousness and euphoria. GHB can cause seizures, coma, and amnesia.
