Club drugs are a group of psychoactive drugs. They act on the CNS (central nervous system) and cause changes in mood, behavior, and awareness. These drugs are commonly found at parties (raves), bars, concerts, and nightclubs. Most of these drugs are illegal and are dangerous. They can cause serious injury, illness, or even death. This can occur by mixing the drugs with alcohol, one-time use, or repeated use. 
Are Club Drugs Dangerous?
Club drugs are sometimes called “date rape” drugs. (A date rape drug is any type of drug or alcohol used to commit sexual assault). These drugs are very powerful and have been known to be used in bars without the knowledge of the victim. Date rape drugs often have no color, smell, or taste, so they can easily be slipped into a drink or food. The most commonly used club drugs as date rape drugs are GHB and flunitrazepam. A very small amount of either of these drugs can cause a person to blackout or become unconscious.
Safety Tips for Avoiding Date Rape Drugs
If you are going out to a nightclub or bar, always take a friend with you. Don’t ever go out alone. Never leave any drink unattended, and if you do accidentally, do not drink it. Order a new drink. Don’t ever accept drinks from other people. If you are drinking from a bottle or can, be sure to open the drink yourself. Always look out for your friends and have them do the same for you.
What Are the Most Commonly Abused Club Drugs?
There are several different types of club drugs. Some of them are approved for certain medical issues, but most drugs are for misuse. The most commonly used club drugs include:
- MDMA (Methylenedioxymethamphetamine), also known as Molly or Ecstasy
- GHB (Gamma-hydroxybutyrate), also called G or Liquid Ecstasy
- Ketamine also called Special K or K
- Rohypnol or Roofies
- Methamphetamine or Speed, Ice, or Meth
- LSD (Lysergic Acid Diethylamide), also known as Acid
These drugs contain different agents that affect the brain and central nervous system. These drugs can either be stimulants, depressants, hallucinogens, or methamphetamines. The National Institute of Health “Club drugs: MDMA, gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB), Rohypnol, and ketamine” states:
Club drugs are substances commonly used at nightclubs, music festivals, raves, and dance parties to enhance social intimacy and sensory stimulation. The most widely used club drugs are 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), also known as ecstasy; gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB); flunitrazepam (Rohypnol); and ketamine (Ketalar). These drugs are popular because of their low cost and convenient distribution as small pills, powders, or liquids. Club drugs usually are taken orally and may be taken in combination with each other, with alcohol, or with other drugs. (NIH)
Club drugs can cause an individual to make choices and do things they otherwise wouldn’t do. They are extremely dangerous.
Signs and Symptoms of Club Drug Abuse
It’s impossible to know how any of these club drugs will affect an individual. They can all affect people differently. Symptoms will vary depending on the person, drug used, and how much they were given. The side-effects typically occur about 10 to 20 minutes after ingestion and can include:
- Nausea/Vomiting
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision
- Loss of muscle control
- Trouble breathing
- Heart rate and blood pressure changes
- Aggressive behavior
- Hallucinations
- Coma
- Death
If you think you or a friend may have been given a date rape drug, watch for these side effects. These drugs can also increase a person’s body temperature and cause an individual to overheat. If you notice a person showing any of these symptoms or seizure activity and loss of consciousness, get medical help right away.
Begin Treatment for Club Drug Addiction
Evoke Wellness offers a safe and comfortable environment for medical detoxification. Our patients are treated extensively so that minimal discomfort is experienced during the detox process. We provide residential treatment in a structured environment and then provide you with after-care support which is very important when being treated for addiction. Evoke Wellness is here to help you get on the road to long-term recovery.
