Club Drugs - Know the Facts
Club drugs, also known as Party Pills, are widely used primarily among young adults. While once associated mostly with "raves", these drugs are now being used on a regular basis in many different situations. The drugs seem to have grown in popularity for several reasons: They are relatively inexpensive, they are easy to get and they produce feelings of detachment users often seek.
While there are other drugs found on the club/dance/party circuit, the most common include Ecstasy (MDMA), GHB, Rohypnol, PCP and Ketamine. These drugs are often referred to by different names. Ecstasy can be called "X," "XTC", "MDMA" or "the hug drug". GHB's street names include "liquid ecstasy", "soap", "easy lay", "vita-G" and "Georgia home boy". PCP is also called "angel dust", "angel", "ozone" or "embalming fluid". Ketamine is also referred to as "special K" or "vitamin K" while Rohypnol is also labeled as "rophies", "roofies", "roach" and "rope".
The fact that each of these drugs is known by multiple names is not the only thing they have in common; they all put users into detached, agitated or confused states and have unwanted adverse side-effects, which can lead to death.
Here is a breakdown of the so-called "club drugs" and the serious risks associated with their use:
MDMA (Ecstasy):Is a synthetic, psychoactive drug which is similar (in chemical make-up) to methamphetamine (a stimulant) and mescaline (a hallucinogen). Adding "speed" to "hallucinations", produces what users have described as "an out of body experience". Other users say it makes them feel that they "love everyone" - presumably that is why it is sometimes known as "the hug drug". Many others, however, experience irrational, aggressive and dangerous behavior while under the influence of Ecstasy. Risks: This powerful drug can interfere with the body's natural ability to regulate temperature. Users have been known to develop fevers of 107 degrees or higher. Once body temperature reaches these extremes, organ failure often follows quickly. MDMA can lead to kidney, liver, heart and lung failure and ultimately to death. It is impossible to predict when users will experience these adverse effects. Dangerous MDMA levels can be reached the first time the drug is used or after more exposure; it's like playing Russian roulette.
GHB: Is intended to produce sedated, euphoric states. GHB has also been used for anabolic (body building) effects. A depressant to the central nervous system, this drug comes with major risks. Risks: Seizures and coma are not uncommon following use of GHB. On its own or mixing alcohol (or other drugs) and GHB can result in extreme breathing difficulties - which may result in death.
PCP: Has been used in veterinary medicine as an anesthetic. Once considered for use as an anesthetic for humans, it was never approved by the FDA because of the serious side effects associated with the drug. This drug is quickly ingested into the system and effects are often felt within minutes. PCP is highly unpredictable; effects (often horrific) may be felt for hours or days. The drug can produce dramatically different results by the same user - one "episode" can produce distortions of body, space and time along with hallucinations. The next episode can result in hours (or days) of extreme panic, paranoia and fear. Risks: Shallow, rapid breathing, sky-rocketing blood pressure and elevated body temperature are but a few of the effects of PCP. Other side effects include blurred vision, vertigo and inability to feel pain. Muscle contractions can be so severe they may result in bone fracture. Convulsions, kidney damage (or failure), coma and death may be the result of PCP use.
Rohypnol: Is most commonly know as "the date rape drug" because once it is mixed with alcohol (usually the drinker is unaware their drink has been tampered with), it renders the victim incapacitated and completely unable to ward off sexual assault. Victims usually experience amnesia as well - and are unable to remember events taken place while under the influence. Now illegal in the United States, importation of the drug is also prohibited by law. Risks: Even small amounts, on its own or mixed with alcohol or other depressants can cause coma and death.
Ketamine: Is an anesthetic most commonly used in veterinary settings. This is an anesthetic developed specifically to sedate animals. Snorted or injected, Ketamine can cause the user to experience a dream-like state (often more nightmare-like) and hallucinations. Odorless and tasteless, it can also be added to beverages undetected and like Rohypnol often causes amnesia. Risks: Delirium, motor function impairment and severe depression known to result in suicide. Even small doses can cause blood pressure to soar to dangerous levels and slowing of the respiratory system which can lead to death.
What do these drugs have in common? They are highly unpredictable, often result in cardiovascular and respiratory problems and can lead to death.
Ironic, isn't it they are sometimes referred to as "Party Drugs"? Doesn't sound like much of a party at all.
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Since 1991, NorthStar's mission has been to facilitate recovery from substance abuse/dependence and self-defeating behaviors so that young adults can achieve their educational and life goals. NorthStar's experienced staff knows that young adults usually overestimate their ability to reintegrate into the community after an effective primary or wilderness intervention. At NorthStar, they emphasize teaching skills to manage recovery and independent living and gradually introduce the student to the freedom they desire and help them learn from the challenges this presents. NorthStar offers a strong aftercare component to assist young adults to continue on the path of recovery. At NorthStar, young adults who have completed a primary treatment program can work on deepening their understanding of sobriety while learning and practicing the skills to live an independent, sober, healthy and successful life.
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