Club Drugs
What are
club drugs?
The term "club drugs" is a general term
used for certain illegal substances, primarily
synthetic, that are usually found at nightclubs,
bars, and raves (all night dance parties). Substances
that are often used as club drugs include, but
are not limited to:
• MDMA (Ecstasy)
• Rohypnol, Ketamine and GHB
• Methamphetamine
To some, club drugs seem harmless.
In reality, these substances can cause serious
physical and psychological problems—even
death.
Ecstasy
What is ecstasy?
MDMA, widely known as ecstasy, is a synthetic,
psychoactive drug with both stimulant (amphetamine-like)
and hallucinogenic (LSD-like) properties.
How does ecstasy affect
the brain and body?
MDMA is neurotoxic. The chemical structure of
MDMA is similar to other synthetic drugs known
to cause brain damage. In high doses, it can cause
a sharp increase in body temperature leading to
muscle breakdown and kidney and cardiovascular
system failure. It also causes significant injury
to the brain, affecting neurons that use the chemical
serotonin to communicate with other neurons. The
serotonin system plays a direct role in regulating
mood, aggression, sexual activity, sleep, and
sensitivity to pain. It also affects those parts
of the brain critical to thought and memory.
What are the possible consequences
of ecstasy use and abuse?
Many of the risks users face with MDMA use are
similar to those found with the use of cocaine
and amphetamines:
• Psychological difficulties,
including confusion, depression, sleep problems,
drug craving, severe anxiety, and paranoia - during
and sometimes weeks after taking MDMA.
• Physical symptoms such as muscle tension,
involuntary teeth clenching, nausea, blurred vision,
rapid eye movement, faintness, and chills or sweating.
• Increases in heart rate and blood pressure,
a special risk for people with circulatory or
heart disease.
Also, there is evidence that people
who develop a rash that looks like acne after
using MDMA may be risking severe side effects,
including liver damage, if they continue to use
the drug.
MDMA is related in its structure
and effects to methamphetamine, which has been
shown to cause degeneration of neurons containing
the neurotransmitter dopamine. Damage to these
neurons is the underlying cause of the motor disturbances
seen in Parkinson's disease. Symptoms of this
disease begin with lack of coordination and tremors
and can eventually result in a form of paralysis.
Help! I have a loved one that needs help
with his or her addiction to ecstasy.
Many individuals have approached their loved one
regarding his/her drug addiction, with no success.
It may be helpful when talking with your loved
one, to have a third party present that is professionally
trained and knowledgeable about drug abuse.
Addiction Intervention Resources moves your family
out of crisis and assists in addressing your loved
one’s drug addiction.
To read more information on our Drug Intervention Program, Click Here
Rohypnol
What is rohypnol?
Rohypnol, the trade name for flunitrazepam, has
been a concern for the last few years because
of its abuse as a "date rape" drug.
People may unknowingly be given the drug which,
when mixed with alcohol, can incapacitate a victim
and prevent them from resisting sexual assault.
Rohypnol is not approved for use
in the U.S. and its importation is banned. Cases
of addiction and abuse began appearing in the
U.S. beginning in the early 1990’s. A very
similar drug is now being sold as "roofies"
in Miami, Minnesota, and Texas; This is clonazepam,
marketed in the U.S. as Klonopin and in Mexico
as Rivotril.
How does rohypnol affect
the brain and body?
Rohypnol produces sedative-hypnotic effects including
muscle relaxation and amnesia.
What are the possible consequences
of rohypnol use and abuse?
Rohypnol produces physical and psychological dependence.
In Miami, one of the first sites of Rohypnol abuse,
poison control centers report an increase in withdrawal
seizures among people addicted to Rohypnol.
Is it safe to use rohypnol
with other drugs or alcohol?
Rohypnol may be lethal when mixed with alcohol
and/or other depressants. When mixed with alcohol,
rohypnol can incapacitate a victim and prevent
them from resisting sexual assault.
Help! I have a loved one
that needs help with his or her addiction to rohypnol.
Many individuals have approached their loved one
regarding his/her drug addiction, with no success.
It may be helpful when talking with your loved
one, to have a third party present that is professionally
trained and knowledgeable about drug abuse and
addiction.
Addiction Intervention Resources
moves your family out of crisis and assists in
addressing your loved one’s drug addiction.
To read more information on our Drug Intervention Program, Click Here
Ketamine
What is Ketamine?
Ketamine is an anesthetic that has been approved
for both human and animal use in medical settings
since 1970; about 90 percent of the ketamine legally
sold is intended for veterinary use. It can be
injected or snorted. Ketamine has become common
in club and rave scenes and has been used as a
date rape drug.
How does Ketamine affect
the brain and body?
Certain doses of ketamine can cause dream-like
states and hallucinations
What are the possible consequences
of Ketamine use and abuse?
At high doses, ketamine can cause delirium, amnesia,
impaired motor function, high blood pressure,
depression, and potentially fatal respiratory
problems.
Help! I have a loved one
that needs help with his or her addiction to Ketamine.
Many individuals have approached their loved one
regarding his/her drug addiction, with no success.
It may be helpful when talking with your loved
one, to have a third party present that is professionally
trained and knowledgeable about drug abuse and
addiction.
Addiction Intervention Resources
moves your family out of crisis and assists in
addressing your loved one’s drug addiction.
To read more information on our Drug Intervention Program, Click Here
GHB
What is GHB?
GHB (gamma- hydroxybutyrate) has been abused in
the U.S. since the early 1990’s. Reports
from Detroit indicate liquid GHB is being used
in nightclubs for effects similar to those of
Rohypnol. It is also common in the club scene
in Phoenix, Honolulu, and Texas. In Miami, poison
control center calls have reflected problems associated
with increased GHB use, including loss of consciousness.
In New York City, there have been reports of GHB
use among those in the fashion industry. In Atlanta,
it is commonly used as a synthetic steroid at
fitness centers and gyms.
How does GHB affect the
brain and body?
GHB produces euphoric, sedative and anabolic (body
building) effects.
What are the possible consequences
of GHB use and abuse?
GHB has been associated with sexual assault in
cities throughout the country. Coma and seizures
can occur following abuse of GHB. GHB also produces
significant withdrawal effects, including insomnia,
anxiety, tremors, and sweating.
Is it safe to use GHB with
other drugs or alcohol?
When combined with methamphetamine, there appears
to be an increased risk of seizure. Combining
use with other drugs such as alcohol can result
in nausea and difficulty breathing.
Help! I have a loved one
that needs help with his or her addiction to GHB.
Many individuals have approached their loved one
regarding his/her drug addiction, with no success.
It may be helpful when talking with your loved
one, to have a third party present that is professionally
trained and knowledgeable about drug abuse and
addiction.
Addiction Intervention Resources
moves your family out of crisis and assists in
addressing your loved one’s drug addiction.
To read more information on our Drug Intervention Program, Click Here or call our National Call Center 800.561.8158