Millions of people in the United States live with substance use disorder (SUD). The effects of substance abuse and addiction can be devastating for a person’s emotional, physical, and social health. Living with an untreated SUD puts people at increased risk of overdose, chronic health conditions, and other life-threatening complications. 

People may use drugs for a variety of reasons. Some may self-medicate physical or emotional pain. Some may become addicted to prescription medications. Others are curious about drugs or want to experience their pleasurable side effects. 

Club drugs are substances people use to boost energy and sociability. There are many club drugs available, each with its own effects and risks. While people may take club drugs to enhance fun social experiences, these drugs can be extremely dangerous and addictive.

This article will explore club drug abuse. You will learn:

• What clubs are
• Examples of club drugs
• The risks and effects of club drugs
• Where to find substance abuse treatment

If you or someone you love abuses club drugs or other addictive substances, you are not alone. Contact the Moving Mountains Recovery specialists to explore our treatment and recovery support programs. 

What are Club Drugs?

Club drugs–also called party drugs–are substances that people take during social situations, including:

• Raves
• Festivals
• Parties
• Nightclubs

Party drugs have side effects that may make these social situations more enjoyable. Some common effects of club drugs include:

• Increased sociability
• Deeper empathy
• Feelings of connection to others
• Euphoria
• Talkativeness
• Heightened senses
• Psychoactive effects like enhanced sounds or colors

Most club drugs are illegal. However, people may smuggle them from other countries or create them in illicit labs. Some club drugs are prescription medications that people use recreationally (without a prescription). 

While people take club drugs for their pleasurable side effects, many of these drugs can cause serious harm. It is essential to understand the risks of using club drugs and seek professional help to stop using them safely. 

The Effects and Risks of Common Club Drugs

There are many club drugs available. Here is an overview of six of the most popular club drugs. 

1. Ketamine

Ketamine is a dissociative drug that causes people to feel detached from their surroundings. People may refer to ketamine as:

• Special K
• Super Acid
• Cat Valium
• Jet
• Vitamin K

In higher doses, ketamine can cause extreme dissociation. Users experience a trance-like state or feel sedated. They may experience auditory and visual hallucinations. People who use ketamine may experience a lethal overdose or do dangerous things while high on ketamine. Some users harm or kill themselves or others. 

2. LSD

LSD is a hallucinogen. People take LSD to experience the drug’s hallucinatory effects. They may experience altered awareness, emotions, or sensations. 

People who take LSD may also experience unwanted side effects, including:

• Anxiety
• Hopelessness
• Delusions
• Aggression
• Intrusive thoughts
• Paranoia
• Irritability
• Panic
• Suicidal thoughts

These and other negative side effects are symptoms of a “bad trip.” People may have long-lasting physical and emotional effects from using LSD.

Research shows that LSD use is relatively common among teens and young adults. A study from 2008 showed that about 3.1 million people in the US aged 12-25 reported using LSD in the past. 

3. GHB

GHB is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant. It is a prescription medication people may take to manage narcolepsy (a sleep disorder). However, people more commonly use it as a recreational party drug.

People may refer to GHB as “liquid ecstasy” or “liquid X.” These nicknames refer to GHB’s depressant or sedative effects. In some cases, people may use GHB to drug and sexually assault others. 

4. MDMA (Ecstasy)

The effects of MDMA can enhance social situations. People who take ecstasy may experience a sense of closeness or connection with others, euphoria, heightened senses, and other pleasurable effects. 

However, MDMA use can also be hazardous. Some of the adverse effects of MDMA include:

• Impulsiveness
• Teeth grinding 
• Dangerously elevated body temperature
• Dehydration
• Nausea
• Chills
• Muscle cramps
• High blood pressure

Research shows hundreds of people have died from an MDMA overdose. The most common cause of death from ecstasy use comes from dangerously elevated body temperatures. This can cause kidney failure and other life-threatening health problems. 

5. Rohypnol

Rohypnol is a dangerous benzodiazepine with potent sedative effects. Some call Rohypnol the “forget me pill”  or “the date rape drug” because it can cause memory lapses. Some people use Rohypnol to facilitate sexual assaults by slipping it into unknowing victim’s drinks.  

In addition to causing extreme sedation and memory loss, Rohypnol may also cause extreme nausea, vomiting, and other GI symptoms for up to 12 hours. 

6. Methamphetamine

Methamphetamine is a potent stimulant drug. Meth users report feelings of super-strength or invincibility while using it. The stimulant effects of meth make it a popular party drug.

However, meth abuse can lead to a range of severe health problems, including:

• Irregular heart rate
• Extreme weight loss
• Severe dental problems (meth mouth)
• Mood swings
• Violent or erratic behavior
• Elevated body temperature
• High blood pressure
• Insomnia
• Psychosis
• Paranoia

Research has determined that meth abuse can change the structure of the brain, making it very hard to stop using it. People with meth addiction typically require intensive treatment to quit. 

Find Treatment Now

Club drug abuse is dangerous and can cause long-term health effects, including addiction. If you or someone you love abuses club drugs or other substances, don’t wait to get help. Contact the Moving Mountains Recovery specialists to explore our holistic treatment and recovery support programs.