What are Club Drugs?
Club drugs is a term used to describe a variety of potentially dangerous drugs use mostly by young adults and youth at dance clubs and parties, including: Ecstasy, GHB, Ketamine, Crystal Meth, and Rohypnol®. Although users may think these drugs are thought to be harmless, this is being proven by research to be wrong. Club drugs are appealing because they are relatively inexpensive, widely available, and are used to enhance the dance experience.
Buyer Beware
When you buy club drugs, you never know what you are getting. They are often used in combination with alcohol or other drugs with unpredictable and dangerous results. Possessing, producing, and trafficking in illegal drugs can result in criminal charges. Mixing with other drugs or alcohol greatly increases the risk of overdose, and possible death.
Ecstasy
For more information see: Facts about Ecstasy.
Marijuana
For more information see: Facts about Cannabis.
Methamphetamine (Crystal Meth)
For more information see: Facts about Methamphetamine.
 Ketamine
Ketamine is a general anesthetic. Also called K, Kept, Special K, and Vitamin K, it is sold as a liquid, capsule, crystal, or white powder. It is colorless, odorless, and tasteless and is easily dissolved in a drink. It is most often used as an animal tranquilizer.
Ketamine Short-term effects
Effects can be felt in about 10 minutes and last for about one hour, depending on the dose. Users report feeling relaxed and sedated. At higher doses, Ketamine distorts perceptions, and can cause confusion and blackouts.
Ketamine Risks
While there is very little risk of overdose, Ketamine is addictive and there is a risk of dependence. Large doses can cause delirium, amnesia, high blood pressure, depression, and breathing problems. Some regular users become withdrawn, paranoid, and very uncoordinated. Some users have even called this state being “K-holed.”
GHB
GHB (gamma hydroxybutyrate) is a sedative hypnotic originally developed as a sleep aid. Also called G, or Liquid X, it is sold as a clear, salty tasting liquid or white powder.
GHB Short-term Effects
Effects are felt in about 10 to 20 minutes and can last up to four hours. At lower doses, GHB produces effects similar to alcohol and can make the user feel relaxed, happy, and sociable.
GHB Risks
Overdose can occur quickly - combining with other drugs, including alcohol, greatly increases the risk. Large doses can produce dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, headaches, the loss of consciousness, loss of reflexes, impaired breathing, and death. Regular use may produce physical dependence. Withdrawal symptoms include insomnia, anxiety, tremors, and sweating.
Rohypnol®
Rohypnol® (flunitrazepam) is a considered a major tranquilizer. Also known as Roofies, or Roche, it is usually sold as a small, white tablet. It is colorless, tasteless, odorless, and is easily dissolved in drinks. It produces profound sedative effects, especially when mixed with alcohol, and is sometimes called the "date rape" drug because of its reported use in sexual assaults.
Rohypnol® Short-term Effects
Effects can be felt in about 20 minutes and last from eight to 24 hours depending on the dose. Users report feelings of intoxication, relaxation, drowsiness, sedation, and loss of inhibitions. At higher doses it may cause low blood pressure, dizziness, confusion, headaches, slurred speech, and difficulty walking. Rohypnol is generally known to cause amnesia and blackouts.
Rohypnol® Risks
Prolonged use can produce physical and psychological dependence. Withdrawal symptoms include: headaches, muscle pain, confusion, hallucinations, and convulsions.
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