The Dangers Of Club Drugs

Drugs found within the club scene can be dangerous on many different levels. Originally abused by teenagers and young adults these drugs can be found within bars, dance clubs, raves, etc. Mind altering and physically debilitating, only some of these substances are illegal in the United States. So what are the effects of club drugs, and what keeps people using and/or abusing them on a regular basis?

Ecstasy, also known as MDMA, 'E' or 'X', is a psychoactive drug that mainly acts as a hallucinogen as well as a stimulant. The substance can be injected, 'snorted' or taken in pill or suppository form. There are immediate effects that take place after using, that may include but are not limited to dizziness, hallucinations and an increase in energy.

Unfortunately, there are also effects that come with the pill leaving a person's system, which may include but are not limited to: muscle aches, extreme migranes, depression, heart palpitations, chills, sweating or faintness. The drug actually makes the user unaware of their limitations, making for poor decision-making, and extreme acts of physical activity. After the drug wears off, the unseen initial side-effects start to show up within the body and brain.

GHB is another drug abused within the club scene. Often known as a 'date-rape' drug this colorless, odorless and tasteless substance (liquid or powder) is regularly placed within alcoholic beverages to unsuspecting victims. When ingested deep-sleep, coma or even death may occur. Side effects such as hallucinations, impaired judgment, difficulty breathing, loss of memory and physical numbness may also occur.

Katamine, also known as 'special k', has also been used and/or abused at dance and rave locations, due to the hallucinations it may provide. This drug, used mainly as a sedative for animals is regularly used as a medical treatment within veterinary hospitals.

Used only as a sedative in small doses for animals, people have increased the dosage for a hallucinogenic high. In these larger doses several negative effects may occur, including that of:

* Severe depression
* High blood pressure and heart problems
* Motor function impairment
* Respiratory issues
* Death

Also used as a 'date rape' drug within the club scene, this dangerous substance has increased in levels of abuse over the past ten years. Emergency rooms have seen an increase in overdoses that have risen by the hundreds over even the past few years. Drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers have also seen a rise in the number of individuals that have abused the substance once or more in their pre-rehab existence.

Club drugs, 'date rape' drugs, etc. are more dangerous than users tend to assume. In not knowing the harmful and possibly lethal side-effects that can occur, club goers are taking their lives in their hands when using these hallucinogens type substances to 'have a good time'.

About the Author: Robert Shryoc is the Director of Development at the Stonegate Center, a Texas treatment center. The Texas drug rehab community serves people entangled in the physical, mental, social and spiritual bonds of chemical dependency. For more information about the residential treatment facility please visit http://www.stonegatecenter.com.

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