Club drugs are a group of psychoactive drugs that effect the central nervous system and cause changes in mood awareness, and how people act. Young adults often abused these drugs at dance clubs, bars and parties. Some club drugs are:
- Ecstasy
- Rohypnol
- Methamphetamine, also known as Speed, Ice, Meth and Crystal
Some of these drugs are approved for certain medical uses. Other uses of these drugs are considered abuse.
Often, club drugs are used as date rape drugs. Abusing these drugs and cause serious health problems and even lead to death. According to a recent medical report, 89% of partygoers have tried Ecstasy at least one time. Club drugs are even more dangerous if they are used with alcohol.
Club Drugs and Addiction
When an individual is addicted to club drugs, they often don’t realize that they put themselves in danger when they take illegal drugs at a party or a club. As mentioned before, date rape drugs are considered psychoactive, which means that they can cause euphoria, excitement, excessive talking and communication. Club drugs also have dangerous side effects.
It is possible for an individual to become psychologically addicted to club drugs, which means it becomes much more difficult to overcome an addiction. Individuals who are addicted to club drugs need addiction treatment.
Dangers of Club Drugs
Predators often use club drugs to sedate and disorientate their victims at clubs or parties. Such victims are then often sexually assaulted. Other users of these drugs may mix them in cocktails so that they can get an advanced high. It is important to note that there is no flavor or taste to the drugs, making them especially dangerous, as a victim would not even know that they had been given something.
Below are some of the side effects an individual who uses these drugs can experience:
- Blackouts and disorientation
- Inability to speak or move
- Amnesia
- Anxiety and tremors
- Seizures and comas
- Nausea
- Slurred speech
- Loss of inhibitions
- Loss of motor skills
Users can experience bursts of euphoria depending on which drug they take. Combining club drugs with alcohol or other depressants however can be fatal. A user can also suffer cardiac arrest, seizures or brain aneurysms if they use the drugs excessively or for a long period of time.
Treatment Options
Individuals who suffer from club drug addiction can be treated. However, it is not an easy process. Addiction is a chronic disease and most patients require long-term or repeated care to stop using completely stay on the path to recovery. A good addiction treatment must help the individual to stop using drugs, stay drug free and be productive in society.
There are a variety of treatment options available for club drug addicts. Successful treatment has several steps:
- Detoxification
- Behavioral counseling
- Medication
- Evaluation and treatment for co-occurring mental health issues such as depression and anxiety
- Long-term follow-up to prevent relapse
A range of care with a tailored treatment program and follow-up options can be crucial to success. Treatment should include both medical and mental health services as needed. Follow-up care may include community- or family-based recovery support systems.