Club Drugs
In recent years club drugs have
become popular among young adults and teenagers worldwide. These
types of drugs, often unidentifiable, are bought, sold and taken
at clubs and underground parties called raves. The most well known
club drug, ecstasy, comes from MDMA. This drug has chemical composition
similar to hallucinogens and stimulants producing a desirable
effect for those looking to become oblivious to the world. MDMA
was originally designed to be used as an appetite suppressant;
however it was never used for this purpose. Instead it was occasionally
used in therapy sessions and became prevalent as a street drug
in the 1980s and 90s.
Club drugs, but ecstasy in particular,
is usually sold as tablets or capsules. This pill-form makes it
easier to sell and take without getting caught, however some tablets
have symbols or pictures to distinguish one ‘brand’
of pill from another. Ecstasy rarely comes in its pure form, but
rather it is mixed with other drugs including caffeine, LSD, heroin,
ketamine, cocaine, and a myriad of other drugs. These drugs are
not designed to be taken in this fashion, and some are not even
designed to be taken by humans. The side effects that can occur
as a result of taking these drugs can be severe and very dangerous.
Ecstasy is usually swallowed however
some people smoke and snort the drug. The effects begin after
about half an hour and can last for up to several hours. Because
ecstasy usually has a stimulant in it, there is a ‘hangover’
period during which the person may become very depressed, thus
wanting more of the drug, or any other drug to make the feelings
go away. Ecstasy is popular because it creates a feeling of well-being,
because of the insurgence of serotonin in the brain. This feeling
of euphoria is often accompanied by increased sexual desire, which
in many cases can lead to unsafe and irrational behavior.
Some immediate side effects of
ecstasy include anxiety, hot and cold flashes, nausea, dry mouth,
sleeping problems, inability to concentration or focus, paranoia,
and problems in regulation of body temperature and normal functions.
In addition high does and overdoses can cause vomiting, hallucinations,
urinary problems, convulsions and muscle aches. Once the initial
effects of ecstasy have subsided and the person ‘comes down’
from the high, he/she may experience depression, insomnia, and
excessive irritability. Dehydration is also a serious problem
that occurs when ecstasy is used. A person’s body temperature
rises and overheats, causing dehydration. When people are at clubs
or raves they forget to re-hydrate themselves causing them to
faint or collapse without warning.
Ecstasy does create a psychological
dependence in a person and if taken regularly, a tolerance can
be built to this drug. Understanding the effects and dangers of
ecstasy and other club drugs is important in order to help yourself
and friends that may use the drug. Ecstasy is often used in combination
with other drugs, and if this is the case, substance abuse treatment
may be necessary.
