Teens and young adults use dangerous drugs to enhance a night on the town.
For teens and young adults, a night on the town takes on dangerous new meaning with the ongoing popularity of “club drugs.” Used to enhance all-night partying at raves, trances, bars, concerts and nightclubs, these varied drugs can have long-lasting effects and become lethal when mixed with alcohol.
According to The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), “club drugs” most often include: gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB), Rohypnol, ketamine, MDMA (ecstasy) and methamphetamine. The tasteless and odorless GHB and Rohypnol are also used to aid in sexual assault and date rape.
“It is not uncommon for users to mix substances such as MDMA (ecstasy) for example, with both alcohol and GHB or to ‘bump’ and take sequential doses of a drug or drugs when the initial dose begins to fade,” NIDA explains. This so-called “polydrug use” is especially popular among the younger club drug or rave drug users.
Lasting Effects of Club Drugs
While taken recreationally to boost energy and to enhance dancing and partying, research from the NIDA reports that there are often long-lasting negative effects on the brain, vital organs and central systems as well as dangers associated with hallucinations, hyperthermia, paranoia, amnesia and unconsciousness. In some cases, the use of club drugs can even lead to death.
So before you head out for a night on the town, make sure the fun doesn’t include any chemical enhancement. Your body will be glad you did and you’ll have no regrets in the morning.
Tags: Club Drugs, Date Rape, Ecstasy, GHB, Ketamine, MDMA, Methamphetamine, NIDA, Polydrug Use, Raves, Rohypnol
