What Are Club Drugs?

The term "club drugs" refers to a wide variety of drugs being used by young people at dance clubs, bars, and all-night dance parties ("trances" or "raves"). These parties are usually held in a secret location with high-volume music, high-tech entertainment, and easy access to drugs. Club drugs are attractive to today's youth because they are inexpensive and produce increased stamina and intoxicating highs.

Some club drugs are also called "predatory drugs" because they can be used to help commit sexual assault. These drugs, such as Rohypnol, GHB, and Ketamine, are colorless, tasteless, and odorless, and can be secretly added to beverages by people who want to intoxicate or sedate others.

Research has shown that club drugs are dangerous and potentially fatal. These drugs can have long-lasting negative effects on the brain, especially on memory function and motor skills. When club drugs are combined with alcohol, they are even more dangerous.

The most widely used club drugs are:

  • Ecstasy
    Also known as MDMA (methylenedioxymethamphetamine), Ecstasy is a stimulant that combines the effects of amphetamines and hallucinogens .
  • Rohypnol
    Known as the "date rape drug," Rohypnol is a central nervous system depressant that produces sedative-hypnotic effects, muscle relaxation, and amnesia.
  • Ketamine
    Ketamine is a tranquilizer that was usually used in animals. It is abused as a club drug because large doses produce dream-like states and hallucinations.
  • Gamma Hydroxybutyrate (GHB)
    GHB is a synthetic steroid that is used for its euphoric and sedative effects. It was banned by the FDA in 1990.
  • LSD (Lysergic Acid Diethylamide)
    This hallucinogen produces unpredictable effects. Effects depend on the amount taken, the surroundings in which the drug is used, and the user's personality, mood, and expectations.

How Dangerous Are They?

Young people who use club drugs may experiment with several at the same time, combining them with alcohol. Many young people think these drugs are safe to use, but no club drug is safe. Because these drugs are variations of other drugs, it is difficult to know what sources, chemicals, and possible contaminants were used to make each drug. As a result, it is extremely difficult to determine the toxicity, medical consequences, and symptoms that might be expected.