What are club drugs?
Although tobacco and alcohol and the most common substances found on the club scene, other substances, such as Ecstasy, Herbal Ecstasy, Rohypnol, GHB, Ketamine, and LSD has gained popularity with young people in recent years. Typically, night clubs, bars, parties, and raves attract teenagers, college students, and young adults who may risk their health in the interest of a good time. Raves are a form of dance and recreation that is held in a clandestine location with fast-paced high-volume music, a variety of high-tech entertainment, and often, the use of drugs.
These club drugs are attractive to youth for their cheap, intoxicating highs, which they mistakenly believe are safe. Unfortunately, most partygoers do not realize the dangers of using drugs. In addition, combinations of any of these drugs with alcohol can lead to unexpected adverse reactions and even death.
How are people usually introduced to club drugs?
Many young people are introduced to club drugs on the night club or rave scene by their peers. People often try drugs like Ecstasy, Herbal Ecstasy, Rohypnol, GHB, Ketamine, and LSD because their friends are using them and they think that drugs are safe to use.
Are adolescents and young adults at risk?
One major concern about these club drugs is their widespread use among high school youths, college students, and young adults who frequent night clubs and all-night rave parties. Lured by the availability and intoxicating effects of these drugs, many youths are unaware of the dangers. Rohypnol and GHB, in particular, can cause blackouts and amnesia which place individuals under the influence at risk for sexual assault or other criminal acts. In addition, when young people start using drugs regularly, they often lose interest in school work, which affects academic success as well. Chronic drug use can place students and young adults at risk of dropping out of school or college, loss of employment, and possible encounters with law enforcement.
