ADA Facts
Club Drugs                                               Printer Friendly PDF

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Club drugs are used by young adults at all-night dance parties such as "raves" or "trances," dance clubs, and bars. MDMA (Ecstasy), GHB, Rohypnol, ketamine, methamphetamine , and LSD are some of the club or party drugs gaining popularity. Included among the club drugs are those associated with date rape. National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) supported research has shown that use of club drugs can cause serious health problems and, in some cases, even death. The mixing of these drugs with alcohol exacerbates the dangers of the drugs. Contrary to popular belief, no club drug is risk free.

MDMA or ecstasy , the most popular club drug, acts like a stimulant, such as methamphetamine, or a hallucinogen, such as LSD. It is available as an aspirin-sized pill or capsule that can be easily hidden. Its overdose effects include cardiovascular failure and death.

GHB or liquid ecstasy , acts as an intoxicant or sedative and is often used with alcohol as a "date rape" drug. It is available as a clear liquid, white powder, capsule, or pill. Its overdose effects include loss of consciousness, impaired breathing, and death.

Rohypnol or roofies , acts as a sedative and can cause inability to remember events while under its influence. It is available as a white pill that dissolves easily in carbonated beverages and is a popular "date rape" drug. Its overdose effects include confusion and possibly death when used with alcohol.

Methamphetamine or speed , is a stimulant that causes a false sense of confidence, excitation, irritability, anxiety, and panic. It is highly addictive and available as a pill, capsule, powder or in chunks that can be ingested, snorted, injected or smoked. Its overdose effects include agitation, extreme rise in body temperature, hallucinations, convulsions, and death.

LSD or acid , is a hallucinogen that causes unpredictable abnormalities in sensory perceptions. It is available as a clear liquid, tablet, capsule, or on small pieces of blotter paper taken orally. Its overdose effects include flashbacks, psychosis, and possibly death.

Ketamine or "Special K", is an animal anesthetic that is similar to the hallucinogen PCP. It is available as a liquid or white powder that can cause dream-like states. Its overdose effects include amnesia, delirium, and death from respiratory depression.

Source: Center for Substance Abuse Prevention, 1993.

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For more information,contact the
Missouri Department of Mental Health, Division of Alcohol and Drug Abuse
P.O. Box 687, 1706 East Elm
Jefferson City, MO 65102
573-751-4942
1-800-364-9687