America NIDA
More Than We Bargained For – Narconon Looks Into the Club Drug Epidemic by Becky Winslow
“Club Drugs” are a group of group of psychoactive drugs that allow the user to become less inhibited and more intimate in social settings. They are referred to as “Club Drugs” because they are most often used at clubs and all-night rave parties. Narconon has been aware of the great risks that club drugs pose to users. We have made it a point to educate our youth, as well as community members, of the serious dangers these drugs present.
What Are They?
The term “Club Drugs” is an umbrella name for MDMA (“ecstasy”), GHB (“liquid ecstasy”), Rohypnol (“roofies”), and ketamine (“special K”). GHB, Rohypnol, and Ketamine are all central nervous system depressants, whereas MDMA is a central nervous system stimulant. These drugs are most often used in social settings, such as clubs, bars, parties, concerts, and other places that teens and young adults go.
What Are the Physical Effects?
The exact effects that these drugs will have on the body are not certain, due to the inability of knowing what contaminants may have been used in the manufacturing process. However, it is certain that users will suffer consequences.
In low doses, GHB causes drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, and visual disturbances. At higher doses, one is at risk of unconsciousness, seizures, severe respiratory depression, and coma. The severity of effects is greatly increased when GHB is used in combination with alcohol or other drugs.
Rohypnol is known for its amnesia-like effects. The user is likely to not remember anything that occurred while they were under the influence of the drug. Aside from this chemically induced amnesia, Rohypnol use is likely to cause low blood pressure, drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, and visual disturbances. Rohypnol is also lethal when combined with Alcohol.
Ketamine, an animal tranquilizer, causes severe motor function impairment, high blood pressure, as well as critical respiratory problems.
MDMA, a stimulant, can cause an elevation in body temperature, nausea, chills, hallucinations, tremors, visual disturbances, and intense anxiety.
Are “Club Drugs” Addictive?
As with any drugs, GHB, Rohypnol, Ketamine, and MDMA all run the risk of dependence, though the addiction is more psychological than physical. If used repeatedly, the body builds up a tolerance, and users need to take more of the drug to reach the same level of intoxication. Users also become addicted to the way it makes them feel, and forget how to enjoy life without the use of drugs. These drugs can all cause severe depression.
What’s the Real Danger?
If the health risks of these drugs are not enough to turn people off, there are far worse consequences to consider. GHB, Ketamine, and Rohypnol are all considered “date rape drugs”. These drugs, due to their unconscious-like effects, are used by many sexual predators. Because these drugs come as a liquid, or can be dissolved into a liquid form, it is very easy for a predator to slip it to someone without their knowledge. Whether the drug is used knowingly or not, the user is likely to lose the ability to refuse sexual advances, therefor becoming a victim.
A research study was done regarding women who had been victims of date rape. Of the 3,000 women in the study, over 2,200 of them had tested positive for drugs and alcohol. That is a shocking statistic that really brings to light the effects that these drugs have on one’s ability to remain in control of themselves and their bodies. It’s just not worth it.
How Common are These Drugs?
The use of “Club Drugs” by teens and young adults is still a major problem. Since the mainstreaming of these drugs in the mid-90’s, their use has not only increased, but spread beyond clubs and all-night raves. According to the latest National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), illegal drug use remains steady for our youth, between the ages 12 to 17 in America. The NIDA-funded 2010 Monitoring the Future Study showed that 0.5% of 8th graders, 0.6% of 10th graders, and 1.5% of 12th graders had abused Rohypnol®; 0.6% of 8th graders, 0.6% of 10th graders, and 1.4% of 12th graders had abused GHB; and 1.0% of 8th graders, 1.1% of 10th graders, and 1.6% of 12th graders had abused ketamine at least once in the year prior to their being surveyed. Source: Monitoring the Future (University of Michigan Web Site) Source: National Institute of Health (NIDA Drug Abuse Website)
The Bottom Line
“Club Drugs” are plaguing our youth, and by default, society. Though these drugs are considered medicinally useful, their widespread illicit use is anything but. The long-term effects of these drugs are still being researched, and there is a lot more about these drugs that we need to understand. It seems that as soon as researchers gain any ground, a new form of one of these drugs emerges. It is our responsibility as a part of this group to persevere, and become one step ahead. At Narconon Drug Treatment Centers, we continue to compile information on the best ways to approach these drugs, and how to best help its dependents. Ideally we will be able to educate our youth through our In-School, Narconon, Drug Education Program and stop things before they can start. With Narconon Drug Rehabilitation we know that information and education is the key to success.
Getting Help
Narconon Gateway Drug and Alcohol Rehabprovides an amazing, drug-free rehabilitation program, to help those suffering from an addiction to “Club Drugs”. Through our chemical-free withdrawal, a body purifying sauna program, and a series of 8 life improvement courses, we are assisting clients in re-learning how to live free from drugs. If you or someone you know is suffering from an addiction to GHB, Rohypnol, Ketamine, or MDMA; it is imperative that you seek treatment immediately. Representatives of Narconon Vista Bay’s Club Drug Treatment Center are ready to help you get started on the road to recovery. Please contact us toll free at 1-800-556-8885.
About the Author
Becky Winslow is passionate about drug rehab and drug education. Becky has been writing about his passion for the Narconon Drug Rehab network.
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