Drug Fact Sheets : Club Drugs
The most common forms of club drugs found today are Ecstasy, Herbal Ecstasy, Rohypnol, GHB,
Ketamine and at times LSD. These drugs are typically used at nightclubs, bars, events such as raves, as
well as other sites that may attract a younger "college crowd" and/or adolescent audience. Raves are
dance-type events that are held in discreet locations that generally feature alternative music and
entertainment specifically geared to attract an adolescent age group. The locations of these raves or
"dances" are usually passed along through word-of-mouth in schools and across college campuses.
Most club drugs are sold at locations such as the raves or clubs. They are sold cheaply and are often
mixed with alcohol, which increases the effects and consequences, often by unexpected physical effects
such as overdoses.
ECSTASY
Ecstasy or MDMA (methylenedioxymethamphetamine) is a stimulant, which like methamphetamine or
speed, possess mind-altering or hallucinogenic properties. This drug is certainly one of the most widely
abused club drugs. It can be best described as a hallucinogenic stimulant. Ecstasy is illegal and is
classified as a Schedule I Controlled Substance.
Ecstasy is known on the street as Adam, X-TC, Essence, Stacy, Lovers Speed, Eve, etc. and is most
often found in the form of powder, tablet or capsule and is usually consumed orally, although at times, it
may be injected. The average cost is $7 to $30 per pill. Ecstasy can be combined with methadone, LSD,
opiates such as heroin or Fentanyl, or strong anesthetics such as Ketamine.
An Ecstasy high can last anywhere from six to twenty-four hours, although the most common time frame
is three to four hours. Ecstasy is reported to cause feelings of euphoria and/or well-being, enhanced
emotional or mental clarity, anxiety, and at times, paranoia. Heavier doses can cause symptoms such as
hallucinations, sensations of lightness or floating, depression, paranoid thinking and violent and/or
irrational thinking.
Physical/Mental Health/Behavioral Risks
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Loss of appetite
Nausea
Vomiting
Blurred vision
Increased heart rate and blood pressure
Muscle tension
Faintness
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Chills
Sweating
Tremors
Insomnia
Convulsions
Loss of control over bodily movements
Some of these symptoms can be prolonged depending on the dose and amounts used over time. In
addition, users are at risk for heat exhaustion and dehydration with prolonged physical exertion.
HERBAL ECSTASY
Although not classified as a controlled substance, Herbal Ecstasy is a drug composed of ephedrine (ma
huang) or pseudoehedrine and caffeine (kola nut) - stimulants that closely simulate the effects of Ecstasy.
Usually sold in tablet form, Herbal Ecstasy is known as Cloud 9, Herbal Bliss, Ritual Spirit, Herbal
X, GWM, Rave Energy and X. Due to the lack of quality control over these products the ephedrine
amounts can vary widely.
Physical Risks
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High blood pressure
Seizures
Heart attacks
Strokes
Even death
ROHYPNOL
Rohypnol is a strong sedative, which is manufactured by Hoffman-La Roche. A member of the
benzodiazepine family, which includes drugs such as Librium, Valium and Xanax. Rohypnol is about ten
times the strength of Valium. Street prices range from $1 to $5 a pill. It is often referred to as Roach,
Roofies, R-2 or Rope. It is manufactured as a small white pill with "Roche" on one side and "1" or "2" on
the other, indicating the dosage in mg. Usually administered orally, it has also been known to be crushed
and either snorted or put into a drink. This and GHB are often used in "Date Rape” incidents.
Physical/Mental Health/Behavioral Risks
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Feelings of intoxication then sleepy for
approximately 8 hours
Slurred speech
Impaired judgment
Difficulty walking
Deep sedation
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Respiratory distress
Blackouts
Amnesia or loss of memory of all the
events experienced while under the
influence
GHB
GHB (gamma-hydroxybutyrate) was once known as a body builder and performance-enhancing drug. In
1990 the FDA banned the use of GHB due to the severe uncontrolled side effects. Terms used for GHB
include: Grievous Bodily Harm, Easy Lay, Gamma 10, Liquid X, Liquid G, Georgia Home Boy,
Cherry Meth or Natures Quaalude. GHB is usually consumed orally in capsule form or as a white
grainy-colored powder. Powder is often dissolved in liquids, such as alcoholic beverages. GHB is
odorless and undetectable. It is more often sold as a slightly salty, clear liquid in small bottles. Cost
ranges from $3 to $5 per dose. Once ingested the drug will take effect within 15 minutes to an hour,
lasting one to three hours, producing a deep sedation.
Physical/Mental Health/Behavioral Risks
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Nausea
Vomiting
Visual disturbances
Depression
Vertigo
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Loss of consciousness
Amnesia
Coma
When combined with alcohol the
potential for overdose escalates rapidly.
KETAMINE or "SPECIAL K"
Ketamine (Ketamine hydrochloride) is primarily used in veterinarian medicine as a surgical anesthetic.
Most supplies of this drug are stolen from clinics. It is usually found in liquid form or as a white powder
that can be snorted or smoked with marijuana or tobacco. Other terms for this drug include: Special K,
Vitamin K, Ketaject and Super K.
Physical/Mental Health/Behavioral Risks
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Severe hallucinations
Visual distortions
Loss of sensation
Loss of identity than can last 30 minute
to three hours
Delirium
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Amnesia
Impaired motor function
High blood pressure
Depression
Flashbacks