The risks of ‘letting off steam’
There are many places, such as raves, nightclubs, and parties where people go for fun – to let off some steam. However, such places today will very likely have a potential danger or risk. There is an increasing and wide abuse of substances such as Ecstasy, Roofies, Ketamine and GBH, which are all club drugs. Young people are using club drugs at raves and parties to get high. They enjoy the night in a different and heightened way.
Moreover, what is also incredibly worrying is that women are sometimes given the drug with the intent of date rape. Many parents are aware of the most commonly known drugs, such as marijuana, cocaine, heroin and their dangers. Few would feel equipped to talk to their children about the dangers of these. However, club drugs are just as dangerous and are a growing problem that parents may not even be aware of.
The physical effects of these drugs are not so strong in the beginning. So, a lot of young people are under the assumption that ‘party drugs’ are harmless. One of the biggest dangers is that club drugs are created in illegal, back-alley laboratories. This would mean that they often contain life-threatening additives, so the user doesn’t even know what he or she is taking. Even if this is not the case, there is a high risk of developing a compulsive need for drugs usage.
Ecstasy
The following drugs are the main ‘party drugs’. The first is ecstasy (MDMA), slang names for the substance can also be: XTC, Adam, Clarity, Hug Drug and Lover’s Speed. Ecstasy, normally consumed by taking a tablet or capsule, creates feelings of euphoria, alertness and energy. It allows the user to dance for extended periods of time. The use of ecstasy can lead to dehydration, high blood pressure, and heart failure. If someone abuses ecstasy for a long period of time, there can be long-lasting damage to brain cells that may affect memory.
Once the high is over, users often feel depressed due to a ‘come down’. They may resort to taking more drugs to extend the high.
GHB
GHB (Gamma-hydroxybutyrate), also known as Grievous Bodily Harm/Liquid Ecstasy sedates the central nervous system. When taken in high doses, it can slow someone’s breath and heart rate down to dangerous levels. An overdose of GHB can also occur quickly and is recognisable by drowsiness, nausea, loss of consciousness, loss of reflexes, and compromised breathing.
Ketamine
Thirdly, there is Ketamine, also known as K, Vitamin K or Cat Valiums. Ketamine is an anaesthetic that is used safely in medical situations. Nevertheless, some young people abuse ketamine by taking high doses, which cause dream-like states and hallucinations. If a person takes a large amount of ketamine it can cause amnesia, high blood pressure, depression, and potentially fatal respiratory problems.
Roofies
Roofies (Rohypnol®) can also be called Rophies, Roche and Forget-me Pill. Rohypnol® (flunitrazepam) is used in several other countries as a sedative and a treatment for insomnia. It is a tasteless and odourless substance. Plus, it dissolves with ease into fizzy drinks. It causes profound memory loss and has commonly been used in sexual assaults. Other effects of Rohypnol are decreased blood pressure, dizziness, confusion, and drowsiness. If you suspect your children or anyone you know to be abusing such ‘party drugs’, make sure they have the full information on what they are doing. Try and help them understand the true dangers behind it. Drug rehab may be required for more serious cases.
The Haynes Clinic is a drug and alcohol treatment centre offering alcohol and drug detox and full rehab counselling.
For free and confidential advice call 01462 851 414.
