Why cheap club drugs?
The price of alcohol in pubs and clubs are increasing, and the government are considering placing a minimum price on a unit of alcohol. So, other drugs – especially club drugs – are being turned to as an affordable alternative to alcohol. Drug use is particularly prevalent among those on a low income as they provide a cheaper route to intoxication. For example, for students drugs provide effect, but at a low price. They feed a party lifestyle, but at an affordable cost. Whilst no recreational drug is ‘good’ for the user, the danger of drugs is connected to their illegality. Consequently, the black market dealership may not deliver a ‘pure’ substance to the user. Again, this is a significant problem for those looking for the lowest prices, as powders and pills may be subsidised with highly dangerous products.
The dangers of impure drugs
As drugs become a more expected and accepted aspect of nightlife, they bring many problems with them. This is to both to the user and those around them during their use and in their after-effects. Therefore, despite the attraction of the relatively low cost of some drugs, users can pay a high price as their health is put at risk.
MDMA is an example of a common street drug which contains ecstasy. Many are aware that this is not a pure form of this drug. ‘Mandy’, as it is colloquially named, is usually found in crystalline or powder form. It induces euphoria and diminished anxiety. Yet, along with these effects, users have reported adverse effects such as physiological depression following the ‘high’. Furthermore, a risk of dizziness and jaw soreness due to the grinding of teeth.
‘each user’s experience will differ’
Whilst these are common effects, the reality is that each user’s experience will differ. This unpredictability is a further danger in association with drugs. There is increased by the use of impure powders and pills. For example, ecstasy is known to cause dehydration and so users are encouraged to drink water when taking the drug. Yet, the level of this effect will vary from one individual to another. It makes it hard to advise on the quantity of water to consume. With over hydration causing irreparable swelling of the brain, the dangers become extremely serious. This is especially the case when mixed with alcohol.
The comedown
After the party is over, there are after affects of the drugs. As a hangover follows the consuming of alcohol, a ‘come down’ follows the intake of drugs. This can leave the user feeling alone and vulnerable as their body returns to normal. In turn this may cause the onset of long term psychological problems. The repetition of this state can easily lead to a constant state of depression. The danger is then that the user will return to the drug to overcome their unmotivated mentality. In doing so, a substance previously used to enhance a one-off night out has become a compulsive drug need.
The Haynes Clinic is an alcohol and drug rehabilitation centre which offers detox and counselling for alcohol and drug dependency.
For free and confidential advice call 01462 851 414.
