For many Americans, their teenage and early 20s are a time for self-discovery and trying new experiences. Unfortunately, for some, party or club culture proves to be an alluring new experience that leads to severe health problems such as addiction or even death. For those heavily involved in the party or club scene, drugs like Molly/MDMA, ketamine, cocaine, and crystal meth become a regular part of socializing with friends in clubs, bars, and private dance parties held at warehouses or even abandoned stretches of beaches. Molly and club drug addiction are pervasive problems in the United States. Professional opioid addiction treatment or another form of substance abuse treatment is often required to overcome the cycle of addiction ensnaring young men and women.
Women’s Recovery in Colorado is an outpatient treatment center that can help women overcome club drug addiction. Call 833.754.0554 for more information or to get started.
What Drugs Commonly Lead to Club Drug Addiction?
The past several decades have seen the rise of party drugs, also known as club drugs, taken at clubs, raves, parties, and festivals. The purpose of taking these substances is to enhance the experience of being surrounded by loud music, colorful light shows, and other partygoers. The problem is that these drugs are highly addictive and very dangerous.
The most common party drugs include the following:
- MDMA/Molly
- Ketamine
- Cocaine
- Crystal Meth
Individually, any one of these drugs is dangerous. When combined with each other or with alcohol, the effects—and dangers—can be amplified exponentially.
MDMA / Molly
Without a doubt, MDMA (also known as “Molly”) is the most notorious club drug. People of all ages take MDMA and “roll” at clubs, raves, parties, and festivals. However, it is most popular among 18 to 25-year-olds. According to the 2017 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, Molly is the most commonly used club drug among 18-to-25-year-olds in America. The survey reported that 11% of this age group had used Molly at least once in their lifetime.
What Is Molly?
MDMA is short for “3,4 methylenedioxymethamphetamine,” commonly called “Molly.” It is a psychoactive drug derived from safrole oil, found in certain plants. MDMA is illegal in the United States. Being in possession of even one dose of this substance could land you in jail with a felony charge if you are caught with it. A typical MDMA dose lasts anywhere from three to six hours. It usually takes about 30 minutes to kick in. Typically, users will take several pills over the course of an evening to keep “rolling” for 12-24 hours.
What Does Molly Do?
MDMA produces both stimulant and psychedelic effects, which causes a euphoric feeling and mild hallucinations. Also, people say they feel incredibly connected while under the influence of this club drug. Molly is usually taken orally in pill form. However, MDMA is also sold as a powder or crystal and sometimes snorted.
Common Short-Term Side Effects of Using Molly
There is no doubt that this drug has the potential to make a user feel really good for a short period of time. However, while you are under the influence of MDMA, you might experience some of the following adverse short-term effects:
- Dry Mouth
- Dilated Pupils
- Enhanced sensory perception
- Increased anxiety
- Excessive sweating
- Dehydration
- Uncontrollable body movements
- Disorganized thinking
- Nausea
- Chills
- Teeth clenching
- Increased heart rate or blood pressure
- Hot flashes
However, when the drug stops working, and you start to come down, your brain will be depleted of serotonin. This neurotransmitter in the brain causes feelings of contentment and wellness. Without the proper amount of serotonin in your system, you are likely to experience extreme depression and anxiety. You may even have suicidal thoughts. Believe it or not, it can take months for the brain to fully restore itself after just one dose of MDMA.
Ketamine
Another popular club drug is ketamine. It is also known as Special K or Cat Valium and can be found on the streets or in clubs/raves.
What Is Ketamine?
Ketamine is an anesthetic commonly used to tranquilize animals and sedate humans before surgery. This is the intended use of the drug. It should only be used in a hospital setting by licensed medical professionals. However, many take this drug to get high and go down a “K-hole.” This is described as a type of hallucinogenic trip. Ketamine is typically sold in a liquid or powder form. It can be injected with a needle, consumed in drinks or food, snorted, or added to marijuana and cigarettes.
How Does Ketamine Make You Feel?
Those who use Special K say this drug gives them a feeling of euphoria that can be compared to having an out-of-body experience. It is often described as a “dissociative experience” because the mind and the body don’t seem to connect, which results in strange but pleasurable feelings.
Ketamine is A Common Date Rape Drug
While many young women take this drug to enjoy themselves at a rave, club, or party, there is a darker use associated with ketamine. Predators often use this drug as a date rape drug. This is because it causes extreme confusion, paralysis, and loss of memory for up to 24 hours. Every woman who goes out drinking should always be aware of her surroundings. Some women do not take this drug voluntarily. It is slipped into a drink without their knowledge.
Ketamine is a powerful drug that can have serious side effects. It is important to remember that ketamine was not manufactured to be used recreationally, and it carries a high risk of addiction when used without proper medical supervision.
Cocaine
Cocaine has been a popular party drug for decades and has featured prominently in music, movies, and television. Although it has waxed and waned in popularity since the 1970s, cocaine is making a comeback, particularly among club-goers, which makes it a significant contributor to club drug addiction.
What Is Cocaine?
Cocaine is a stimulant derived from the coca plant, which thrives in certain tropical climates – Columbia, for example. A lengthy process involves transforming the coca planet into the powdered white substance bought and sold on the streets of America. This includes “washing” it with harsh chemicals like acetone and gasoline. Cocaine was once used in the United States as a medicinal remedy. However, today it is illegal. Possession of even a tiny bit of cocaine results in a felony drug charge – and for good reason. It is a dangerous substance that should be feared.
Why Is Cocaine a Popular Party Drug?
Believe it or not, cocaine is relatively easy to find and buy in the United States. It is much more available than Molly or Ketamine. It is also somewhat affordable nowadays, making it a favorite for those who enjoy taking party drugs. Cocaine produces a feeling of euphoria and boundless energy. It makes everything feel as if it is going faster. Those who take it in a rave or club setting say that the music and the lights enhance their drug experience.
The Harsh Truth About Cocaine
The problem is that cocaine is one of the most addictive substances on the planet. Cocaine withdrawal is very unpleasant, so users will continue to take the drug to avoid the undesirable effects. What starts out as good innocent fun often results in a hardcore addiction that robs users of everything that matters to them. While cocaine might seem affordable in the beginning, it quickly becomes an out-of-control habit that most cannot afford to keep up. This often results in resorting to criminal activity to afford the addiction.
Crystal Meth
Crystal meth, the fourth and final party drug on our list, is a highly addictive substance that can turn a party into a nightmare in a matter of hours. There are numerous street names for crystal meth and it is impotant to recognize this dangerous drug as it is a growing and pervasive problem in the United States. Common street names include the following:
- Crystal
- Meth
- Ice
- Crank
- Speed
What Is Crystal Meth?
Meth is a synthetic stimulant made from toxic chemicals designed to give users a rush. It is a white or yellowish crystalline substance that can be injected, smoked, snorted, or eaten. It is highly addictive and illegal. This drug produces an excess of energy and an intense high that lasts for hours. Meth is relatively cheap. A $20 investment can keep a meth user up for days at a time with no sleep or food. Because of the inexhaustible energy it produces, club kids can party all night and drink alcohol to excess while remaining alert and aware.
The Nasty Truth About Meth
In reality, crystal meth is one of the most harmful substances you can put into your body. Ingredients include battery acid, gasoline, kerosene, cleaning agents like bleach, and brake fluid. Why would you want to poison your body for a short-lived high? Another fact about ice is that it can truly make you lose your mind. Those who binge on the drug and stay up for days often lapse into drug-induced psychosis. This can cause hallucinations, delusions, and paranoia, which can lead to risky behavior. It is not uncommon for someone high on meth to be admitted for psychiatric care while they are under the influence.
Using Meth Is Never a Good Idea
Be advised that crystal meth raises the body’s internal core temperature. It also dramatically increases heart rate. For these reasons, doing ice, going to a packed club, dancing all night, and drinking alcohol could result in an immediate health crisis. A heat stroke caused by dehydration or a fatal heart attack are both possibilities for those who take this drug in a party setting. People have a tendency to underestimate the dangers of this drug. Please don’t make that mistake.
The Dangers of Molly and Club Drug Addiction — Is It Worth the Risk?
Club drugs may feel good for a period of time, but in the long run, they cause damage to your body. Some studies have shown that they increase the possibility of a heart attack years after someone has stopped taking these drugs. Also, remember that club drugs include powerful substances that profoundly affect brain function. If you have been taking any of these drugs for an extended period, you may very well go through withdrawal when you stop taking them. Furthermore, party drugs sharply increase the release of the feel-good chemicals Serotonin and Dopamine. Once the drug wears off, the brain is depleted of these neurotransmitters, which leads to a crash. This can result in extreme depression and even suicide. Party drugs may seem alluring, but is it worth the risk for a few hours of fun?
When the Party’s Over – How to Get Help
If you or a loved one are addicted to MDMA, ketamine, cocaine, or crystal meth, please seek help immediately. At Women’s Recovery, we offer treatment programs for women that can help you break the cycle of Molly and club drug addiction. We offer sober living and aftercare resources to help you on your recovery journey once the immediate treatment is complete.
The party cannot last forever. Call 833.754.0554 or contact us online today before it is too late.
