Understanding Club Drug Addiction and When to Seek Help

What Are Club Drugs?

“Club drugs” is a term used by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), and other organizations involved in public health to describe a large variety of substances that are commonly used in nightclubs, raves, dance parties, and other social settings where young adults congregate.[1]

While these substances vary widely in chemical and physical properties and in physiological and psychological effects, they do share some common elements in the contexts in which they are used. Generally, these substances are used for their euphoric, social, or hallucinogenic effects, often combined with alcohol or other substances, and often by people who would not typically consider themselves to have a substance use problem.

Some examples of substances frequently used as club drugs include:

• MDMA (ecstasy or molly) — a stimulant and mild hallucinogen that causes feelings of euphoria, emotional warmth, and altered sensory perception.
• Ketamine — a dissociative anesthetic that produces sedation, altered perception of reality, and at times, hallucinations.
• GHB (Gamma Hydroxybutyrate) — a central nervous system depressant that is often used recreationally, and as a “date rape drug.”
• Rohypnol (“roofies”) — a powerful benzodiazepine that is not sanctioned for use in the U.S., but is similarly associated with “date rape” situations.
• LSD and other hallucinogens — drugs that create a significant change in perception, mood, or state of mind.
• Other club drugs — including synthetic cathinones (often referred to as “bath salts”), 2C substances, and various novel psychoactive substances that frequently show up in club and rave settings.

Many club drugs are illegal substances in the United States or are tightly regulated under federal law.[2] Many club drugs, including MDMA, are considered Schedule I controlled substances under federal law, meaning they are without recognized medicinal use and have a high potential for abuse.[3] 

Although ketamine (a Schedule III drug) has some legitimate uses as an anesthetic in a medical context, the type of ketamine that is commonly used recreationally in clubs is illegal.[4] The legal status of club drugs does not tell the whole story about the risk that they present; it only indicates that using and obtaining them carry substantial legal risks, in addition to the health ones.

 

Club Drug Addiction and Abuse

The addictive potential of club drugs varies by substance.

For example, methamphetamine is a highly addictive stimulant that can produce rapid psychological dependence and compulsive patterns of use. [5] MDMA does not typically lead to the same pattern of dependence, but there is a link to psychological dependence, tolerance to the drug, and the “comedown” experience which leads to repeated use.[6] Ketamine poses both dependence-related risks and dissociation-related risks.[7] GHB produces severe physical dependence with chronic use and significant withdrawal symptoms.[8]

What all of these drugs have in common clinically, however, is that they disrupt the normal chemistry of the brain, particularly when used repeatedly. Club drugs ultimately affect dopamine, serotonin, and other neurotransmitter systems that contribute to mood, sleep, motivation, and emotional regulation.[9] Over time, the brain adapts to the artificial spikes these drugs produce, and the body’s natural ability to feel pleasure, sleep well, and regulate mood without the substance can be significantly compromised.

The manner in which club drugs are used is very important as well. Users rarely use just one substance and it is not uncommon for users to combine MDMA and alcohol, ketamine with stimulants, or GHB with other depressants, which greatly increases their risks. 

The risk of overdose or dangerous interactions increases greatly with each substance added to your system.[10] The fentanyl crisis also creates additional danger to those who purchase club drugs, as there is an increased risk that products could be contaminated with fentanyl (or other powerful synthetics) without the buyer’s knowledge.[11]

 

Signs and Symptoms of Club Drug Use

Recognizing the use of club drugs can be difficult due to the social nature of their use and the fact that the user may not show obvious daily-life signs at first. However, some patterns may demonstrate that someone is using, including:

Behavioral indicators:

• Frequent late-night outings
• Secrecy regarding plans and whereabouts
• Declining performance at work or school
• Financial difficulties
• Multiple social circles primarily built around drug use

Physical indicators:

• Dilated pupils
• Jaw or teeth clenching (particularly with MDMA)
• Unexplained dehydration
• Weight loss
• Sleep disturbances
• Increased heart rate and blood pressure
• Profuse sweating

Psychological indicators:

• Mood swings
• Depression after weekends or use episodes
• Anxiety
• Paranoia
• Memory difficulties
• Emotional flatness between use
• In severe cases, psychosis

Long-term indicators:

• Worsening mental health
• Increased use
• Reduced pleasure in things once enjoyed
• Growing social and occupational consequences

The potential dangers of using club drugs is much greater than simply becoming addicted to the drug being used. The risk of overdosing, dangerous drug interactions, sexual assault with the use of GHB or rohypnol, hyperthermia (with MDMA especially), and serious mental health issues are all very real dangers.[12] Many of those we work with are seeking help not because of physical dependence on club drugs, but due to the long-term cumulative emotional and psychological toll they are taking on their lives.

What To Expect From Club Drug Addiction Treatment

There is no “one-size-fits-all” approach to treating club drug addiction. The type of drug used, the frequency or pattern of use, co-occurring mental health issues, and the patient’s overall clinical picture must be accounted for when developing an effective treatment plan. 

In order to understand what substances are involved, identify any underlying conditions, and determine the appropriate level of care, a comprehensive assessment should be done before treatment begins. 

For drugs such as GHB, which have significant physical dependence and withdrawal, medical detox may be the first step. If this is determined to be necessary, we can coordinate placement at an accredited detox facility in the Florida area. If medical detox isn’t necessary, the first step may be residential treatment. Forward Motion Health offers a men’s residential program with 24-hour clinical care and support so you can focus on recovery with no outside triggers or distractions.

The ideal approach to club drugs is individualized for each person. For some people, club drug use can be linked to specific social or environmental triggers, and part of their recovery involves making plans to avoid the people, places, and situations where they have used in the past. 

For others, the club drugs may be masking more serious emotional or mental health issues, and the focus of treatment would be on a dual diagnosis approach. For people who have had multiple drug use problems — which is typical in a club atmosphere — the treatment focus is based on the overall pattern of use rather than one single drug. Regardless of your circumstances, at Forward Motion Health, your plan is developed based on your own specific situation rather than generic, one-size-fits-all templates.