What is the Club Drug or Designer Drug Definition?
It seems as though there are always new club drugs coming onto the scene. Still, there are those that have been a part of our culture for a long time too. Experts define designer drugs as being substances that are used in places like bars and nightclubs. The individuals using these club drugs are usually teenagers or young adults.
There are many street names for club drugs. Some of the more common party drugs’ street names include:
- MDMA – Adam, Lover’s Speed, Ecstasy, XTC, Molly, MD
- GHB – G, Liquid Ecstasy, Georgia Homeboy, Grievous Bodily Harm
- Ketamine – Vitamin K, Special K, Cat Valium
- Rohypnol – Roofies, Ruffies, Roaches, Roche, Forget-Me Pill
- Amyl Nitrates – Poppers, Rush, Hardware, Aroma of Man
The History of Club Drugs
Rave drugs actually date back to the 1970s. The drug culture was thriving in those days, and people regularly took drugs to enhance the dancing experience. Their use grew in popularity over the years.
By the 1980s, club drugs were being used in raves, parties and on college campuses. Raves became extremely common in the 1990s, and new club drugs entered the scene. Today, there are many popular party drugs that are still in use.
Top 10 Party Drugs in the United States
The complete party drugs list is pretty long. However, there are certain drugs that are more common and popular than others. The top 10 rave party drugs list includes:
- Ecstasy (Molly, MDMA, MD Drug)
- Methamphetamines
- Cocaine
- Prescription stimulants
- Ketamine hydrochloride
- Amyl Nitrates
- Bath salts
- LSD
- Mephedrone
- N-Bomb
Is your drug of choice on this designer drug list? Chances are pretty good that it is if you use club drugs. Some of these drugs should only be used in medical situations, while others shouldn’t be used at all.
Little Known Facts About Designer Drugs
It’s interesting to take a look at the little known party drug facts. The truth is that there is probably a lot about the drugs you use that you don’t know. For example, did you know that:
- The rave drug Molly was created as an appetite suppressant, but it was never available by prescription?
- It’s becoming common to combine club drugs to get different effects?
- The ingredients in designer drugs are not always known, which means they can be very dangerous?
- Rave drugs can be just as addictive as many commonly used street drugs?
- Party drugs are manufactured and distributed with an intent to avoid drug laws?
Do these rave drug facts surprise you? If you’re like most people, they do. You may have thought you knew exactly what you were taking. Now, you’re not so sure.
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Club Drug Statistics According to Recent Rave Drug Research
The stats on designer drugs are quite interesting. Club drug research tells us that:
- Designer drugs are most commonly used by people between the ages of 21 and 30.
- In 2009, it was discovered that there were 115 different websites across 17 countries selling club drugs.
- 15% of these websites were based in Germany.
- 37% of these websites were based in the United Kingdom.
- Mephedrone was first made in 1929. However, it was forgotten about until 2003, when its use was revitalized.
- In 2010, there were 302 calls to poison centers regarding bath salts.
- By 2011, there were 1,782 calls about bath salts.
- Researchers believe that there are millions of other chemical compounds for club drugs that haven’t been discovered.
Why Does the National Institute on Drug Abuse State That no Club Drug is Benign?
According to NIDA, club drugs are not nearly as safe as they are perceived to be. There has been extensive research done to prove that they cause serious health problems. Unfortunately, rave drugs are frequently used with alcohol. This enhances their effects, and makes them even more dangerous.
Even though club drugs are thought to be safe, research states otherwise. Of course, when combined with other substances, their use becomes even more hazardous.
Rave Drug Abuse Explained
Whenever someone takes a rave drug, this is known as club drug abuse. Designer drug abuse refers to the use of these drugs in the absence of an addiction. Club drugs are not safe to take, even if you are only using them one time.
The longer you abuse party drugs, the more at risk you are for developing club drug dependence. It is important to stop using them before you get to that point.
Club drugs are thought by most to be non-addictive. The fact is that a club drug addiction can occur when these drugs are used for too long. In the United States, there are many people who have become addicted to these drugs.
When you have a party drug addiction, you feel the need to use designer drugs regularly. You may have cravings for them, and not feel right unless you’re using. You will also use club drugs despite the negative consequences of doing so. For example, you may use the MD drug, side effects aside.
It’s actually pretty common for people to be unaware that they’re addicted to designer drugs. In fact, you could also be addicted to rave drugs, but be completely unaware of your addiction. You need to know whether or not rave drug dependence has become a problem for you.
It can help to take an addiction quiz that asks you several questions about your drug use. You can also look for some of the more common signs of addiction to party drugs. These include:
- Having hallucinations
- Experiencing changes in your behaviors
- Having involuntary tremors
- Becoming very paranoid
- Going through club drug withdrawal when you stop using
Club Drug Effects on the Body and Mind
Club drugs are very dangerous, and they carry both short and long-term effects. If you’re using party drugs, these are things you need to be aware of.
The short-term effects of club drugs should not be ignored. It is possible to experience the serious side effects of party drugs after just one use.
The short-term effects of rave drugs include:
- Causing short-term or long-term amnesia
- Drowsiness and a deep sleep
- Distorting perceptions and sounds
- Impaired attention and learning capabilities
- The onset of delirium
When club drugs are used long-term, their effects are even more serious and problematic. The long-term effects of designer drugs include:
- Severe club drug withdrawal symptoms
- The risk of overdose by increasing dosages
- The risk of seizures developing
- The risk of a coma
- Problems with breathing
When using some types of party drugs, withdrawal is very common. As you withdraw from club drugs, you’re likely to experience a range of symptoms. Some common designer drug withdrawal symptoms include:
- Excessive sweating
- Bouts of anxiety
- Problems sleeping at night
- Bodily tremors
- Nausea and vomiting
The Importance of Designer Drug Detox for Recovery
Club drug detox is recommended for anyone who is addicted to designer drugs. This type of drug treatment will help you get through the withdrawal period safely. It can make your recovery much more comfortable as well.
Drug detox is so important, and it should be the very first step you take. So many people have experienced success in recovery because they choose drug detox first.
Additional Questions You May Have About Club Drugs
Most designer drugs are developed in chemical labs. These are located all over the world, and there are many found in the United States.
There are actually several legal club drugs. Salvia is one that is legal in the United States. Others, such as Adderall and Ketamine are controlled substances, but can be gotten by prescription. They can also be purchased illegally online or on the street.
The legalities of designer drugs is a gray area in the United States. It is possible to find many on the streets that are perfectly legal to abuse.
How club drugs are taken is determined by which drug you’re referring to. Many rave drugs are taken as pills that are swallowed with water. Others are crushed and snorted. It’s even possible to crush some of them, mix them with water and inject them.
As was previously mentioned, mixing different types of club drugs together is becoming more commonplace. It’s also typical for people to take them with alcohol.
The MD drug trip is very desirable by most club drug addicts and users. Molly’s effects can be felt by the user in as soon as 30 minutes. Once a person gets high on MDMA, that high can last as long as 6 hours.
The same is true for other types of club drugs. They are chosen for their long-lasting effects, and for the intense high they produce.
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Do You Need Club Drug Treatment? Where to Turn to Get Help
You may be in a position where you need to go to drug rehab for a club drugs addiction. If you are, you’re certainly not alone. Designer drug addiction has only gotten worse in recent years. That’s not expected to change anytime soon.
At The Evergreen at Northpoint, we offer an IOP program that can meet your needs for club drug treatment.
We know the challenges you face, and you don’t need to go through them on your own.
Are you abusing club drugs? Are you in need of drug rehab for your designer drug addiction? Contact us right away to learn more.
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