Party Drugs: Types, Dangers, & Long-Term Effects

Party drugs have become a common trend in countless clubs, bars, raves, and party settings. These substances can negatively alter a person’s life and fracture their health (and well-being). Once someone gets addicted to party drugs, it can become challenging to sober up. Fortunately, professional treatment can set you on the path to recovery and help you regain control of your life.

What are Party Drugs?

People at clubs, festivals, concerts, bars, raves, house parties, and other events tend to use an assortment of substances called “party drugs” or “club drugs.” It can be difficult to list a specific set of drugs that includes everything you may encounter in a party setting. However, certain common party substances such as ketamine, LSD, cocaine, and ecstasy tend to make frequent appearances. Thanks to social media, party drugs have become increasingly popular, with an increasing number of teenagers and young adults glorifying their use. Recurrent use of club drugs carries a severe risk of addiction.

Types of Party Drugs

Some of the most common types of party drugs doing the rounds of clubs include:

Hallucinogens

Hallucinogens cause what is commonly known as a “trip” or hallucinations. Once consumed, these drugs make someone lose touch with reality, setting the stage for risky behaviors. The most common hallucination-inducing substances include:

• Psychedelic mushrooms, or “shrooms,” trigger a distorted perception of reality
• Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), or “acid,” comes in the form of a “strip” that is placed on the tongue. LSD causes trembling, an increased heart rate, and intense hallucinations.
• Salvia induces short-term hallucinations that last for about half an hour. This drug is often used as a gateway to other, more intense party drugs.
• Ketamine is a recreational drug that makes users feel out-of-body experiences. Ketamine is primarily used in veterinary clinics to treat animals coping with treatment-resistant depression.

Ecstasy

Ecstasy is also known as MDMA. This party substance induces a feeling of happiness, euphoria, and friendliness. Ecstasy gives the combined effect of stimulants and hallucinogens. Those who use it often end up in situations that risk their health and compromise their safety.

Read more: MDMA Vs. Meth: Dangers, Abuse, & Treatment

Date Rape Drugs

Date rape drugs are an assortment of substances used to incapacitate a person and take advantage of them. These drugs are a common occurrence in sexual assault cases and are often slipped into the drink of the victim. Some common date rape drugs include:

• Xanax
• Ketamine
• GHB or Gama Hydroxybutyrate
• Rohypnol

Stimulants

Stimulants are common among people who go to parties often and want to increase their capacity to stay awake longer. These substances are used for both recreational purposes and the treatment of ADHD. Many party-goes tend to misuse stimulants. Some of the common ones stimulants include:

• Adderall
• Cocaine
• Methamphetamine
• Ritalin

Inhalants

Commonly found in clubs and raves, inhalants are substances that are “huffed” or inhaled for a quick high. Some people use household items like cleaning supplies, whipped cream containers, and bleach to obtain a high. Inhalant use can trigger serious blackouts and extreme tremors.

Marijuana

Marijuana, weed, or cannabis is a psychoactive substance that induces calm and relaxation. With more and more states legalizing marijuana, the substance has become a common party ingredient. Some people tend to experience paranoia under marijuana influence. This substance is also used as a gateway to use more powerful party drugs.

Dangers of Using Party Drugs

One of the greatest issues with party drugs is that most are illegally manufactured in unregulated labs. Because it’s difficult to determine the toxicity levels of these drugs, managing the risk of overdose can become more challenging than ever. Some of the most common short-term and long-term dangers of party drugs include:

Short Term Effects

The short-term effects of party drugs depend on factors like the type of substance used, body weight, and a person’s mental or physical health. Some party drugs, such as Rohypnol or Xanax, can trigger respiratory depression if the dose is significant. This condition can make a person’s breathing dangerously slow or stop altogether. Party drugs taken in high doses can permanently damage a body’s organs, like the liver and kidneys. Other common short-term symptoms of party drugs include:

• Anxiety or paranoia
• Memory loss
• Mood swings
• Altered perception of reality
• Hallucinations
• Poor judgment
• Impaired motor function
• Blurred vision
• Sedation

Long Term Effects

When used for a prolonged time, party drugs can cause users to neglect their responsibilities, make them spiral into financial difficulties, and experience social isolation. It can also put the user in increasingly risky scenarios and lead to self-inflicted mental and physical harm. Some of them include:

• Heart disease
• Sleep disturbances
• Exacerbating mental health conditions
• Lack of appetite
• Weight loss
• Impaired cognitive function and memory
• Damaged nervous system
• Brain damage
• Issues with serotonin uptake

Read more: Gateway Drugs: Why Adolescence Is The Real Gateway

Overcome Your Addiction at Oasis Recovery Center

Regardless of the type of drug someone uses, the end result leads to severe addiction and life-threatening consequences. If you or your loved one is struggling with party drugs or substance abuse, it’s time to seek immediate help. At Oasis Recovery Center, we create a customized program that puts you on the road to healing. Contact us today to regain control of your life.