FACTS ABOUT ECSTASY & OTHER CLUB DRUGS

The term "club drug" refers to a variety of drugs found at licensed dance clubs, both large and small, as well as at house parties. These drugs have also been associated with "raves" - large dance events in warehouses, or fields, where the event can be kept secret or advertised widely.

Club drugs are sometimes referred to as "designer drugs". The substances are typically produced in underground laboratories, using a variety of chemicals. Due to uncertainties about what actual chemicals are used to produce these drugs, it is extremely difficult to predict their strength, what their effects will be and whether there are poisonous ingredients added to them. Therefore, these drugs can pose serious risks to young people's health and safety.

Drugs, such as rohypnol, GHB and ketamine, have also been called "date rape drugs" because they have been used in situations of sexual assault. However, people can be sexually assaulted in this way by a complete stranger as well as someone they know or are "dating". The victim can be a male or female. Because these drugs are colourless, tasteless and odourless, they can be added to drinks and used to intoxicate or sedate others without their knowledge.

When used together, or in combination with alcohol, all of these drugs pose an even greater threat to health and safety.

ECSTASY (E, XTC, Adam, Euphoria, X, MDM, Love Doves)

Ecstasy is a recreational drug, most popular among teenagers and young adults. It has certain effects in common with hallucinogens such as LSD but is related to amphetamines (speed). It is a drug that is produced chemically in underground laboratories and usually taken by mouth in capsules or tablets, which are often stamped with a logo, making them look like candy. It may also be a powder that is sniffed.

Effects:

• in lower doses, it can cause feelings of pleasure, closeness to others, energy and confidence
• the person may experience increased blood pressure and heart rate, sweating, nausea, jaw pain, panic, blurred vision and vomiting
• overheating and possible dehydration can occur when ecstasy use is combined with all night dancing
• higher doses may produce hallucinations, paranoia, anxiety and depression
• the person may experience after effects such as confusion, irritability, anxiety and sleep problems
• recent research shows that frequent/heavy ecstasy use can damage the cells and chemistry of the human brain, affecting functions such as learning and memory
• repeated use can result in confusion, irritability, depression and weight loss

METHAMPHETAMINE (Speed, meth, chalk; crystals can be called ice, crystal, glass)

Methamphetamine is a stimulant drug, which is becoming more available at raves, clubs and parties. It is made in illegal laboratories. It can be taken by mouth, or sniffed as a powder or injected. Methamphetamine, which is made into crystals and can be smoked (this is "crystal meth" or "ice") is a more powerful form of the drug. It is highly addictive.

Effects:

• it can cause feelings of pleasure; when smoked or injected there is a brief "rush" of intense sensation
• it causes increased heart rate, blood pressure and can cause damage to blood vessels in the brain and convulsions
• the person may become anxious and aggressive
• other effects include loss of appetite, irritability, confusion, tremors
• long-term effects include:
  • possible damage to brain cell-endings (associated with thinking memory and movement)
  • insomnia
  • anorexia
  • paranoia
  • bizarre and violent behaviour

ROHYPNOL (rophies, ruffies, roofies)

Rohypnol is the manufacturer's trade name for a drug that belongs to the same family of sedative drugs that includes drugs such as Valium (trade name). It is not approved for use in Canada or the USA.

Effects:

• the person may experience lack of memory, impaired judgement, dizziness and periods of blackout
• sedation beings in about 30 minutes, peaks within 2 hours and lasts for about 8 hours

GHB (Liquid Ecstasy, Liquid X)

GHB (gamma hydroxy butyrate) has surfaced as a drug at clubs and rave parties and also has been found in cases of sexual assault. It is an illegally manufactured drug mostly prepared as an odourless and tasteless liquid. It is quickly absorbed in the body and peaks in 20-60 minutes.

Effects:

• at low doses, the person may feel sociable and less inhibited
• with a slightly higher dose the person may experience dizziness, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, amnesia and vertigo
• at higher doses, the person may experience loss of consciousness, seizures, depressed breathing and coma
• slight differences in dose (the amount taken) can quickly put the user at risk; higher doses can result in convulsions and death

KETAMINE (Special K, baby food)

Ketamine is also a drug that is available at clubs and raves and has been reported in cases of sexual assault. It is a relative of PCP and has been used as an anaesthetic in medical and veterinary practice. The drug is found in the form of capsules, powder, crystals and solutions.

Effects:

• the person may experience temporary amnesia and hallucinations, which may be intense or terrifying
• the person may experience dizziness, numbness, blurred vision
• the person may be sleepy, withdrawn, confused
• the person may experience "disassociation", feeling as though the mind is separated from the body