Onset of Drug Effect(s):
The term “club drugs” was derived as a result of the club environment in which many popular drugs started to surface. When used in a club or party environment, there are a number of additional risks that someone might face. Not only is there a greater risk for fatal drug combinations among drugs like GHB, Ecstasy and alcohol, there are also environmental elements that set the stage for dangerous consequences. For example, a person’s body temperature increases to dangerous levels with Ecstasy use and the party/club environment provides an environment in which people become dehydrated quickly. This combination can prove to be deadly.
Drug Action(s):
Because of the increased risk for fatal drug combinations in the club/party atmosphere, the anticipated action(s) of a given drug are muted and often becomes synergized by other substances that have been “cut” with the drug. Of most note here, the drug PMA is often “cut” with Ecstasy and has been responsible for a number of deaths among people who thought they were taking Ecstasy.
The major “club drugs” are Ecstasy, GHB, Ketamine, methamphetamine, and LSD.
