From the library of

Frank Barnhill M.D.
 

Five percent of all eighth graders have used the club drug, Ecstasy at least once!
It may not surprise you to learn that between 15 and 20 percent of high school seniors admit to using ecstasy and other club drugs.

“Club drugs” get their nickname from the large city warehouse type clubs where they first made their appearance years ago. Unfortunately, these mostly illegal drugs are now showing up in smaller communities and underground themed parties or “Raves” where teens and pre-teens are attracted to lots of loud music and lights.

The most common of the club drugs include Ecstasy, Roofies or Mexican Valium, GHB or Liquid X, Special K or Cat Valium. Peer pressure at parties seems to be the number one reason for trying these drugs. But users often note that even peer pressure can’t convince those who experience very unpleasant side effects to try again. That is if they live through their first experience. Let’s take a general look at the most popular of the “Club Drugs”, so you can discover what you and your teenagers know or don’t know about them.

Ketamine or PCP was developed as a veterinary anesthetic and is available as a clear liquid or white powder. Street names include special K, jet, or cat Valium and the high usually only lasts 4 to 6 hours. Users are trying to reach “K Land” where they experience bizarre out of or in body states. Some claim to see sounds, hear colors, or feel other impossible senses. Users try to avoid “K Hole” which is a state of overdose causing horrible nightmare type out of body experiences, confusion, vomiting, extremely high blood pressure and heart rate, convulsions, and lack of oxygen to muscles and brain. Unfortunately, Ketamine is not detectable on routine urine drug screens.

Gamma-hydroxybutyrate or GHB use started with body builders using it for a feel good sensation during marathon weightlifting sessions and competitions. It was originally touted to increase growth hormone and promote muscle building without as much exercise. It’s also available as a clear odorless liquid or white powder, making it easy to slip in drinks and convenient as a date rape drug. GHB acts as a rapid sedative and when mixed with alcohol can induce coma. Street names include liquid X, Georgia homeboy, and grievous bodily harm. The chemicals necessary to make GHB are unfortunately available on the web and standard urine drug screens do not pick it up.

Rohypenol or flunitrazepam is at least 10 times more potent than Valium and is available legally in Mexico, Europe and South America for insomnia. Prior to 1999, the drug was a colorless making it the perfect date rape drug. It was easy to add to a dates drink and alcohol made it work even faster. It produces rapid muscle relaxation; sleepiness, mental and physical paralysis and can even induce amnesia. It rapidly became a favorite “tool” of the sexual predator. Street names include la roacha, roofies, roach-2, and Mexican Valium. Rohypenol can be detected in urine up to 72 hours after ingestion making it easier to prove forcible rape. As a result of The Drug Induced Rape Prevention And Punishment Act of 1996, the drug is now manufactured such that it turns any liquid blue when added.

Ecstasy or MDMA was developed as a diet pill-appetite suppressant and sometimes used as an amphetamine type psychiatric drug. It is considered the most popular “Club Drug”.
Street names include X, Adam, XTC, love drug, and 007. It causes stimulation with a hyper feeling and a feel good on top of the world high, followed closely by hallucinations. Rave partygoers will often rub it on the inside of a surgical mask so they can inhale it getting even higher. Urine tests will show the drugs presence making it easy to detect for hours after ingestion or inhalation. Overdose with MDMA is very dangerous as affected persons may have very high heart rates, high body temperatures, and appear wired with hallucinations and combative agitation.

Hopefully, this short course on Club Drugs will give parents a little insight in talking to there young adults about the dangers of fad drugs and teens will understand the risks of giving in to peer pressure. For more detailed information, go to www.clubdrugs.gov.
Dr. Frank