The drugs have gained in popularity due to the false perception that they are not as harmful, nor as addictive, as mainstream drugs such as heroin.
ALL OF THESE DRUGS ARE ILLEGAL TO POSSESS OR SELL.
One of the dangers associated with this emerging drug market is that the drug quality may vary significantly, and substitute drugs often are sold when suppliers are unable to provide the drug currently in demand. This has been a significant problem with club drugs when the illicit supply has been limited and any number of “look-alike” products can be sold in its place.
Remember that these drugs are made by criminals who are profit motivated. These criminals have little regard for the health and safety of the customers they sell illicit drugs to. A buyer never knows what he/she is receiving.
Recent research by the National Institute of Mental Health directly measured the effects of ECSTASY on the human brain. The study revealed that recreational use of the drug causes brain damage that may manifest itself in depression, anxiety, memory loss, learning difficulties, and other neuropsychiatric disorders. All of the drugs listed above are equally dangerous.
SIGNS THAT YOUR CHILD MAY BE USING CLUB DRUGS
- Staying out late. Most "RAVE" parties begin late and end at daybreak. "RAVE" parties are the primary distribution point for Club drugs.
- Extreme or moderate irritability the day after consuming these drugs. Ecstasy is called the hug drug because it heightens a users sensory purceptors and lowers inhibitions. It triggers the release of serotonin in the brain, which governs mood. A depletion of serotonin in the brain causes irritability the day after use.
- Possessing a baby pacifier or a pacifier made of candy. Some Club drugs cause the user to clench their teeth tightly which causes discomfort. The pacifier eliminates the discomfort.
- Inability to sleep.
- Possession of fluorescent light sticks. Because drug users sensory purceptors are heightened with drugs such as ecstasy, fluorescent light sticks are popular with club drug users.
- Alcohol is not synonymous with club drug use. When alcohol is mixed with club drug use. When alcohol is mixed with club drug use, it compounds the effects of the drug. GHB and Rohypnol are considered date rape drugs and the date rape effect is heightened with the introduction of alcoholic beverages.