Party drugs are a category of drugs frequently used at parties, raves, dance clubs, and music festivals. Party drugs consist of a wide variety of drugs, including MDMA, also known as Ecstasy or Molly, Ketamine, GHB, and Cocaine.
People like to party, and these drugs are popular throughout America because they commonly lower inhibitions, heighten libido, promote sociability and trust, and provide a general feeling of euphoria. However, they are especially prevalent in the LGBTQ community, and La Fuente Hollywood has over ten years of experience in offering substance abuse treatment programs in Southern California to LGBTQ individuals.
Party drugs might seem innocuous at first, but they are routinely made in illegal laboratories. Since illegal labs are not regulated for quality control, the users cannot know what they are getting. The purity can vary from dose to dose of each drug, which can easily cause an overdose.
If you or a loved one are seeking a party drug addiction rehab program in Southern California, call La Fuente Hollywood Treatment Center at 888.903.9898 or reach out online.
MDMA
What Is MDMA?
How Do People Use MDMA?
People who use MDMA usually take it as a capsule or tablet, although it can be ingested as a liquid or snorted as a powder. However, people who purchase powder or capsules sold as Molly often get other drugs mixed with the MDMA, such as stimulants, anesthetics, or psychoactive substances. Additionally, many people take MDMA in combination with alcohol or marijuana. Naturally, this increases the danger of an adverse reaction or health complication.
MDMA increases the activity of three brain chemicals:
- Dopamine—causes a surge in euphoria and increased energy/activity
- Norepinephrine—increases heart rate and blood pressure, which is particularly risky for people with heart and blood vessel problems
- Serotonin—affects a variety of functions, including mood, appetite, and sleep. It also triggers hormones that affect sexual arousal and trust. The release of large amounts of serotonin likely causes the elevated mood, emotional closeness, and empathy felt by those who use MDMA.
Side Effects of MDMA
There are various possible side effects related to MDMA, but one of the most harmful is that the drug impairs the body’s ability to regulate temperature. As the drug is often taken in the context of partying, the dancing and physical exertion can cause the body temperature to spike, and when the body cannot regulate it, damage to the liver, kidneys, or heart occurs; in some instances, death results.
Additional physiological side effects include:
- Blurred vision
- Chills
- Involuntary teeth clenching
- Muscle cramping
- Nausea
- Sweating
MDMA’s effects last about 3 to 6 hours, although many users take a second dose as the effects of the first dose begin to fade.
Ketamine
What Is Ketamine?
How Do People Use Ketamine?
Ketamine comes as a powder and a liquid and can therefore be snorted, injected, or ingested. Additionally, it can be smoked by combining it with marijuana or tobacco.
The effects of ketamine may be experienced within one minute if injected, 5–15 minutes if snorted, and up to 30 minutes if swallowed. Its effects can last one to two hours, but an individual’s judgment, coordination, and senses may be affected for up to 24 hours after initial use.
Additionally, ketamine is sometimes used as a date-rape drug since it alters perception and can affect memory.
Side Effects of Ketamine
When taken recreationally, in smaller doses, ketamine can result in a wider range of effects, including:
- Depressed mental state
- Detached feeling from the body
- Diminished coordination and reflexes
- Dizziness
- Feelings of calmness and relaxation, relief from pain
- Hallucinations lasting from 30 to 60 minutes
- Nystagmus (repetitive, uncontrolled movements of the eyes)
- Slurred speech
Larger doses of ketamine can result in powerful hallucinations, coma, or deep unconsciousness.
GHB
What is GHB?
Gamma hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) is classified as a psychoactive drug that is used medically to treat some sleep disorders. Recreationally, it is abused because it creates a feeling of euphoria, increases libido, and promotes sociability similar to MDMA.
As a central nervous system depressant, it can also create feelings of relaxation similar to alcohol and lead to blackout memory loss, making it a common date-rape drug.
How Do People Use GHB?
GHB comes in a liquid or powder form and is often mixed into drinks. It usually begins to take effect within 10 minutes of ingestion, and the effects can last for six or seven hours.
Side Effects of GHB
While the sense of euphoria and lowered inhibitions is the reason why GHB is abused in the party scene, there are numerous unpleasant or harmful side effects, including:
- Confusion
- Dehydration
- Exhaustion
- Hallucinations
- Headaches
- Impaired motor control
- Loss of consciousness
- Memory loss
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sweating
Overdose from GHB is possible, mainly because it is a central nervous system depressant that can slow breathing and heart rate to the point of coma or death.
Cocaine
Cocaine has been a popular party drug for decades and has featured prominently in music, movies, and television. Although it has waxed and waned in popularity for more than five decades, cocaine is making a comeback, particularly among club-goers, which makes it a significant contributor to club drug addiction.
What Is Cocaine?
Cocaine is a stimulant derived from the coca plant, which thrives in certain tropical climates – Columbia, for example. Before becoming the powdered white substance bought and sold on the streets of America, a complex and lengthy process must occur. This includes “washing” the plant derivatives with harsh chemicals like acetone and gasoline. Cocaine was once used in the United States as a medicinal remedy. However, today it is illegal. Possession of even a tiny bit of cocaine results in a felony drug charge; nonetheless, it is a popular party drug and poses significant risks.
Why Is Cocaine a Popular LGBTQ Party Drug?
Believe it or not, cocaine is relatively easy to find and buy in the United States. It is much more available than Molly or Ketamine. It is also somewhat affordable nowadays, making it a favorite for those who enjoy taking party drugs. Cocaine produces a feeling of euphoria and boundless energy. It makes everything feel as if it is going faster. Those who take it in a rave or club setting say that the music and the lights enhance their drug experience.
Cocaine Requires Party Drug Addiction Rehab
The problem is that cocaine is one of the most addictive substances on the planet. Cocaine withdrawal is extremely unpleasant, so even users who try to stop will continue to take the drug to avoid the undesirable withdrawal effects. What starts out as socializing and fun often results in a hardcore addiction that robs users of everything that matters to them. While cocaine might seem affordable in the beginning, it quickly becomes an expensive, out-of-control habit. This often results in resorting to criminal activity to afford the addiction.
Let La Fuente Help You Today
If you or a loved one are part of the LGBTQ community and seeking a party drug addiction treatment program in Southern California, then look no further. With over ten years of experience in specialized addiction treatment for LGBTQ individuals, La Fuente Hollywood is waiting for you to call 888.903.9898 or contact us online.