Illinois Department of Human Services
CLUB DRUGS
(Methylenedioxymethamphetamine, Gamma-hydroxybutyrate)
Club drugs refer collectively to a group of various drugs synthetically concocted by underground chemists and commonly used by young adults at all-night dance parties such as "raves" and "trances," dance clubs, and bars. Uncertainties about the drug sources, chemicals used to manufacture them, and contaminants make determining the toxicity, consequences, and symptoms difficult. Since many club drugs are colorless, tasteless, and odorless, these drugs can be unknowingly added to beverages by individuals who want to intoxicate or sedate others.
Four popular club drugs are Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB), Ketamine, and Rohypnol.
| Drug |
Slang Terms |
Method of Intake |
| MDMA |
- Ecstasy
- XTC
- Adam
- Clarity
- Lover's speed
|
Produced as a tablet or capsule and taken orally |
| GHB |
- Grievous Bodily Harm,
- G,
- Georgia Home Boy,
- Liquid Ecstasy
|
Produced as a clear liquid, white powder, tablet, or capsule and taken orally |
| Ketamine |
- Special K
- K
- Vitamin K
- Cat Valiums
|
Produced as a white powder or clear liquid and snorted or smoked with marijuana or tobacco products |
| ROHYPNOL |
- Roofies
- Rophies
- Roche
- Forget-me Pill
|
Produced as a pill and usually taken orally, but can be ground up and snorted |
The High
Some club drugs are stimulants while others are depressants, but all seem to induce feelings of warmth and openness, greatly enhance the sense of touch, and increase the desire for sex. The stimulant effects of MDMA can enable users to dance for extended periods of time. GHB, in low doses, can relieve anxiety and produce relaxation. Ketamine produces dream-like states and hallucinations. Rohypnol causes profound amnesia resulting in a user not remembering anything while under the influence of the drug.
The Low
Club drugs can cause serious health problems and possibly even death especially when combined with the use of alcohol.
Side Effects
- Hallucinations
- Vomiting
- Paranoia
- Blurred eyesight
- Fainting
- Chills
- Sweating
- Teeth clenching
- Restlessness
- Sleeping
Problems
- Depression
- Confusion
- Nausea
- Difficulty breathing
- Drowsiness
- Decreased heart rate
- Sweating
- Headache
- Loss of reflexes
- Coma
- Tremors
- Delirium
- Amnesia
- High Blood Pressure
Sources
Substance Abuse Treatment Facility Locator
If you would like to know what substance abuse treatment providers are in your community, contact one of the following helplines:
1-800-662-HELP
1-800-662-9832 (Espanol)
1-800-228-0427 (TTY)
If you have any questions about alcohol or other drugs, call:
Illinois Department of Human Services
Division of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse
1-866-213-0548 (toll-free Voice)
1-866-843-7344 (toll-free TTY)
If you have questions about any Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) program, call or visit your FCRC. We will answer your questions. If you do not know where your FCRC is or if you are unable to go there, you may call the automated helpline 24 hours a day at:
1-800-843-6154
1-866-324-5553 (TTY)
You may speak to a representative between: 8:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Monday - Friday (except state holidays) For answers to your questions, you may also write:
Illinois Department of Human Services
Bureau of Customer and Provider Assistance
100 South Grand Avenue East
Springfield, Illinois 62762
Visit our web site at: www.dhs.state.il.us
Programs, activities and employment opportunities in the Illinois Department of Human Services are open and accessible to any individual or group without regard to age, sex, race, sexual orientation, disability, ethnic origin or religion. The department is an equal opportunity employer and practices affirmative action and reasonable accommodation programs.
DHS 4492 (R-03-14) Drug Series - Club Drugs
Printed by the Authority of the State of Illinois.
200 copies P.O.#14-1094
