While club drugs are commonly considered a particular class of drug, the category actually encompasses several different types of drugs, all with their own unique risks, side effects, and concerns. These types include: 1. Hallucinogens 2. Dissociative Drugs 3. Methamphetamine 4.MDMA Here, we break down each category of club drugs in more detail including common signs and symptoms, the potential effects and risks associated with each type of drug as well as their potential for addiction.

1. We break down each category of club drugs including common signs of abuse, the
potential effects and dangers, as well as their risk for addiction.
Club Drugs & Addiction

2. Club Drugs
What Are Club Drugs?
➢Club drugs refer to a series of different drugs commonly found and exchanged
in social settings such as nightclubs, bars, and dance parties.
➢Because club drugs are typically distributed on a person-to-person basis, it
can be difficult to determine the exact chemical composition and purity of
each individual drug.

3. Club Drugs
Club Drugs can be broken down into 4 main categories:

Hallucinogens

Dissociative Drugs

Methamphetamine

MDMA
We break down each type of drug in more detail below

4. Hallucinogens

5. Hallucinogens
➢
Hallucinogens are a class of drugs, including LSD and psilocybin, which
promote hallucinatory experiences and alter an individual’s sensory
perception.
➢
Hallucinogens affect the brain by changing the way we perceive and process
information through a portion of the brain known as the prefrontal cortex.
➢
When someone takes a hallucinogen, they may see or experience visions,
sounds, movement, or their own body in ways that are not grounded in
reality.

6. Hallucinogens
Signs of Hallucinogen Abuse
➢Increased anxiety, stress reactions, or jumpiness
➢Volatile emotional states
➢Nausea and vomiting
➢Difficulty moving or loss of coordination
➢Elevated heart rate and blood pressure
➢Elevated body temperature
➢Persistent hallucinations
➢Paranoid behavior or actions

7. Dissociative Drugs

8. Dissociative Drugs
➢Dissociative drugs are a type of drugs, including PCP and ketamine, which
may cause individuals to “dissociate” from their body, feeling as though they
can no longer move, think, or control their bodies in normal or expected ways.
➢Dissociative drugs affect the brain’s release of chemicals that help us process
our thoughts, regulate our emotions, and understand information from the
outside world.
➢Individuals may react to this experience in multiple different ways, including
becoming angry or violent, highly emotional, or still and catatonic.

9. Dissociative Drugs
Signs of Dissociative Drug Abuse
➢Loss of feeling throughout the body
➢Confusion or challenges in understanding speech
➢Difficulty remembering events
➢Elevated blood pressure and heart rate
➢Elevated body temperature
➢Anxiety, stress, fear, or panic
➢Combining with other drugs, including alcohol

10. Methamphetamine

11. Methamphetamine
➢Methamphetamine is a stimulant drug that speeds up the nervous system,
causing individuals to talk, move, and stay more active than normal.
➢Methamphetamine enters the brain and stimulates the production of
dopamine, a “feel-good” chemical that produces pleasure and can increase
activity in the body.
➢Unfortunately, methamphetamine brings a host of dangerous side effects,
including increased heart rate and blood pressure and high body
temperature.

12. Methamphetamine
Signs of Methamphetamine Abuse
➢Ongoing emotional volatility
➢Anxiety, stress, or panic
➢Propensity to violence
➢Persistent hallucinations
➢Difficulty making decisions or learning
➢Fluctuating weight
➢Dental issues (also called “meth mouth”)

13. MDMA (Ecstasy)

14. MDMA (Ecstasy)
➢MDMA (also called Ecstasy) is a popular synthetic drug that helps some
individuals feel the temporary sensation of increased energy, excitement, and
heightened perspective.
➢MDMA prompts the brain to release a variety of chemicals that temporarily
alter an individual’s emotions, energy level, and sense of well-being.
➢Use of MDMA can lead to a series of dangerous side effects including an
increase in heart rate, blood pressure, temperature, and possible brain
damage and memory loss.

15. MDMA (Ecstasy)
Signs of MDMA (Ecstasy) Abuse
➢Frequent dehydration
➢Elevated heart rate, blood pressure and body temperature
➢Disinterest in food or eating
➢Difficulty organizing thoughts
➢Nausea or vomiting
➢Persistent headache
➢Binge use of drug
➢Increased risk of heart disease

16. Common withdrawal symptoms for club drugs include:
➢Emotional volatility
➢Anxiety, fear, or depression
➢Lack of energy
➢Exhaustion
➢Severe cravings for the drug of choice
➢Persistent hallucinations
➢Increased sweating
➢Flu-like symptoms (chills, runny nose, headache)
Withdrawal Symptoms

17. Treatment
➢While club drug use can involve a variety of different drugs, treatment is possible.
➢Most treatment providers will begin with an assessment of current drug use to
determine which combination of drugs are currently being used.
➢Since each client requires a carefully-monitored detoxification period followed by
personalized treatment, providers need an in-depth understanding of each
individual’s substance use patterns and history.
➢Reputable providers will then develop a personalized treatment plan which can
include therapies like individual and group therapy, relapse risk reduction, addiction
education, life skills training, medication-assisted treatment (when appropriate).

18. For more information on Club Drugs and what you can do to help if you or a
loved one is struggling with addiction check out the below resources:
Club Drug Addiction & Abuse
Hallucinogen Addiction & Abuse
Meth Addiction & Abuse
MDMA Addiction & Abuse
Resources