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Club Drug Facts

Club drugs are most prevalent at nightclubs and raves, which generally last all night and are conducted in warehouse settings. They are commonly abused by teens and young adults who are often lured by their low cost and intoxicating effects that intensify the rave experience.

  1. Gamma Hydroxybutyrate

    • In 2002, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB), a central-nervous-system depressant, to treat the sleeping disorder, narcolepsy. Although the use of GHB is strictly regulated to treat narcolepsy, it has been used to perpetuate date rape. GHB is odorless, colorless and tasteless; therefore, it is easily camouflaged in beverages. By producing anabolic effects, bodybuilders have used GHB to build muscles and reduce fat. Withdrawal from GHB may cause insomnia, tremors, anxiety and perspiration. In addition, an individual can lapse into a coma or seizure after using GHB. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), no emergency room tests are available to detect GHB.

    Rohypnol

    • Rohypnol is a benzodiazepine that is structured like Xanax or Valium. It first appeared in the United States in the early 1990s and is not approved for medical use; importing Rohypnol is illegal. Rohypnol is typically orally ingested, but it can also be mashed up and snorted. Similar to GHB, Rohypnol is referred to as a date-rape drug that is easily masked in beverages. Combined with alcohol, Rohypnol debilitates the victim, who is incapable of resisting sexual attack. Repeated use of Rohypnol can result in the individual developing a tolerance and dependence on the drug. Rohypnol treatment typically involves an inpatient detoxification program, so the patient can be closely monitored.

    Ketamine

    • Ketamine is an anesthetic that is mostly used for veterinary purposes. Generally, it is snorted or injected. Use of ketamine causes the individual to feel unattached from his environment, and disrupts his perceptions of sight and sound. Consumed in high doses, ketamine causes dreamy sensations, hallucinations, amnesia, impaired motor skills, elevated blood pressured, delirium and possible lethal respiratory issues. Similar to the effects of cocaine and amphetamine, ketamine can create a tolerance and craving for the drug. When a patient suffers a ketamine overdose, supportive and close attention must be paid to his cardiac system.

    Abuse Statistics

    • A 2007 Monitoring the Future survey reported that prior year GHB use among eighth grade students was .7 percent; use among 10th graders was .6 percent, and use among 12th graders was .9 percent.

      Ketamine use was 1 percent among eighth graders, .8 percent for 10th graders and 1.3 percent for 12th graders.

      Between 1996 and 2007, Rohypnol has maintained relatively low usage rates, now reflecting a percentage rate of .5 percent for all three grades.

    Street Names

    • On the streets, GHB is often referred to as G, Grievous Bodily Harm, Georgia Home Boy and Liquid Ecstasy. Ketamine is commonly called Special K, K, Cat Valium and Vitamin K. Slangs for Rohypnol include Rophies, Roofies, Forget-me Pill and Roche.

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