Party Drugs – The Effects & Dangers

Party Drugs

Party drugs are typically taken in social settings like clubs, concerts, and house parties. They fall under psychoactive substances and create feelings of euphoria in the user. They are popular among young people and commonly seen within the LGBTQ+ community. These drugs may sound fun, but they can be dangerous and carry serious health risks. 

What are Party Drugs? 

Party drugs may be referred to as club drugs or recreational drugs. These psychoactive substances are typically used during social gatherings. People tend to take them while out at a concert or dancing the night away at a club. The three main types of party drugs are depressants, stimulants, and hallucinogens. 

Depressants

Depressants are a type of drug that slows down brain activity. This causes muscles to relax and calms the body. Depressants affect the central nervous system and can affect concentration and coordination. Some depressants are prescribed for things like anxiety, but many people partake in the use of this drug for fun without doctors' recommendations. 

Depressants include: 

• GHB
• Marijuana 
• Poppers
• Laughing gas
• Heroin
• Benzodiazepines

Stimulants

Stimulants are drugs that speed up messages to the brain. They are sometimes called uppers or pep pills. These drugs cause people to be more alert, awake, and energetic. They come in tablets, powders, capsules, and crystals. Caffeine and nicotine are legal stimulants. 

Stimulants include: 

• Cocaine
• Speed
• Meth

Hallucinogens

Hallucinogens are psychedelic drugs that can cause people to see, hear, feel, smell, or taste differently. They affect a person's mood and thoughts. These drugs cause mind-altering effects. Sometimes, they're small changes, but they can get intense, too. These effects can go away quickly or linger for hours. 

Hallucinogens include: 

• LSD
• MDMA
• Ketamine
• Mushrooms

What is the Effect of Party Drugs? 

Party drugs will affect people differently based on a variety of factors. The type of drug taken, the purity of the drug, and the environment in which the drug was taken all play a significant role. It also depends on an individual's weight, height, and overall health. Some people also have a higher tolerance than others. 

People partake in the use of party drugs for positive effects like an overall euphoric feeling and higher energy. Some people enjoy the mind-altering effects of hallucinogens and a change in perception. It's not all fun and games. Many unwanted effects can occur from the use of party drugs. 

Some of the scarier effects include shaking, nausea, headache, and confusion. These drugs can cause paranoia or anxiety. Life-threatening side effects from recreational drug use include seizures, stroke, heart problems, and hyperthermia, and they can even put a person in a coma. 

What are the Dangers of Party Drugs?

Party drugs have become more prevalent in recent years. The positive effects are often talked about, leading people to believe they're safe and simply a fun way to pass the time or elevate a social outing. These substances can create lasting damage and have serious negative consequences. 

These drugs are typically purchased under the table or behind the scenes in some way without a prescription. This is not only illegal in most cases, but it's dangerous because there's no way of knowing if another substance was added to the drug when it was made. It's also challenging to determine how much to take or how potent a drug is without a prescription. Some pills look the same as others you have taken in the past but have entirely different things going on within the substance. 

In 2021, there were over 100,000 deaths related to drug use in the United States. This number tends to stay high each year. It's not uncommon for people to become ill or die from the use of party drugs. Overdose looks different depending on the individual and substance used, but it's always dangerous and scary. 

Regular use of drugs can impact relationships and work negatively. Party drugs can encourage a person to make poor choices and increase reckless behaviors. One may even participate in a crime that they would never be willing to commit sober. The decisions made while using recreational drugs can lead to long-term mental and physical problems. 

If you or a loved one needs help navigating a substance use disorder and are looking for treatment centered around the LGBTQ+ experience, look no further. Q Space Detox is here to help. Call us today at 305-745-7768, and we will walk you through every step of the way.