A Primer in Lesser-Known Club Drugs

The National Institute on Drug Abuse describes club drugs as “a pharmacologically heterogeneous group of psychoactive compounds that tend to be abused by teens and young adults at a nightclub, bar, rave, or trance scene.” Translation: these drugs are chemically dissimilar, but what they have in common is that they are most often used by young people at specific types of social gatherings.

Drugs classified as club drugs include Rohypnol, Gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB), MDMA (ecstasy), Ketamine, and even methamphetamines. The effects of ecstasy and methamphetamines are well-publicized. However, the other drugs mentioned above may be less familiar. This article discusses the nature, effects, and risks associated with these less well-known substances.

GHB

GHB (Xyrem) is a depressant that affects your central nervous system (CNS). GHB is found naturally in the brain, but at very low concentrations compared to doses that are ingested for medical and non-medical reasons. In 2002, the drug received approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in treating narcolepsy, a sleep disorder. The FDA included severe restrictions on use of the drug, limiting it to only treat narcolepsy. Patients using the drug are required to participate in an FDA-monitored registry.

GHB is known to act on at least two sites in the brain. High doses of GHB produce sedative effects, which may include sleep, coma, and even death. Abuse of GHB can also cause seizures. When used with other drugs, such as alcohol, GHB can induce nausea and respiratory distress.

GHB is known as a “date rape” drug because of its sedative effects. It has been used to subdue rape victims so that they will not struggle against an attacker. GHB is known to have been involved in poisonings, overdoses, date rapes, and deaths.

Individuals who use GHB repeatedly may experience withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, sweating, tremors, and insomnia. Use of GHB in combination with other drugs has been known to create severe withdrawal effects.

GHB is usually in the form of a clear liquid, but may also be a white powder. Street names for GHB include: GHB, “G” (most common), Gamma-OH, Liquid E, Fantasy, Georgia Home Boy, Grievous Bodily Harm, Liquid X, Liquid Ecstasy (is not ecstasy), Scoop, Water, Everclear, Great Hormones at Bedtime, GBH, Soap, Easy Lay, Salty Water, G-Riffick, Cherry Meth, Organic Quaalude, and Jib.

Rohypnol

Rohypnol (flunitrazepam) is a benzodiazepine, which means that it is chemically similar to such drugs as Valium and Xanax. However, it is not approved for medical use in the United States and importation of it is illegal. Like other benzodiazepines, chronic use of Rohypnol can create a tolerance for and dependence on the drug. Use of Rohypnol can be fatal when the drug is mixed with alcohol or other CNS depressants.

Rohypnol first started appearing in the United States in the early 1990s. Rohypnol, like GHB, is considered a “date rape” drug. Two effects of the drug that make it particularly suited to this disturbing purpose: when mixed with alcohol, Rohypnol can incapacitate a victim and make it impossible for them to resist an assault; and Rohypnol can produce anterograde amnesia, in which individuals may not remember events they experienced while under the influence of the drug. Both GHB and Rohypnol can also be colorless, tasteless, and odorless, making it easy to mix with beverages and serve to an unsuspecting victim.

Rohypnol comes in pill form and street names for it include: Rophy, Ruffles, Roofies, Ruffies, Ruff Up, Rib, Roach 2, R2, R2-Do-U, Roche, Rope, Ropies, Circles, Circes, Forget It, Forget-Me-pill, and Mexican Valium.

Ketamine

Ketamine is an anesthetic that is used mostly by veterinarians. Ketamine is classified as a dissociative anesthetic because it distorts the user’s ability to accurately perceive sights and sounds, and it causes the user to feel detached from the environment and even his or her own body.

Ketamine has effects similar to those of the drug PCP. Individuals intoxicated at lose dosage levels experience impaired attention, learning ability, and memory. At higher doses, Ketamine causes a dreamlike state and often hallucinations. At very high levels, Ketamine can cause delirium and amnesia, as well as impaired motor function, high blood pressure, and potentially fatal respiratory problems. Prolonged use of Ketamine can result in cognitive impairment and damage to internal organs. Regular users develop a tolerance and cravings for the drug.

Ketamine is in liquid form and is usually injected intravenously or intramuscularly. Ketamine has dozens of street names, including: K, Ket, Special K, Vitamin K, Vit K, Kit Kat, Keller, Kelly’s day, Green, Blind squid, Cat valium, Purple, Special la coke, Super acid, and Super C.