If you are having any symptoms or have any questions, please call 811 to speak with a registered nurse 24 hours a day.

OVERVIEW

What are “club drugs”?

Club drugs are popular in nightclubs, at parties and at raves (all-night dance parties). Club drugs make users feel more open and intimate, and less shy. The most common club drugs are MDMA (“ecstasy”), GHB (“liquid ecstasy”), flunitrazepam (“roofies”) and ketamine (“special K”). They have many other slang names.

Are club drugs safe?

No. Although most club drugs look like prescription medicines, they are made illegally and can cause harm. Often, these drugs are a mix of unknown products. Club drugs harm the brain and may cause memory problems. They can also cause physical problems such as loss of muscle control, blurred vision and seizures. Drugs such as MDMA are stimulants that can increase your heart rate and blood pressure. Taking drugs such as GHB can lead to breathing problems or loss of consciousness.

Are club drugs addictive?

Yes. Many club drugs are types of methamphetamine (“meth”), which is very addictive. People also can become addicted if they use GHB, ketamine and flunitrazepam repeatedly. These drugs can cause severe and long-lasting symptoms.

Is it safe to use a club drug in a small amount?

No. People react differently to these drugs, and even a single pill can cause serious side effects, including death, in some people. Also, because they are made illegally, the strength of these drugs can vary from batch to batch.

How do I know if my friends are taking club drugs?

Club drugs may cause people to get too hot. If a friend looks too hot or feels weak or sick, get them to a cool, quiet place as soon as you can. If the person is thirsty, give them a sports drink (like Gatorade), not plain water. If the person doesn’t start feeling better, get medical help right away.

PREVENTION

How can I prevent someone from giving me a club drug?

Club drugs often are used as “date rape” drugs. The following are things you can do to prevent someone from giving you a club drug without your knowledge:

• Always keep your drink with you.
• Never take a drink from someone you don’t know and trust.
• Watch out for your friends’ drinks.

QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER

• What are club drugs, and how are they different from other illicit drugs?
• What are the dangers of taking club drugs?
• What can I do if I think someone has given me a drug without my consent?
• How do I know if my child is taking club drugs?
• How can I start a conversation with my child about club drugs?

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse and Addiction website:
http://www.ccsa.ca

Provincial websites:
NS: https://novascotia.ca/dhw/addictions/
PEI: https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/information/health-pei/provincial-addictions-treatment-facility

Sources

Club Drugs: MDMA, Gamma-Hydroxybutyrate (GHB), Rohypnol, and Ketamine by PM Gahlinger, M.D., Ph.D., M.P.H. (06/01/04, http://www.aafp.org/afp/20040601/2619.html)