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LSD (Blotter
Sheets)
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Mushrooms |
Peyote
Buttons
and Powder |
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| The term "club drugs"
refers to a wide range of substances that are commonly abused by
young adults and teens at all-night "rave" clubs and
parties. The drugs reported in these scenes are extremely
diverse and vary among locales. Overall, they include drugs that
have long been abused, such as marijuana and cocaine, and drugs
whose abuse is a more recent development. Some are stimulants, some
depressants, and some hallucinogens - while most exhibit multiple
pharmacological properties. This section addresses the below club
drugs, grouped as follows: |
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| "Designer drug" is
the term used for a drug created by changing the molecular structure of
one or more existing drugs to create a new substance. Designer drugs have no
accepted medical purpose. As a result, they are synthesized in
illicit laboratories. MDMA (ecstasy) is the most sought after and
the most commonly abused of the designer drugs. The other designer
drugs are considered by users to be inferior substitutes for MDMA and are typically only ingested
unknowingly,
when present in tablets sold as ecstasy. Examples
of other designer drugs are: MDA, MDE, MBDB, DOB, DOM, 2C-B.
MDMA
and
MDA
are
discussed below.
|
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| Synonyms:
dl-3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine |
|
| Drug Class:
CNS Stimulant, Hallucinogen |
|
| Street Names:
Beans, E, Ecstacy, Ecstasy, Rolls, X, XTC |
|
| Description:
MDMA is classified as both a stimulant and a hallucinogen. When
ingested, MDMA produces potent feelings of empathy and well-being
beyond that associated with other drugs of abuse. For this reason,
it is the most sought after drug in the club environment. MDMA's chemical structure is similar to methamphetamine, MDA, and
mescaline. It is found primarily in tablet form, known as
"ecstasy". Though ecstasy tablets often contain other
compounds in addition to MDMA, such as methamphetamine, mescaline,
MDA, ketamine, caffeine, and others. Users are typically unaware of the
exact combination of drugs they are actually taking. Physical
symptoms can include jaw clenching, teeth grinding, dilated pupils, perspiring,
anxiety, blurred vision, vomiting, and increased blood pressure and
heart rate. MDMA is not known to be addictive. However, the
after-effects of an MDMA episode can be dramatic, sometimes lasting
for several days. These effects include physical and mental
exhaustion, depression, irritability, poor concentration,
forgetfulness, and paranoia. |
|
| Excretion:
Urinary excretion accounts for 65% of an MDMA dose as unchanged MDMA
and 7% as MDA within 3 days. Due to chemical similarities with methamphetamine,
MDMA shows significant cross-reactivity with many types of
methamphetamine urine screen tests. |
| Synonyms:
dl-3,4-Methylenedioxyamphetamine |
|
| Drug Class:
CNS Stimulant, Hallucinogen |
|
| Description:
MDA is classified as both a stimulant and a hallucinogen. Its
chemical structure is similar to amphetamine and MDMA. MDA produces
effects in users similar to that of MDMA. However, MDMA remains the
drug of choice among users. Thus, MDA is typically only ingested unknowingly, when present in combination with MDMA in ecstasy tablets. |
|
| Excretion:
The human metabolism of MDA has not been studied. However, urine MDA
concentrations of up to 160,000 ng/ml have been recorded in fatal
cases. This suggests that substantial portions of MDA are excreted
in the urine unchanged. Due to chemical similarities with amphetamine, MDA
shows significant cross-reactivity with many types of amphetamine
urine screen tests. |
| Hallucinogens, also
known as "psychedelics", refers to a wide range of
substances derived from both natural and synthetic sources. In
general, hallucinogens distort the user's sensory perceptions and
may also create feelings of euphoria. These effects vary depending
on the drug in question. The stronger hallucinogens can exert a
powerful effect on a drug user's thinking and can produce sensory
illusions that make it difficult to distinguish between fact and
fantasy. In general, hallucinogens do not create a physical
dependence, but they can create a psychological dependence. Their
consumption also creates a tolerance that is built rapidly within
the body. Many drugs that exhibit mild hallucinogenic properties are
commonly classified as hallucinogens, including marijuana and MDMA.
Drugs that exhibit potent hallucinogenic properties are
discussed below, including, LSD,
ketamine,
peyote/mescaline, and
mushrooms. |
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|
| Synonyms:
Lysergic Acid Diethylamide |
|
| Drug Class:
Hallucinogen |
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| Street Names:
Acid, Blotter, Microdots, Paper, Trips, Window Panes |
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| Description:
LSD, commonly referred to as "acid", is a very potent
hallucinogen. It is manufactured from lysergic acid, which is found
in ergot, a fungus that grows on rye and other grains. LSD is an
odorless, colorless, liquid. This liquid is typically added to
absorbent paper, such as blotter paper, and divided into small
decorated squares, with each square representing one dose. Less
commonly, LSD is found in its pure liquid form. The quantity of LSD
found in recent illicit supplies ranges from 20 to 80 micrograms per
dose. The maximum dosage for human beings is said to be
unknown. The effects of LSD are unpredictable. They depend on
the amount taken, the user's personality, mood, expectations,
and the surroundings in which the drug is used. Usually, the user
feels the first effects of the drug 30 to 90 minutes after taking
it. The physical effects include dilated pupils, higher body
temperature, increased heart rate and blood pressure, perspiration, loss
of appetite, sleeplessness, dry mouth, and tremors. |
| Drug Class:
General Anesthetic,
Hallucinogen |
|
| Trade Names:
Ketalar |
|
| Street Names:
Cat Tranquilizer, K, Ket, Special K, Vitamin K |
|
| Description:
Ketamine is a general anesthetic that has been approved for both human and
animal use in medical settings since 1970. Approximately 90% of the
ketamine legally sold is intended for veterinary use, which is
liquid in form. The street form is typically a white powder that is
sniffed. Certain doses of ketamine can cause dream-like states and
hallucinations. At high doses, ketamine can cause delirium, amnesia,
impaired motor function, high blood pressure, depression, and
potentially fatal respiratory problems. Emergency room mentions of
ketamine rose from 19 in 1994 to 396 in 1999, indicating a
significant surge in its popularity. |
|
|
| Synonyms:
Lophophora Williamsii |
|
| Drug Class:
Hallucinogen |
|
| Street Names:
Buttons, Mesc |
|
| Description:
Peyote is a small, spineless cactus whose
principal active ingredient is the hallucinogen mescaline. Peyote
has been used by natives in northern Mexico and the southwestern
United States as a part of traditional religious rites. The
underside of the peyote cactus produces "buttons" that
resemble common mushrooms. The fleshy parts of the buttons are
ground into a fine powder for ingestion. A dose between 350 mg and
500 mg of dried powder produces illusions and hallucinations
lasting for 5 to 12 hours. Overall effects are similar to those of
LSD. Mescaline can be extracted from peyote or produced
synthetically. Street mescaline is typically synthetic. Today,
members of the Native American Church of North America still use the
peyote cactus in their religious rituals and rites. Their religious
use of the drug is exempt from portions of the Comprehensive Drug
Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970. But church members remain
prohibited from trafficking or distributing the peyote cactus. |
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|
| Drug Class:
Hallucinogen |
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| Street Names:
Magic Mushrooms, Shrooms |
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| Description:
Psilocybin, and the related chemical psilocin, are the active
ingredients in several species of mushrooms and other fungi that
grow throughout the world. Psilocybin is chemically related to both
LSD and dimethyltryptamine (DMT). In the United States,
hallucinogenic mushrooms are typically found growing in cow manure
during periods of moist weather. They are normally eaten raw, but
can also be boiled into a liquid form. The overall effects of
psilocybin are similar to those of LSD, including dilated pupils,
higher body temperature, increased heart rate and blood pressure,
perspiring, loss of appetite, sleeplessness, dry mouth, and tremors.
As with LSD, tolerance to psilocybin develops quickly. There are no
significant withdrawal symptoms from hallucinogenic mushrooms and no
physical dependence appears to take place. There may be a strong
desire to repeat the experience, which could be indicative of some
degree of psychological dependence. |
| Depressants, also
known as sedatives, commonly abused in the club environment include
GHB and Rohypnol. These sedatives are highly potent. As a result,
they have earned the title "date rape drugs". GHB is
discussed below. For Rohypnol information, see Benzodiazepines. |
|
|
| Synonyms:
Gamma Hydroxybutyrate |
|
| Drug Class:
CNS Depressant |
|
| Street Names:
Date Rape Drug, G, Liquid Ecstasy |
|
| Description:
GHB is a potent central nervous system (CNS) depressant. Prior to 1990, GHB was available in
the United States as an over-the-counter pill or powder, sold mostly
in health food stores. It was used by body builders to assist the
production of muscle-building growth hormones by the body. Though
there is no evidence to support this claim. In 1990, GHB was banned
by the FDA due to incidents of death and serious illness related to
its use. GHB is synthesized from fairly common chemicals and is
typically manufactured in "kitchen-sink" laboratories. It
is normally found as a clear liquid which is consumed orally and is
sold in small vials. GHB exhibits different properties at varying
dosages. In moderate doses, GHB acts euphorically, producing effects
similar to alcohol. In larger doses, GHB acts as a potent sedative,
often resulting in unconsciousness. The amount required to produce
the desired euphoric effects is dangerously near the amount that
results in unconsciousness. This factor is responsible for a high
incidence of GHB related emergency room episodes. It is also
responsible for GHB's use
as a date rape drug. A significant dose is easily poured into the
drink of an unsuspecting victim without notice. Thus, club goers
should be forewarned not to leave drinks unattended. |
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| Baselt, Randall C.,
and Robert H. Cravey. Disposition of Toxic Drugs and Chemicals in
Man. Chicago: Year Book Medical Publishers, Inc., 1989. |
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| Beyond the ABC's
Information for Professionals - Hallucinogens.
Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission. 12 Sept.
2001 <http://www.nadc.gov.ab.ca/aadac/addictions/beyond/beyond_hallucinogens.htm>. |
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| Criminal Justice
Home Page. Lincoln Land Community College. 12 Sept.
2001 <http://www.llcc.cc.il.us/justice/drugs/drugsclass.html>. |
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| DOM, DOB, MDA,
MDMA & 2C-B. U.S. Department of Justice - Drug Enforcement
Administration. 12 Sept. 2001 <http://www.usdoj.gov/dea/concern/abuse/chap5/dom.htm>. |
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| Leshner, Alan I.
"A Club Drug Alert." NIDA Notes Mar. 2000. 12 Sept.
2001 <http://www.nida.nih.gov/NIDA_Notes/NNVol14N6/DirRepVol14N6.html>. |
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| MDMA (Ecstasy). U.S. Department of Justice - Drug Enforcement
Administration. 12 Sept. 2001 <http://www.usdoj.gov/dea/concern/mdma/mdma.htm>. |
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| NIDA Infofax
13550 - LSD. National Institute on Drug Abuse. 12 Sept.
2001 <http://www.nida.nih.gov/Infofax/lsd.html>. |
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| NIDA Infofax
13674 - Club Drugs. National Institute on Drug Abuse. 12 Sept.
2001 <http://www.nida.nih.gov/Infofax/Clubdrugs.html>. |
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| Drug Information
- GHB. The Centre for Recovery. 12 Sept.
2001 <http://dialspace.dial.pipex.com/town/terrace/gjl37/druginfo/ghb.html>. |
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| Peyote &
Mescaline. U.S. Department of Justice - Drug Enforcement
Administration. 12 Sept. 2001 <http://www.usdoj.gov/dea/concern/abuse/chap5/peyote.htm>. |
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