What Are Club Drugs?
Club drugs are a group of psychoactive drugs. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIH) “club drugs tend to be used by teenagers and young adults at bars, nightclubs, concerts, and parties.”
While there are several different types of club drugs, the most frequently used include:
- MDMA (Methylenedioxymethamphetamine), also called Ecstasy and Molly
- GHB (Gamma-hydroxybutyrate), also known as G and Liquid Ecstasy
- Ketamine, also known as Special K and K
- Rohypnol, also known as Roofies
- Methamphetamine, also known as Speed, Ice, and, Meth
- LSD (Lysergic Acid Diethylamide), also known as Acid
Regardless of the fact that some club drugs are approved for certain medical uses, when any of the above substances are taken recreationally and/ or abused an individual greatly increases his or her risk for developing adverse short and long-term effects, including addiction.
How Are Club Drugs Addictive?
Club drugs work by acting on one’s central nervous system and affects one’s mood and perception by increasing the activity of certain neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters work by relaying signals between nerve cells. When the brain is continuously bombarded with a foreign chemical it creates synaptic connections and must develop neural pathways to accommodate functioning with the substance present. Though the addictive nature as it specifically relates to chemical makeup of each individual substance is variable, the effects on one’s brain after continued and habitual abuse can leave a lasting impression and depending on the individual could lead to the development of addiction.
Signs and Symptoms of a Club Drug Addiction
There are many potential signs and symptoms that can manifest as a result of club drug abuse. The following are examples of signs and symptoms that could be indicative of acute club drug intoxication, as provided by American Family Physician (AAFP):
- Annandaled body temperature
- Euphoria
- Increased blood pressure
- Lowered inhibitions
- Increased energy
- Drowsiness
- Hallucinations
- Blurred vision
- Nausea
- Loss of muscle control
- Illusions
- Amnesia
- Impaired judgment
- Vomiting
- Distortions of perceptions
Club drugs can also cause seizures, coma, and in some cases be life-threatening. The severity and combination of symptoms will vary.
Club Drug Addiction Treatment Process
The first step of treatment is to undergo detox. Detox is the process that rids one’s body of all foreign and abused substances. After an individual has successfully completed the detox process it is essential to attend some type of formalized substance abuse and/ or addiction treatment program. Addiction is a mental health condition that is characterized by compulsively engaging in rewarding stimuli (abusing drugs) without regard for the negative effects it has on all areas of one’s life. An individual that is addicted to club drugs has developed and reinforced damaging habits and harmful patterns. Those do not simply disappear when one stops abusing drugs. The old patterns must be shed and new habits and patterns must be established, which require steadfast commitment. A high quality addiction treatment program will offer various combinations of psychotherapeutic approaches, creative arts therapies, relaxation techniques (e.g. yoga, mindfulness practices, meditation…etc.), as well as encourage implementing healthy lifestyle changes (e.g. obtaining ample sleep, proper nutrition, regular exercise…etc.). Attending a substance abuse and/ or addiction treatment program can provide an individual with the fundamental tools needed to continue on a path of recovery.
Why Choose Annandale for Club Drug Addiction Treatment in Pasadena?
Annandale Behavioral Health is a private wellness center located in the beautiful hills of Pasadena, CA. Our center provides the ideal environment for guests to reconnect with nature while receiving premium and personalized treatment. At Annandale, we honor each person’s individuality and have a core belief that everyone is capable of achieving true wellness. We understand that in order to heal, every person in recovery deeply benefits from a customized and tailored treatment plan, which we carefully develop for each of our guests. Our multidisciplinary clinical team is made up of highly regarded psychiatrists, physicians, therapists, nursing, and support staff.
Annandale Behavioral Health offers a full continuum of care, including medically supervised detox, stabilization, residential treatment, and aftercare services. We are here to support you every step of the way to help you learn how to lead a healthy, authentic, and fulfilling life that both promotes and supports true wellness.
If you are concerned for yourself or a loved one in regards to mental illness, substance abuse, and/ or addiction, please do not hesitate to reach out for guidance. Our admissions team is available to answer any general questions regarding substance abuse, addiction, mental health issues, treatment, and/or specific questions about our program here at Annandale Behavioral Health. We welcome the opportunity to discuss how we might best be able to help you or your loved one in the recovery process. Feel free to reach us by phone at 855-778-8668 or through our contact form. We look forward to supporting you on your journey.