Club Drugs, and the dangers of ecstasy

We have looked at alcohol in the "Teens And Alcohol" series of articles; here we are looking at club drugs. Teenagers should be allowed some fun, and you cannot keep them locked indoors forever, but you probably have not agreed they can go to clubs where alcohol is served. There are some youth clubs that have drug problems, but they are usually well regulated. However, if you suspect that your teen may be going clubbing, then, obviously you will try to stop them, but you should also educate them, about the dangers waiting in some clubs.

Types of drugs found in clubs

• MDMA - Ecstasy


• LSD - acid


• Ketamine - "Special K"


• Methamphetamine - Crystal meth

Special dangers of club drugs

• Often dropped in drinks, so user is unaware they have taken them


• Additional risks of peer pressure or relationship pressure at clubs


• First time use of Ecstasy can cause death

Specific dangers of Ecstasy - the most common "dancing" drug

• Mind altering with hallucinogenic properties, and endows taker with excessive energy


• Good trip, one night can be a bad trip another, no guarantee hallucinations will be benign


• Similar to MDA and methamphetamine chemically, which cause brain damage


• Excessive dehydration can cause collapse and coma


• Excessive hyperactivity can put strain on heart - has caused heart attacks and heart failure


• Body temperature extreme fluctuations, faintness, dizziness, loss of balance


• Psychological difficulties, including confusion, depression, sleep problems, severe anxiety, and paranoia during and sometimes weeks after taking MDMA (in some cases, psychotic episodes have been reported)


• Addictive, and no one E tablet same as the next, so symptoms can be different each time

Ecstasy has a lot of "cute" names, and is often colored or with fancy designs, the whole idea being it is a grown up "sweet" for teens and young adults. It is often targeted at young girls having a good time, and may be touted by attractive young men who flatter and flirt, and offer a "free" go the first time. There have been a number of girls who have died the first time they took Ecstasy, find the articles, print them off and give them to your teenage daughter, or direct them to the website set up by the grieving family. Sometimes, as parents, we have to employ shock tactics to keep our children safe.